By Thomas
Count me among the skeptics. Skeptical that any EdT (or EdP) is worth $100 an ounce. Skeptical that contradictions can live in the same bottle. And skeptical that Tom Ford really knows what he’s doing in menswear and fragrances. I think that above a certain price point, you’re paying not for quality, but for weirdness.
The bad news (for my pocketbook) is that Amber Absolute is a marvel. I mean, this juice is fantastic, and it hurts me to say that about a scent this expensive.
If you’ve tried MPG Ambre Precieux then we have a good starting point for Amber Absolute. Take Ambre Precieux, shift it down a third and play it in a minor key. AA is dense and dark at the opening – smoky incense mixes with heavy custard and makes an indelible impression. Yes, there’s amber around here, but it doesn’t take center stage for a while.
After the opening chords, the scent goes dry – it’s still rich and dense but the sweetness disappears for a while, replaced by a cedar/patchouli accord that – again – works for me. The vanilla custard sweetness eventually returns but never becomes cloying.
Hours later the dry amber/cedar/patchouli has taken center stage, and it’s strangely affable for a dry scent. This is strong juice and incredibly durable - lasts well into the next day which is hardly an imposition (waking up to spicy butterscotch amber has appeal). Better for cooler weather, appropriate for either gender, this has even replaced Rocabar as my holiday go-to scent. This skeptic has become a raving fan.
Year: 2007
Perfumer: Christophe Laudamiel
Notes: Amber, Vanilla, Incense, Olibanum
Oh, I know. I was totally ready to take a pass on the entire Private Blend line, and then I stumbled into Amber Absolute.
ReplyDeleteGosh darn it! Why did they have to do that one so right?!!
Really??? Say it isn't so. I enjoy my hatred of Tom Ford and for the most part haven't liked anything by him (aside from YSL Nu in EdP). But I love amber and this sounds downright amazing. *sigh* Tom Ford is just so smug and egotistical but at some point maybe I'll be able to separate the perfumer from the juice ;-)
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