Al Ambar

If you are looking for the most authentic and sublime essence of natural ambergris encapsulated in a fragrance, Al Ambar by Areej le Doré is an olfactory experience not to be missed. This perfume captures the power and majesty of the oceans, the ancestral mystery of an ingredient as rare as it is fascinating: ambergris, the extraordinary product of sperm whales, oxidized for decades in salty waters, polished by the movement of the waves, and imbued with sunlight. Wearing this fragrance feels like holding a precious piece of ambergris in your hands, breathing in every nuance and being enveloped by its complexity. Al Ambar is not a fragrance for everyone. It is bold, challenging, dominated by intense and predominant animalic nuances that will irresistibly captivate the most devoted lovers of this raw material. It is a journey for those who dare to explore uncharted territories, a dive into the depths of unique fragrances capable of transporting you to the shores of the oceans, where wild nature merges with the most primal essence of our planet. From the very first moments, ambergris emerges as the undisputed protagonist, here presented in its purest form as a resinoid, obtained through a meticulous process of solvent evaporation used to treat carefully selected pieces of this rare material. However, the fragrance is far from one-dimensional: it unfolds in a fascinating succession of green and mineral tones, before revealing a heart that is deeply animalic, creamy, and finally imbued with a pronounced oceanic salinity. To balance the raw and instinctive aspect of ambergris – often described as "fecal" – the perfumer has carefully avoided the black variety, which is fresher and dirtier, opting instead for a combination of brown, grey, and white qualities. The result is a fragrance that highlights the warmest, most corporeal, and sensual side of this unique ingredient. Some compare it to the morning breath of a loved one, but Al Ambar goes far beyond this, transforming the image into an irresistibly elegant and magnetic experience. Adam’s masterful touch emerges in the balance between the rougher aspects of ambergris and the notes of powdery iris, sweet resins, and a touch of oakmoss, softening the edges and making the fragrance surprisingly wearable and enjoyable. Don’t expect a marine or versatile scent: Al Ambar is pure warmth, perfect for transitional seasons and the coldest winters. Its longevity is extraordinary, lasting over 8 hours, while its sillage, though moderate, leaves a trail that is both noticeable and incredibly seductive. This fragrance shines on the skin, where its magic comes to life and teaches you to love it deeply. And, surprisingly, you will receive more compliments than you might imagine: its aura is as unique as it is unexpectedly appreciated. If there is a fragrance that celebrates ambergris in its purest form, elevating it to the absolute queen of an olfactory composition, it is undoubtedly this one. Chapeau, Russian Adam – Al Ambar is a masterpiece.

Like Al Oud, it also starts really brutal. Really animalic, with a strong expired sour booze note & dry earth. Black ambergris with it‘s darker & unwearable facets shows itself clearly & is possibly further enhanced by some synthetics. This, along with some green-fart-jasmin-like indol & a base that gets softer, sweeter & musk like through time (opoponax, vanillin) reminds me more of Oud Taiwan than Al Oud does. Iris makes it a bit powdery. But still, I wouldn’t go as far as comparing any of them like Jinx. The sweet & soft base, just like with Al Oud, makes the scent more wearable, but it also takes too long & it‘s unwearable to me before that. 5/10. But also here as well, the general theme was met nicely. It just isn‘t mine. If you like really animalic perfumes of this type, go for it. It has nothing in common with previous ambergris perfumes of his, like Cdlc, AA or BG. Much darker.

Al Ambar by Areej Le Dore - Embracing the Ocean's Essence Al Ambar, Areej Le Dore's newest fragrance, embodies the essence of ambergris, offering admirers of this prized ingredient a truly captivating experience. Al Ambar bursts with a breathtaking oceanic breeze, its salty and marine-like qualities evoking memories of freshly caught fish at a bustling market. Instantly, you're transported to a seaside escape, complete with the unmistakable sound of squawking seagulls. As the fragrance unfolds, ambergris settles, allowing vanilla's sweetness to emerge and beautifully balance the marine aroma. This addictive blend of salty and sweet notes becomes incredibly alluring. Labdanum plays a vital role, adding earthy, sweet, incensey and animalic nuances that deepen the fragrance. Notably, I interpret the black cap color as a representation of Labdanum gum. The dry down reveals distinct animalic notes, wearable and subtle yet unmistakable. Ambergris reclaims center stage, conjuring vivid images of Visakhapatnam port's (India's largest fishing port) drying fish aroma. It features ambergris's animalic aspect, reminiscent of salty ocean air caressing supple leather. This scent masterfully captures the essence without being overwhelming. The harmonious blend of animalics and ambergris puts on a show, sure to captivate many, in my opinion. Al Ambar boasts impressive longevity, lasting around 8 hours. While its projection may be challenging to gauge, its presence is undeniable. Personally, I found it difficult to assess projection due to limited social interactions and the aroma's sheer intensity. Given ambergris scarcity, fragrances like Al Ambar preserve its essence. For authentic ambergris experiences, Al Ambar deserves consideration.

This is such a twister First time i wore it i was greeted with a mix of fecal & halitosis that lasted a few minutes, then it switched to a warm spicy amber with a musky background. smelled like an old man, it was comforting & beautiful. Second time i wore it all i got was halitosis from start to finish, after a few hours it started giving me a lazy sunday morning feeling, that smell you get when you've been in bed all morning.

According to Sergy (of Fragrantica), "Al Ambar has pronounced spicy tobacco and fecal tones; these facets tend to be more persistent and characteristic of darker pieces of ambergris." For those who are still in the dark, ambergris actually comes from whale excrement instead of the romanticized "vomit," so darker pieces are literal (cheaper) "shits" that have not been aged (long enough) by the sun & ocean...