Ambre Samar

Ambre Samar opens strong, sweet and spicy like the promise of an amaretti biscotti imminently about to arrive at your lips. But this is not a baked good perfume. For a moment, the cardamom is a bit sharp and medicinal in the initial opening, I don’t hate it but I don’t particularly like it either. This thankfully lasts for all but 20 seconds and then the perfume starts to settle. And oh how it’s settles! The frankincense starts to come through beautifully in the middle and, as it pulls through into the heart, the lovely warm amber and davana appear as a perfectly blended accord that is a gorgeously warm, dark, fruity, spicy and animalic honeyed beauty with a delicate lick of smokiness and a hint of boozyness. The almond isn’t obviously present as a note here or in the dry down. As you’d expect with a Delphine Jelk for Guerlain, everything is blended beautifully with each note complementing the other, there are no solo artists here. The tonka bean and benzoin offer the warmth of a rich vanilla and a tickle of cinnamon and clove to allow the frankincense to continue to shine in all its spicy, balsamic glory. Although this is a rich and deep perfume, it is so smooth and isn’t a full on heavy or cloying perfume. There’s no coumarin overload. I can tease out hints of the cardamom in the dry down and I think it’s here that the importance of this note is valued, as it adds a radiant, almost fresh aromatic sparkle to the spicy amber scent profile. The patchouli in the base adds a very slight hint of leather to the accord as well. I’m not really a leather forward or patchouli heavy person, so for my nose it is just perfect. All of the above beautiful aroma remains and continues in the dry down. Just a lovely added bonus of sweet, smoky dryness when I bring my nose to my skin. For a complex scent profile I find this really easy to wear and extremely moorish. For me, this is a perfect perfume for cold weather. There is something gloriously grounding, calming and comforting in the glowing warmth of the scent profile. Yet wrapped in a soft, warm wooly scarf, and in total contradiction of the cold nipping at my nose, the sensual and enveloping scent bubble is offering faraway visuals of an exotic place of shimmering dry heat and Sahara sand, an intimate moment with a lover watching the setting sun dance against a red and darkening sky. My sample isn’t going to last long, I sooo want a bottle because this is olfactory heaven to my nose.

Vanilla, honey, amber, ambergris and an ashy background. This is what I get. This is Tobacco Honey's little brother. The very first spray gave me a big Angel's Share vibe, but it's extremely short lived. It then quickly evolves into a lesser version of Tobacco Honey with a noticeable ambergris added. The ambergris is surpisingly very strong during the mid phase, but it fades away too. The dry down is a creamier version of Tobacco Honey. It definitely doesn't smell as expensive and it doesn't have the same performance, Tobacco Honey feels fuller, more opulent, more potent, bolder, higher end. But this still smells really really great, it's just that I'm a massive fan of Tobacco Honey. This is very comforting, smooth, classy and high quality. Now, comes the price question. At discounters, this costs almost litteraly 3x less than Tobacco Honey, is it worth it ? I think for the discounted price it's a no brainer, it's really great. This is the version you could wear daily, when Tobacco Honey is more for special occasions. It's redundant to own both IMO, but definitely makes sense if you like the DNA. You can use this more freely without having the same hit on your wallet. If the price wasn't a question, Tobacco Honey is a way better fragrance, but this is super awesome. Adding this to the wishlist !

So, there more I wear this, the more I like it. I have previously enjoyed the Les Absolus d'Orient line and have sampled some post-reformation to Absolus Allegoria... I always found the Orient range a bit rough around the edges, potent and full of character. I received a few samples of this on launch and it did not feel right for summer. However, it repeatedly popped up in my thoughts... I just bought a bottle and I'm glad I did. The first few times I wore it, I wasn't sure... it has an unusual start.. almost jarring.. it feels like there are too many strong notes competing for attention... cardamon, incense and spice... However, after a few hours everything settles down and it's lovely. It suits the festive season.. full of spice and warmth... I love the cardamom and appreciate the dense scent profile. It's very long lasting but projection is moderate... which stops it from feeling too much. I love it! It is certainly an acquired taste but I'm really enjoying it, so I don't care what anyone else thinks. It's expensive but I got for less than half price (Black Friday) so I'm happy as it is a generous 125ml. Try before you buy xxx

The Sephora store this was bought from had a limited edition sign next to it 🥲 if anyone with a little more insight and access to official info could confirm/infirm that this is going to be soon discontinued it would be much appreciated! Meanwhile, I'm already planning on buying a second bottle... Oh my God, this is absolutely delicious, mouthwatering even! Best blind buy ever and easily my favorite of the Absolus Allegoria series, along with Rose Amira. This on my skin opens with cherry, honey, cinnamon, some kind of a cognac note, all these reminding me of Tobacco Honey, Angels Share, Tobacco Vanille and a few others, but to me this is probably the best of its kind, though I didn't give it a full wear yet and will probably update my review. It envelops me in a warm, ambery embrace and I can't stop sniffing myself! Love love love it! Update: yep, it's a love through and through. Absolutely lovely, top to end (dry down is mostly vanilic ambery tonka bean) and on my skin this had a very decent longevity of about 6-7 hours.

Ambre Samar doesn't reinvent the wheel by any stretch of the imagination, it's yet another spicy, honeyed vanilla with lots of resins, tonka and something that smells like dried fruit or dates, a bit of a coca cola like fizz and it probably won't surprise you. But I'll be damned if this isn't one of the most beautiful ambers I've ever smelled. You just know that this was done by a house that has a long history with this sort of thing, Guerlain has such a particular, elegant way of dealing with sweet notes and it's here in all of its almondy glory. It's morish, intoxicating, slightly gooey, enveloping and seductive but it's airy, restrained and it doesn't turn into a cloying mess even if you absolutely douse yourself in it or wear it in warm weather. It does everything right. Amber seems like a big trend right now, and if you plan on getting an amber scent, this is something you'd definitely want to try before making a decision.

Absolutely amazing! Straight up the most favourite from the Absolus Allegoria line! Nothing groundbreaking, it is just Guerlain perfection in a bottle. There is some aromatic dryness from the tobacco mixed with deep, sensual cinnamon (not spicy) with prominent patchouli (another fav) and amber. Almond and benzoin cannot be detected immediately but probably the bitter sweetness comes from them. I've never tried Tobacco Honey but I guess the resemblance is due to the same perfumer and yet - Ambre Samar is very refined and beautifully blended that if you blind test it, I'm sure you'd range it among Guerlain's Art et Matière line. Similarity to TF Tobacco Vanille is somewhere in the dry down but nothing comparable, I would choose Ambre Samar if I had to. It is unisex, leaning feminine and IMO could be layered with sweet and gourmand fragrances to give them some extra sophisticated and elegant vibe.

I am in love with this scent. For my birthday month, I wanted something special, a scent that felt like a crown. Ambre Samar had been on my mind for a while, and when I finally experienced it... it turned out even better than I expected. It’s mysterious, deep, and beautifully spicy. There’s a warm richness to it that feels both bold and elegant. The amber, vanilla, and honey here are magnificent, glowing, golden, and truly royal ..... It’s magical and dark, yet somehow still radiant and uplifting. A rare balance that only Guerlain could master. Also the bottle itself ? It’s absolutely stunning. That rich red glass with the gold honeycomb detailing feels like a collector’s piece ... sophisticated, statement-making, and worthy of display. A very special addition to my ever growing collection. - Bhavna Darira Chesan

yummy yummy YUMM!! Oh my goodness !! I want to Eat it , really just DELICIOUS. Warm , cozy , full of flavor , full bodied gourmand gorgeousness , I cannot believe what a beautiful juice this is. I went to the mall to buy something citrus floral for the summer and 180 degress turned to get this , I didn't need any convincing after we were introduced ,me and this beautiful bottle, it's amazing truly. I live in a tropically hot place , maybe it can be argued this profile of scent is supposed to be cool weather appropriate but I girly do not care , I don't find it cloying at all , I'mjust obsessed. Longevity is so good I cant stop smelling myself . it mixes so lovely and warm on the skin ,it's truly irresistible. Unisex , it's as universal as mulled wine . No notes , This one is top 3 frags for me .

Ambre Samar is an oriental fragrance, absolutely ambered and balsamic, quite powerful and long-lasting. I had Santal Royal and Encens Mythique from their older line and Ambre Samar it's about as powerful as Santal Royal. Totally unisex from my point of view. From this line, I also have Rose Amira, and perhaps Rose Amira leans a bit more toward the feminine side while this Ambre Samar would be purely unisex or even a bit more masculine. It’s a composition that feels of high quality, and I can clearly detect almond, amber, tonka, benzoin, incense, and cardamom. On the other hand, I don’t really notice the davana, and the patchouli is softened. I don’t think it’s suitable for summer, but it would work for cold spring days, fall, and winter. I love it!

I love Ambre Samar but I might have something similar already in my collection. As soon as I have sprayed this it smelled very familiar. It might be that it reminds me of Ambre d’Alexandrie, but I can’t be certain unless I have them side by side on a blotter, but I have something very much like Ambre Samar at home. Maybe less davana heavy is what I already have but Ambre Samar smells familiar. Does that mean it’s less interesting? No, but like with another fragrance I have smelled recently, more and more new releases are redundant for perfume collectors, because we already have the juice in a different bottle from a different brand... Happy to have had the chance to sample it, but it’s a pass for me, Ambre d’Alexandrie is cheaper!

I absolutely love this. It's warm and sweet, with a strong blast of cinnamon that lasts the entire wear of the fragrance (even though this isn't listed as a note). Great for cold days when you want to feel warm and grounded. It shares some similarities with Hermes Ambre Narguile, but it performs a lot better, though it's more of a linear fragrance. It's about time Guerlain came out with this kind of amber! At the moment it's hard to find in Australia, but I get all of my Guerlain fragrances from Place Vendome Haute Perfumerie in Belgium, where the service is second to none. They send me the new and rare Guerlain releases and I'm so grateful for their incredible service. If you look them up, tell them Sophie sent you! 😉

This scent is utterly intoxicating—warm, spicy, and irresistibly inviting. Its depth unfolds beautifully as you wear it, with layers revealing themselves over time. It boasts a creamy, rich blend of amber and almond, with delicate whispers of patchouli gently weaving through. Though cherry and honey aren’t listed among the notes, their subtle presence enhances the allure. This fragrance has swiftly established itself as one of my top five favourites. Since I encountered it, I’ve been unable to put it down, and the compliments I receive serve as a testament to its charm. To me, it embodies a delightful sweetness and feminine essence that inspires pure joy every time I wear it!

I know I have said that I don’t need Ambre Samar a few months ago, when I had initially tested it because it was reminding me of something from my collection, but during Black Fridays sales I’ve found it discounted for 60% off and I have purchased a bottle. I think that the fragrance is gorgeous! It is a very rich, ambery, warm, spicy, aromatic scent that might have similarly DNA with Ambre d’Alexandrie. I am planning to wear this and the Boucheron side by side and to update here, at a later time. I am aware that Ambre d’Alexandrie is discontinued or hard to find, so this Guerlain might offer a great, easy to get substitute. Will update here my thoughts after a proper test.

For 125ml i believe the price i got this is ok (160 euros) and comparing to other brands like Tom Ford and Diptyque.. or even Amouage. This lasts for a whole day and even smells faintly after shower. As other people note it generally smells warm ane cozy, like cinnamon gums, clove, muled wine, Christmas.. it is not sweet tho so i believe this could also be worn in hotter nights, moderately, by someone who would prefer something different rather than the usual blue fregrances. Before buying this, i got Rayhaan Crimson (which people say is pretty close to Centaurus).. but the quality, longevity and depth dont compare.

There are actually people voting and saying it smells similar to Khamrah ? Really ? What’s next—comparing it to Nitro Red or Rasasi Hawas ? Ambre Samar is closer to Ambre Nuit (after 1 hour), but denser, with a subtle incense facet. A sweetness—apparently from tonka and patchouli—softens the edges and carries the scent throughout. It’s addictive in its own way—not in a gourmand sense, but in a “mysterious, spiritual” way. The balance is so well executed that it exudes a quiet complexity. Probably one of the best releases this year, alongside Outlands from Amouage—though admittedly less original than Outland.

Golden, fizzy, and glowing — Ambre Samar feels like a sparkling, fizzy yet warm drink. ✨ It has this golden tension: glowing with honeyed warmth yet lifted by a subtle sparkle that keeps it radiant instead of heavy. Love the cardamom and cinnamon accents sprinkled over a base of honeyed resins. The result? An uplifting blend. Guerlain’s touch is unmistakable — rich, enveloping, but never cloying. For me, it’s a shimmering amber scent — a quiet glow that feels modern, luminous, and super wearable. 🌿 Samples available at Nectar Atelier

This perfume was an absolute surprise After a few minutes of spraying it all I can smell is a smoky honey. Somehow it turns really sweet on me and therefore the least unisex of the collection although I still believe men and women can pull off any perfume they want without it being "genderalised" .... The dry down smell less sweet and more like a dried tobacco leaf It's stunning and super sensual Leaves a trail and has a mysterious bubble around that seems very common from the collection I love it ❤️

I've never paid any attention to this line, went to Sephora few weeks back and sniffed some of Guerlain's Absolus perfumes not expecting much.. oh boy I was wrong, couldn't stop thinking about Ambre Samar for a whole week. This smells delicious - very rich, resinous with beautiful spicy opening thanks to cardamon. I think both genders can absolutely rock it. I've bought a full 125ml bottle and it's worth it. Thanks Guerlain for a perfect scent to wear at Christmas Eve, I guess?

This scent is so underrated! This scent brings me so much joy every time I spray it. It really reminds me of the beginning of fall and it mostly reminds me of the incense burned at the Orthodox church I've been attending to lately. I'm sure it may be the frankincense :) You get this huge cloud of cinnamony incensey smokiness with an fresh air like accord. Even though the sillage is moderate, it lasts a very long time. I can't wait to wear it when it starts to cool down

Outstanding scent! Absolutely one of my favourites by Guerlain. I love the way the almond note interacts with the tonka & benzoin creating a truly inviting and warm scent. It’s definitely a cold weather scent but I wore it on a hot evening and it smelt amazing. Some notes are missing on here, Guerlain describes this as “Dark and mysterious wreaths of frankincense and ambergris are illuminated by a flamboyant amber accord with sensual vanilla and honey accents.”