Zellige Limited Edition: Ambre Sultan

This is my first Serge Lutens, and Ambre Sultan had been on my wishlist for quite some time. I chose the special edition merely because it was a bit cheaper than the regular Ambre Sultan, and I do prefer this bottle design over SL their current bottle designs. Because this is my introduction to the house of Serge Lutens I find it a little difficult to enlighten you with my review: I can’t compare it to the original Ambre Sultan, either the reformulation or the older version(s), or the “SL DNA”. I’m also still confused whether this is the exact same fragrance as the current Ambre Sultan, or if it’s slightly different. The online information differs about this topic: Serge Lutens itself stated this as a new fragrance, but the nose, description and notes seem to be the same. Here on Fragrantica the mentioned notes are also the same, but are voted differently. Some internet strangers said it was the same fragrance all together. I’d like to have this clarified, because I enjoy this perfume a lot and would almost certainly want a new bottle if this one is finished. Whatever the case may be, Christopher Sheldrake did a wonderful job creating this perfume. The blend is beautiful, smooth and dusty. I don’t seem to recognize all the notes, but of course the leading stars are undeniable: a deep Amber, Resins, Myrrh, Benzoin and Sandalwood with a touch a Vanilla. The herbs give it a bit more air, a tiny bit of sharpness and some “bite”. I’d define this fragrance as unisex, leaning to the sweeter side. I don’t feel this perfume evolves that much through the hours; I smell the same fragrance just after spraying and after a few hours, or even half a day. This may make it a bit linear, but I don’t mind, as the scent is stunning and has a unique vibe I haven’t encountered on my olfactory journey before. It feels like a warm, Moroccan hug all day long. In my opinion the house of Serge Lutens did an amazing job with their own description of this perfume: “Evoking a fragment of amber resin picked up by Serge Lutens during a wander through the souks of Marrakech, which lay forgotten for years inside a thuja wood box, this perfume marks a return to a focus on the identity and authenticity of unique ingredients.” That’s exactly what it smells like, I can even see the thuja wood box in my mind’s eye, and it fits me like a glove. Sillage: between moderate and strong, radiates beyond arm length, but not room filling or suffocating. (I use two sprays, keep that in mind, it could become a room filler if you use more.) Longevity: long lasting, up to 12h, even longer on clothing. Scents itself: 9/10

This is a review for the CONFIT de parfum (the 25 ml purple bottle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Seriously beautiful, the amber and vanilla are the stars. Very warmly spiced and powerfully present. Super similar to MFK's Grand Soir

This was super spicy! It was a little too much for me in an American setting that I had to sell it, but my family absolutely adored it. It was unfortunate, because I wanted to love it too but the oregano was too much!

Hello! Can anyone tell me if this is the original formulation of Amber Sultan? I really miss the original formula I purchased around 2006. If you know, please PM me! Thanks!

Does this have the same amber as Ambre Sultan?