Ambre Dore

I bought Ambre Dore blind based on its notes description and reviews on it and other fragrances by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier. I had Ambre Dore on 12 hours ago and can still smell the beautifully soft and warm dry down of it. The fragrance opened very strong of Oud and Black Ambergris over hints of Styrax and floral notes on my cooler skin. After about 20 minutes when the Oud and Ambergris softened a bit, the heart became a very smooth, warm, rich and slightly sweet amber scent with more noticeable woody floral notes. The scent then to me was similar to many other amber fragrances but with more animalic, almost musky, Ambergris and Saffron undertone. To those who already have a few amber type of fragrances might find it a bit boring but to me it says quality especially due to its Ambergris note. I would say Ambre Dore is more towards the Middle Eastern type of fragrances and the scent, especially the challenging opening, might need a more trained or open minded nose to appreciate.

In a world of ubiquitous ambers this one kind of stands out. It's not very vanilla or sweet as many ambers go so it's not gourmand. It really stays truly amber and I think that that is because of the way the notes play together. As others have said ambergris is at the forefront followed by some fresh spices with woods following. It's a deep, dark, lovely and rich amber which is perfectly balanced between the sweet and the dry. The oud, if there is any keeps it more somber and reflective and herbs keep it lighter and dryer, whereas the ambergris allows for a salty sweet effect. It has amazing longevity and pretty good silage. I think this comes very close to my perfect amber or the way I like to wear them. Often they turn into caramel or sugar. This one doesn't; it has a sticky dark toffee and wood-thick quality. Really recommend, and I don't get the skank some people do.

The funkiest of MPG’s Ambers, but also the most alluring. Fecal oud pungency dies down after only a minute or two, a small price to pay for what might be the best amber musk ever. Ambre Dore is 85% similar to Ambre Precieux, but contains a salty-savory innovation that takes things a step away from caramel sweetness into earthy, carnal, abstract territory. It’s easy to see how this would please a partner-- it really feels like part of your skin, plausibly a natural smell and subtly delicious. The question this elicits isn't "what perfume are you wearing?" but "is that a perfume?" Dry-down is herbal and slightly green, aromatic dry where Ambre Precieux is a more powdery, lavender dry. The animalic touch makes me hesitate on the full bottle-- as my collection is still small and in need of versatile scents-- but it easily goes on my “want” list.

Many of ambergris as well as oud fans will love this scent! Ambre Doré will give you a new perspective on these notes. Ambergris plays unmistakably the main role in this scent. But it emerges after the slightly animalic opening which is caused by oud. Moreover, geranium, clary sage and coriander make the opening spicy and a little bit fresh. Oud smells very natural in this fragrance and gives the scent a pleasant depth. Besides, it prevents the excessive sweetness of the whole composition. Ambergris has a soft, classy and enjoyable quality. This feeling of comfort is awesome. Ambre Doré is very long lasting on my skin. Perfect for the colder days!

IMHO, if you like Ambers in general, you will like this. Be aware, however, if you're used to Ambers with a little added interest (I.e. spices, etc.) you may find this nice but a little boring. My favs in the 'not boring' category, for reference, include Tom Ford's Amber Absolute, Ambre Sultan, Annick Goutal's Amber Fetishe. I'll use Ambre Dore as a base, then add a spritz of something spicy or skanky. For instance, I can't imagine wearing Montale!s Full Incense alone. But start with an uncomplicated Amber and add the Montale, and it's great! (True of many Montales, come to think of it).