Oud Ambroisie

My gosh, where to begin... I now have 5 from this line in my collection: Roses Berberanza Oud Bouquet Oud Ambroisie Santal Kardamon Magnolia Rosae Still hoping for: Lavandes Trianon Now open to try: L'Autre Oud Figues & Agrumes Now back to this review... It does smell like Roses Berberanza, however its a less denser version. Its still full and lasts over 12 hours, no where as light-hearted as Rose Rouge by Van Cleef & Arpels though. But this is a honey-oud, patchy, bright and sparkly, even a bit fresher than I would have imagined concoction. It is strawberry like for sure too, not sure why but I wont complain. I dont think it smells like the dry down of R.B because R.Bs dry down in my opinion is very tart and less dense at that point. Obviously its very sweet and less fruity and powdery than R.B., no funky opening either. Its very oudy, so of you love oud like I do, you'll be very pleased. I think I can say that if you are severely turned off by the opening of R.B, this might be a better substitute. In comparison to Oud Bouquet, O.B is much sharper and denser and little bit medicinal to me (still love it), I have never smelt the chocolate/prailine unfortunately, (though I can sense it if that makes sense...). All 3 of these are comparable to each other in my opinion, with O.A being the lightest, followed by O.B, then R.B. Get all 3! Lol you wont regret it. I think I could only wear O.A in the summer. But I always seem to get perfumes in the summer, it will be interesting to experience this in fall and winter.

Honey is a tricky note for me depending on how it's used in a fragrance but when I tried Oud Ambroisie on my skin, I was shooketh! This is definitely all about the honey - thick, concentrated, syrupy, rich, golden honey and the oud, which is sharper than it is in the other ouds from this line (but is far from skanky). The rose here is a shy note, content to lurk in the back ground, letting the other notes shine, for a change (Maison Lancome line is truly masterful in the different ways in which they have show cased the rose note). I also pick up on something tart that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and would not be surprised if there is citrus note in there however, I cannot quite discern what it is because this a beautifully blended fragrance. To me there are vague similarities between Oud Ambroisie and the dry down of Roses Berberanza, which is not surprising since they both share the notes of honey, oud/wood, roses and cedar. However the difference, to me, is that Roses Berberanza is more rose centric while Oud Ambroisie focuses more on the honey and oud notes. I personally prefer Oud Ambroisie simply because I am not fond of the opening on Roses Berberanza (but I do love the dry down). Longevity and performance is amazing, in keeping with most from the ML line. Even though I would not say this is a safe buy, I, for one, am glad to have OA in my collection.

Yes! I have found an exquisite honey fragrance. This is honey done right; it's realistic & perfectly supported by a well-mannered oud. Rose & patchouli play subtle supporting roles. The cedar blends in invisibly. This is wonderful & unique. This fragrance, aside from being in an absolutely gorgeous bottle– with a magnetic cap!--tells a story. It evokes a Greek myth of wayward, bedraggled sailors who stumble upon an impossibly perfect place– an island perhaps– populated by beautiful & friendly women. Their gracious hosts provide the lost men with an evening of exquisite delights– wine, honey, & much-needed company. They cast a spell over their guests... the men inevitably become their captives. The moral of the fable is to be wary of things too alluring, too sweet, too intoxicating. The fable doesn’t warn against being the one who lures— and Oud Ambroisie does just that. The performance is good; the sillage is strong, but becomes a whispering, lingering siren song after a few hours.

Sparkling oud like that of champagne, something is definitely missing in the notes listed but I can't quite put my finger on it. It's light but also viscus at the same time, definitely not a barnyard oud but I wouldn't consider this a safe blind buy if you aren't acquainted with oud. This actually makes me salivate and I have no clue why which is quite odd as this isn't a gourmand, it's got a very tart accord that is reminiscent of a raspberry absolute dessert. The rose is in there somewhere but everything is masterfully blended it's extremely difficult to decipher. Ilias Ermenidis is a master and deserves so much more credit!!! 11/10

phrogfrau --- Your review is the reason I just ordered a full-size bottle of this online. I also like oud scents where the fruit has the leading role! That is what I have been searching for all this time. Happy to hear about longevity as well. I am grateful that you took the time to write about your experience or I would have just overlooked this one. I will update this review as soon as I receive it. UPDATE: I received this and it is truly the BEST oud I have ever smelled! This is absolutely stunning. I am going to buy another bottle in this line asap. LOVE!