The Library Collection Opus I

Opus I is a rich, heady plum-tuberose scent, laced with warm spices and with a rich, woody base. It reminds me a lot of Dior Poison and, to an even greater extent, Cacharel LouLou, but is more refined and modern than either of those bombastic 1980s florientals. OI isn't technically an amber scent, though the vanilla in the base gives that effect - especially in combination with the incense note. While it doesn't read as a classic chypre, it is centred on a rich, woody drydown that grounds the floral/fruity aspects beautifully. It is of the high quality I would expect of Amouage, masterfully composed rich, natural-smelling ingredients and with excellent performance. It is well-blended. OI opens with juicy plum that becomes increasingly jammy as it progresses. It sweetness is tempered by tart orange, with a nice spicy edge given by the cardamom. The heady florals follow, with tuberose and plum forming the main accord of this scent. Ylang ylang gives a tropical, yellow floral edge. I get some saffron here, adding spice. Powdery rose follows, with some clean jasmine rounding out this scent. Soft woody notes follow, led by a delicious smooth, creamy sandalwood note. I get some churchy incense here - one of my favourite notes - marrying beautifully with the sandalwood. Other woody notes round it out - I get papyrus and dry vetiver in particular. Tonka bean softens the edges at its later stages, with some powdery vanilla adding sweetness as it dries down. It is very well-blended - top notes blend beautifully with the woody base, the powdery florals remain, and the tuberose-plum accord pervades. It becomes slightly musky as it fades, becoming a dry, woody-vanilla skin scent. Sillage is strong and longevity is long-lasting. A beautifully balanced complex scent, OI has shades of 1980s classics, but is an improvement on such scents. Timeless, ageless and unisex, it is the epitome of classic elegance, and is best worn in cold weather. It isn't for everyone, but I find it hard to fault. I miss Christopher Chong at the helm of Amouage. 4.5/5.

To be perfectly honest, I’m yet to encounter a dull fragrance in Amouage’s rich collection. Without any hesitation, I’d describe a vast majority of them as (pleasantly) quirky. The Library Collection has been created with the intention of opening new possibilities for the brand and pushing the envelope again a tad bit further. Up to now I’ve sampled Opuses I to VIII and I can safely say all of them share the Amouage DNA. The head of Opus I is dominated by spices and fruit. It’s an interesting introduction that makes one wonder which direction the fragrance is going to head down next. This becomes apparent in its deliciously floral heart: jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, tuberose, you name it. Given the notes, it’s not surprising this stage leans more on the feminine side, which might make some gentlemen feel a little uncomfortable. It shouldn’t because Opus I returns to the unisex path in its base. True, the floral bouquet never quite evaporates but it now occupies the background while the centre stage belongs to woody notes, frankincense and papyrus, creating a curious library-like aroma. Opus I is also a true Amouage fragrance in terms of sillage (with a rather intense head and heart yet a pleasantly soft drydown) and longevity (this is easily an all-day-long scent). My verdict: Opus I is fantastic! I adore it primarily for two reasons: firstly, its oscillation between a unisex and feminine character (eventually settling for the former); secondly, its smooth and incredibly comfy base. Thank you, Christopher Chong, for begetting such an exceptional scent!

Retro floral This Daniel Maurel (Robertet) composition starts off by giving clear nods to a classic, almost animalic tuberose: Fracas (Piguet, 1948), supported by other white and yellow carnal flowers (jasmine and ylang-ylang) and a -minimal- ambery/woody base. With an almost lineal progression (sandalwood notes and amber becoming more obvious) and huge longevity the first launch of the collection sets us standing upon an arregement of flowers in a humid, dusty ‘library’ destilling odors of old books and furniture. Careful with the sprays, this stuff is potent. --------------- Floral retro Con guiños a clásicos como el legendario Fracas (Piguet, 1948) y sus nardos casi animálicos, esta composición de Daniel Maurel (Robertet) se apoya en flores blancas (nardo, jazmín) y amarillas (ylang-ylang) dándole una sensación indólica y casi carnal al conjunto, soportado por una base ambarada y maderosa (mínima). De progresión bastante lineal y duradera (notas de sándalo y ámbar se hacen más evidentes en el secado), el primer lanzamiento de la colección nos da la impresión de un arreglo floral en una ‘biblioteca’ húmeda, destilando aromas de libros y muebles antiguos. Potente así que cuidado con los sprays. 9/10

So after I heard out that Myths Man is discontinued now I find that this one is also on that category and I'm like: "What am I going to wear ?" They really like to remove some of the best masterpieces, huh ? I can't say enough good words about Opus I, alongside Myths, which is my favourite from all I have smelled so far. Especially in the cool weather those two are where they shine the most. Now, focusing on Opus I, the mix of the ingredients is one of the most complex I've found, so rich, intoxicating, such a splendid, original formula that embraces and seduce you; and you don't want to escape from it. The dry-down is spectacular, cozy, that floral-woody scent so joyful, yet sober and it really sets you apart from the crowd. This is a true fragrance, unique, bold and in the same time gentle, the one that close the cercle of being "at peace". Amouage for me is quality, from the ingredients to the presentation of its products but the direction they are going now it's not really my type. I know many of you heard this before but, Mr. Chong was really a genius when he were in charge. Really miss him.

I'm late to this review since this gem has been discontinued. However it may be useful for those who might still find one for purchase. The first time I tried this I pretty much regretted blind buying. It opened very fouger-y, almost screechy. But if you (don't overspray) and let it sit for about an hour, past the awkward, waxy stage others mention, the base becomes this dry, sweet, flowery bouquet on soft woods. It reminds me of bubblegum strips. It is nostalgic, formal yet not serious. Best for transitioning weather. Though it has a creamy, suntan lotion-y feel, it can become cloying in hot weather, especially in the middle. If you are willing to endure a slightly off-putting concoction for a couple of minutes, this fragrance won't let you down once it settles.