Heidi Norton
Ambergris, a rare and valuable substance produced in the intestines of sperm whales, has been used in perfumery for centuries. With a scent profile that is woody, ambery, sweet, earthy, and musky-marine, it serves as a strong fixative in fragrances, elevating other olfactory notes. While natural ambergris is difficult to source due to both scarcity and regulations protecting sperm whales, its synthetic alternative, Ambroxan, is now commonly used to achieve a similar aroma. Here are some fragrances that contain ambergris or its synthetic substitute, Ambroxan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Odor profile | Salty and warm, musky-marine, sweet, earthy, animalic |
| Source | Intestines of sperm whales |
| Appearance | Grey, waxy, sticky, pumice-like stone |
| Use | Base note in fragrances, fixative |
| Substitutes | Ambroxan, synthetic ambergris |
| Price | $25 per gram for the highest quality, $10 per gram for the lowest quality |
| Fragrances containing ambergris | Baccarat Rouge 540, Eau de Merveilles, Dior Ambre Nuit, Creed Green Irish Tweed, Roja Amber Aoud, Guerlain Encens Mythique d'Orient, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Creed Green Irish Tweed
Created by Olivier Creed and Pierre Bourdon, Green Irish Tweed was launched in 1985 and has become a signature scent of the house. It is a favourite of many celebrities and is known for its rich, fresh, sporty, and unforgettable scent.
The top notes of this fragrance include lemon verbena and iris, with a middle note of violet leaf. The base notes are ambergris and Mysore sandalwood, giving it a musky scent that leans masculine but can be worn by women as well.
The scent of Green Irish Tweed evokes the wild greenery of the Emerald Isle, with a touch of refinement and composure. It is like a walk through the Irish countryside, offering a nostalgic vibe without smelling dated. It is a timeless and classic fragrance that never goes out of style.
The fragrance is described as invigorating, with fresh, clean, green, and subtly spicy notes. It has a long-lasting effect and is perfect for formal occasions or casual wear during spring and summer.
Green Irish Tweed is an iconic scent that embodies the exclusive countryside estate, with hunting parties, horseback riding, and the lush countryside. It illuminates the Creed family's couture heritage, with notes that conjure the earthy tones of luxurious hand-woven yarns.
The perfume is also said to be inspired by Olivier Creed's uncle's time at the Linton Tweed Mill, with notes reminiscent of the hardwearing nature and rugged sophistication of the fabric. The House of Creed shares a longstanding connection with the mill, dating back to the 1920s when Creed was a flourishing Paris-based fashion house.
Overall, Creed Green Irish Tweed is an elegant, sophisticated, and timeless fragrance that is perfect for any modern gentleman. It is a versatile scent that can be worn during the day or evening and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Baccarat Rouge 540
The key notes of Baccarat Rouge 540 are jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and ambergris. The breezy jasmine facets and radiant saffron boost the ambergris mineral notes and the woody tones of freshly cut cedar. The result is a bright and sleek scent that caresses the skin like an amber and woody floral whisper.
The fragrance has received numerous positive reviews, with customers describing it as "gorgeous," "elegant," "sexy," "powdery," and "soapy/clean." It is long-lasting and does not need to be reapplied throughout the day. The smaller bottle size is also convenient for travel, and the perfume is refillable, making it eco-friendly.
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Papillon Spell 125
The scent is inspired by Spell 125 from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, which covers the ceremonial process of crossing the underworld to reach the afterlife. It is said to represent "lightness pulled by darkness" and is described as a "beguiling combination of vintage spicy floral glamour and vivid, herbaceous incense".
Reviews of the fragrance are mixed, with some describing it as "incredible", "dark and alluring", and a "masterpiece", while others find it "unpleasant" and "too bright and expansive". Some reviewers note that the scent is very unique, unlike anything they have smelled before, and that it is a slow burner that grows on you over time.
Overall, Papillon Spell 125 appears to be a polarizing fragrance that evokes strong reactions, with some finding it enchanting and addictive, while others are less impressed.
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Roja Amber Aoud
Roja Dove's Amber Aoud is a unisex fragrance that combines sweet, spicy, salty, and woody notes to create an exotic and enticing aroma. The scent opens with sparkling citrus notes of bergamot, lemon, and lime, followed by heart notes of rose, fig, ylang-ylang, and jasmine. The base notes of cinnamon, saffron, patchouli, oakmoss, sandalwood, aoud, benzoin, orris, birch, ambergris, and musk round out the fragrance, adding depth and warmth.
The perfumer, Roja Dove, describes Amber Aoud as a symphony of sweet, spicy, salty, and woody tones that embrace the wearer in an enchanting experience known as "The Amber Aoud Effect." The fragrance is loved around the world for its enticing and exotic style, which pays homage to traditional Middle Eastern perfumery methods.
The key ingredients of rose, fig, cinnamon, saffron, aoud, benzoin, and ambergris create a perfectly balanced blend that captivates the senses. The salty ambergris base adds a unique touch to the fragrance, enhancing the sweetness of the benzoin and fig while providing a contrast to the spicy and woody notes.
The Roja Parfums website describes Amber Aoud as "like capturing lightning inside a bottle," highlighting the magical and enchanting nature of the fragrance. The scent is a blend of some of the most costly perfumery materials, resulting in an iconic and unforgettable aroma.
Amber Aoud has received mixed reviews, with some praising its complexity, opulence, and longevity, while others find it too expensive or too similar to other fragrances on the market. However, it has gained a loyal following, with many describing it as an addictive and captivating scent.
Overall, Roja Amber Aoud is a luxurious and exotic fragrance that combines sweet, spicy, salty, and woody notes to create an enchanting and unforgettable aroma.
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Hermes Eau de Merveilles
The top notes of Eau de Merveilles are orange, elemi resin, and lemon, creating a zesty and fresh opening. The middle notes are amber, pepper, pink pepper, and violet, adding warmth and spice to the fragrance. The base notes are fir, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss, and benzoin, giving the perfume a dry and woody finish.
The scent has been described as sparkling, intimate, delicate, and elegant. It is long-lasting and has moderate sillage, radiating at almost arm's length. The bottle is beautiful and elegant, adding to the overall appeal of the fragrance.
Overall, Hermes Eau de Merveilles is a unique and captivating fragrance, perfect for those who want something different from the typical floral or sweet perfumes. It is a well-loved and highly recommended scent, with many considering it a signature fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Ambergris is a rare, waxy substance that forms in the intestines of sperm whales. It is a sought-after ingredient in perfumery due to its unique, complex scent, which is often described as marine, animalic, sweet, earthy, and musky. Its natural supply is erratic, and it cannot be cultivated, making it extremely valuable.
Yes, while ambergris is rare and expensive, some colognes do contain the real thing. These include Roja Parfums Amber Aoud, Guerlain Encens Mythique d'Orient, and Creed Green Irish Tweed.
Due to the scarcity and cost of natural ambergris, most colognes today use a synthetic alternative, such as ambroxan. Popular colognes that use synthetic ambergris include Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, and Hugo Boss Boss The Scent Elixir For Her.
