Ambre Liquide

I was convinced that I need not introduce any new ambers into my swelling agglomeration of fragrances, but then I smelled Ambre Liquide. To be clear, it turns out to be far more than the name would suggest. In fact, the name Ambre Liquide actually seems more suggestive of liquidambar resin, or styrax, as this formula, alleged by Astier de Villate to be 'reinterpreted' by Ropion from a recipe dating from 1348, features it as a centerpiece. Styrax does not have the immediate palatability as say, benzoin, or even labdanum. Its top exhales the warmth of human skin and a "peculiar, styrene note"—as suggested by Eden Botanicals—that may feel unsettling to some. Its cinnamic quality and dark-amber honeyed facets, however, soften the blow and when it heats up on the skin, it entices, especially here in Ambre Liquide. Among this prominent styrax is a fair amount of olibanum and myrrh, along with a dry-leathery-dried-fruit cistus absolute. There are moments that do feel as though this is an aromatic, medicinal preparation from nearly 700 years ago, and that is precisely its appeal to me. However, do note that it is a 'reinterpretation,' so there are elements that naturally tie it to modern perfumery, as one can imagine that the original recipe would likely disconcert, even disturb, the fragile and fussy noses of today. It still does smell like a portal to another age, much in the same way as the spellbinding concoctions offered by Santa Maria Novella (at least of this writing). It's also worth noting that there is the placid rose and dusty, amorphous floral quality mid-way in its development, and I fancy it so. The whole experience is so rewarding.

This is an ideal all year amber, perfectly unisex with a slight lean to the masculine side. Multiple sections and scents churning around the head. It's simply beautiful. Tired fruits, cinnamon, myrrh, subtle pine from the frankincense. Great signature scent for any soft or quiet artist, musician, photographer. Someone of the arts that is unique, unassuming and with a deeper mystery, passion and talent. Bit pricey for what this is. Not for the Amouage bomb crowd or the more youthful, party or oceanic crowd. However, it would fit on cool days or year round in the Northwest of America. I could see wearing this on a picnic to the coast of Northern California and while going out. Incredibly done perfumery, with oldschool class

Brilliant! The consummate October fragrance. IThis is the smell of a substance that might be buried with a mummy - tied up in a tattered cloth bag and stuffed into a decayed bodily orifice and still pungent after centuries. That is not a bad thing. I think this perfume is perfection. I get cloves up top - not in the note list, I know. Actually, the note list is no use here. It smells of an ancient amber potion - there are rose petals, spices, frankincense and a deeply unsettling vanilla. This is what the three wise men brought to Bethlehem. Best to use one spray on the back of the neck for the element of surprise. I am desperate for a full bottle!

A mouth-watering, resinous amber that is just short of being gourmand. Slightly musty like an old antique store filled with polished mahogany wood, which is the classic amber I'm used to, but it leans sweet (not sugary, but a natural sweetness you get from sap and vanilla). This is what I imagine Oleson's Mercantile from Little House on the Prairie smelling like. Very comforting and nostalgic, and reminds me of a time in history I was never a part of but saw in pictures, like the Victorian era, pioneer days... old America.

Zero complaints here. Just a fantastic unapologetic amber scent. Styrax is pronounced, and the frankincense is a terrific touch, adding some meditative airiness. Performance and longevity are solid. I own too many fragrances in this genre already, so I'm going to have to resist making a purchase, but don't sleep on this if you're weighing options to fill the amber void in your collection.