Fiore d'Ambra by Profumum

Amber Gris and Opium.

Reviews and various interpretations are funny things. We all seem to glean something different from the very same ingredients. There is a particular reviewer I hold in very high regard. I thoroughly enjoy his reviews, insight, writing skills and comparisons given when I read them, yet when I try the same fragrance, I usually find that our perceptions are very different.

Well then, who is right? Actually, we both are. I'm quite certain every one of us experiences fragrances in our own, unique manner. It stands to reason that some of us, who have similar tastes, must interpret what we smell in a related fashion. It also stands to reason that those who describe a fragrance very different than myself must have a different method of processing aromas and assessing the experience.

Enter Fiore d'Ambra and all the diverse opinions of it. I made it a point to search for what others thought of it. Some loved it, some were indifferent and some were extremely disappointed. This is business as usual I suppose, since it is a subjective experience.

Does the community need yet another opinion? Why, of course it does. If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're one of those who interprets scent in a similar fashion as myself. Why else would you even consider perusing this site or our recommendations? Well, since our tastes are probably on par with one another, allow me to now shut up and give my take on Fiore d'Ambra.

This juice is extremely nice but the price point is extremely unfriendly as always. However, if price isn't a deterrent, then Fiore d'Ambra may just regale with the finest rendition of spicy clove and amber you've come across. I'm not a huge fan of clove, but I have a few fragrances that showcase it in a positive manner.

None of them are as good as this interpretation however. I seem to detect nutmeg, but it could just be the interplay between cinnamon and clove. It doesn't matter as these accent notes are implemented to spotlight a slightly powdery amber with a hint of resin. The only transition I experience is the amber coming more to the fore as the wearings ensue.

Fiore d'Ambra is very substantial and sensual. It leans slightly feminine but I would wear this in a minute during the cooler months. Sillage is very good as is longevity. You can apply this in the morning and detect it easily that same night. Thumbs up from Aromi for Profumum's Fiore d'Ambra. As always, a sample wear is recommended.

Oriental Lounge by The Different Company

Bergamot, Curry Leaf, Pepper, Red Rose, Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Satinwood. I suppose the first thing I noticed about Oriental Lounge is that as a man, this is a bit of a stretch to pull off. Since the core of Oriental Lounge is a powdery tonka and amber duo, it really does lean a bit too far feminine for me to wear. However, it would smell just as lovely on a woman and more appropriate as well. I bring this up simply because it's marketed as shared. I was wondering about the curry leaf. Actually, this "note" brought nothing to the table with the exception of possibly enhancing the pepper note just a bit. Even so, the pepper note itself was low key ( at least on me ) and both blended nicely with the citrus opening. From the onset of Oriental Lounge, it's unmistakable that this fragrance is.......well.....an oriental. From other opinions, I read some gripes about longevity, but it lasts on me quite awhile. This fragrance is uncomplicated and without much movemen...

Black Suede by Avon

Nutmeg, Clove, Amber, Musk, Moss, Wood Notes. Yes.........I am reviewing one of the Rodney Dangerfield's of fragrance. Black Suede has been gracing medicine cabinets, for better or worse, since 1980 my friends. If you're expecting me to inform you ( like others may have already ) that Black Suede is a nasty scrubber, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're expecting a glowing review claiming it's a diamond in the rough, you won't hear that from me either. I will say though that Black Suede doesn't deserve the hate it's received and most of that is due to snobbery aimed at Avon products in general. I kid you not when I state that a close relative to this fragrance is Cacharel Pour L'Homme. The array of spice in both ensure comparison, but the "smoother" of the two is Black Suede due to its implementation of Amber. While wearing Black Suede, one can detect a hint of "drugstore". That quality doesn't manife...

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme

I am reviewing the original Paco Rabanne Pour Homme ( circa 1973 ) thanks to a generous basenoter who sent it to me recently in a swap. He also sent me the current formulation in order for me to do a side by side comparison. The side by side resulted in what I had already imagined would be the case. Not that the newer formula is terrible by any means. The original version simply is better by being deeper and a bit more masculine. No......you shouldn't go to ebay searching for the vintage formula and paying stupid prices. It's simply a notch or two better than the current and noticeable by comparing the two in real time. Rabanne Pour Homme opens with a slight shimmer in conjunction with lavender, spices and a subtle woodiness. It's an old school introduction, however a good one. The lavender takes about 5 minutes to raise its volume and evolve into a soapy rendition. I dislike when a boatload of soapy lavender takes over a composition, but here it doesn't go over t...

Il Mondo di Odore

Search This Blog