Colonia Ambra

This is a beautiful ambergris-centered fragrance. There are different qualities of ambergris - and different concentrations of tincture - and I wouldn't be surprised if they used real tincture of black ambergris (lower quality), since they specify "ambergris tincture" in the note list. If not, I would guess they at least used the higher-end ambergris-like molecule (IFF's Ambergris T. Olifacc), since the smell here does not look like the cheap and sharp usual ambergris aromachemicals (ambroxan, cetalox or cachalox) you can find in many designer frag (ie. Dior Sauvage) It opens beautifully with the typical citrusy-woody AdP signature blast, and then morphs quickly on a sharp ambergris supported by a hint of rose. The drydown is still ambergris focused, but it gets rounded by a noticeable sandalwood note and a blend of labdanum and vanilla. This one shares strong similarities with Colonia Oud in the drydown, with a fresher profile (ambergris). As for performance, I previously read that some reviewers were disappointed, but it works very well on my skin. Indeed, I get equal performance to Colonia Oud (that unlike other reviewers, is not a beast on my skin): that is a moderate/good projection in the first hour, and then a moderate to low projection in the following 3 to 4 hours, before settling as a skin scent. Like for Colonia Oud, I can still spot Colonia Ambra as a subtle skin scent after 12+ hours. My preference goes to Ambra compared to the Oud, since I think Oud's opening is less interesting. That said, you really have to like ambregris, since Ambra is more linear than Oud (the latter evolves more with time, and the drydown is warmer and more luxurious than the opening). Should you look for something to wear during Fall and Spring days (and possibly Summer evenings) that is more unique and fresh, go for Ambra. Should you like for something to wear during Winter days and Fall/Spring evenings, that is more woody, warm and formal, go for Oud. My preference goes to Colonia Ambra, because of its higher wow factor, and because the Colonia Oud opening is more common (usual designer oud frag "wet woody note" - no real oud in this one). In either case, you can't go wrong, just a matter of preference. Note: ignore the reviews stating that it smells synthetic or has poor performance because: A/ each skin react differently B/ each nose perceives things differently C/ statement like "it's synthetic" makes a sense only for someone who has directly got his nose over a vial of real ambergris tincture (probably very few - if any here). Sample and judge by yourself! (AdP is pretty mainstream now and can be found easily in many dept stores)

The original Acqua di Parma 'Colonia' fragrance featured sparkling citrus notes in the top married with an aromatic herbal accord of lavender, rosemary, and lemon verbena. Floral heart notes of rose and jasmine intermingled with warm sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver and amber in the base. The result was a classic and timeless fragrance which embodied the elegance of the Aqcua di Parma brand. Using the original citrus based 'Colonia' as a launching point, 'Colonia Ambra' takes us on a journey to the warm and musky air of coastal beaches. Here 'Colonia' and the Italian tradition are blended with the deep sensuality of ambergris, an ancient essence evocative of faraway worlds and times. The opening citrus is still present, with zesty orange and bergamot full of life. A heart of cedar wood, rose and patchouli follows, melding gently with the hesperidic top notes. The real centerpiece of this creation is the warm and enveloping base notes as rich ambergris, sandalwood and vanilla combine. Upon application, the wearer is cocooned in a sensual amber and marine accord. It is extremely comforting and exhilarating to wear, yet at the same time sophisticated and well-refined. Next to 'Colonia Oud', it is my favorite within the "Ingredient Collection" trilogy ('Colonia Leather' did little for me). Read my complete review at my personal fragrance blog:

The whole page for this is messed up!! Taken from an official tester bottle Group: Woody Aromatic Top Notes: Orange, bergamot, petit grain Heart Notes: Rose accord, cypriol, virginia cedarwood, patchouli Base Notes: Ambergris, sandalwood, cisto labdanum, vanilla, musk There are no oceanic notes!!! I guess this is the power of persuasion. If someone tells you this cologne contains marine notes, perhaps 8-9/10 will smell them! I get no such smell. Instead I get a rich citrus up top (i.e. not sparkling) that is more clean then fresh. Next I get a warm earthy middle of patchouli and velvety rose. Then the ambergris starts to kick in. This is not the Creed ambergris, this one is much more earthy. I get mostly darker sandalwood, ambergris, and musk out of this to create an overall effect of earthy wood. I get similarities between this and ADP oud. As with the rest of the line, the quality is noticeable and the perfume lays rich and thick on the skin giving of a sophisticated aura. Not super heavy projection but definite sillage and longevity! I will revisit this one for sure!

I already own several bottles of Acqua di Parma, I was interested in trying Ambra. I just bought a bottle and this stuff is really different from the others. When I sprayed this juice on my skin the notes were dancing. Besides Ambergris this juice gives a deep honey/patchouli vib ending with a hint of smokey/woodsy base. Water notes are listed but I'm not able to pick it up. The musk notes certainty gives it warm tone. Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting 6-8hrs if I spray it 2x. I'm able to detect the aroma at least 1ft away after it's settled. Final thoughts, Kudos to ADP, this juice is a real attractive fragrance they used high quality ambergris. A lot Purfumery's add either vanilla or oakmoss to give it that warm/woodsy aroma. ADP didn't overlap different notes which would of decreased the intensity of Ambergrism The only thing that I'm disappointed with is that I didn't buy the large bottle. Try it for yourself and let the fragrance settle before you give it two thumbs up or down. This is DEFINITELY worth two thumbs up in my opinion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you want to get the (decently) natural ambergris bomb experience as opposed to the ambroxan bomb experience, this may be your best bet going. But dont wait, its going for about twice the price i paid a year ago. Imagine if acqua di gio profumo was made in the 80s....im kind of serious. It doesnt smell like kouros or polo green but it has this extreme classiness like most adp fragrances. I love this stuff straight up, but if marine and ambergris is something you avoid, act accordingly because this is both, more so the latter. I think even the latest prices are a steal for this fragrance considering how it performs (beastmode, legitimately) and the quality of the ingredients. I also feel like this is an easy signature scent for all weather.