09/13/2023

ScentGrail
105 Reviews

ScentGrail
5
Stunning hidden gem
Amouage Imitation Man was released in time while Christopher Chong was still the creative director of the brand and one of the last fragrances created under his creative hand. Being no stranger to underappreciated perfumes, I happened upon this gem approximately two years ago, and after a couple of months, it claimed its place as my second favorite from an Omani brand, alongside Dia Man.
TOP NOTES
The top notes seem to kick off with a somewhat polarizing accord, which is a combination of citruses, spices, and the aforementioned rose note. However, this rose note initially comes across more like a nail polish remover than a burning plastic. Amidst the initial shock that some consumers may experience, the rose continues to shine and mixes with other florals from the heart notes, primarily watery violet, and powdery iris butter. At times, it can resemble a semi-sweet chocolate. The juxtaposition of florals, citruses, and spices creates a unique and sensual opening, likely not found in any other fragrance.
HEART NOTES
In the heart notes, as the fragrance begins to settle and shed its initial harshness, a captivating transformation unfolds from the polarizing opening. The rose, still a prominent player in the composition, finds balance with an increasing presence of iris (orris butter). This transformation evokes shades of Dior Homme Parfum but offers a smoother, and in my opinion, better-blended rendition than Dior.
BASE NOTES
After a good couple of hours, Imitation reaches its full dry down. The composition takes on a warmer and more sensual dimension, creating a blend of notes that introduces some of the animalic aspects reminiscent of many old-school scents from the past. A castoreum accord, akin to the one found in Chanel Antaeus, mingles with a halfway modern patchouli note reminiscent of the original Givenchy Gentleman (1974), and a touch of semi-dirty myrrh.
All of these dance around the central brown leather accord and iris, creating a spectacle that demands to be experienced.
OVERALL
Sometimes, there comes a fragrance that defines an entire genre, and Imitation for Men is one such fragrance. Initially unsure if I would like it, this scent grew on me, and for that reason, along with everything else discussed here, I highly recommend sampling it as soon as you can. Compositions like this one are what fuel our passion for fragrance and keep us exploring the ever-evolving world of scents.
Read the full review at scentgrail.com
TOP NOTES
The top notes seem to kick off with a somewhat polarizing accord, which is a combination of citruses, spices, and the aforementioned rose note. However, this rose note initially comes across more like a nail polish remover than a burning plastic. Amidst the initial shock that some consumers may experience, the rose continues to shine and mixes with other florals from the heart notes, primarily watery violet, and powdery iris butter. At times, it can resemble a semi-sweet chocolate. The juxtaposition of florals, citruses, and spices creates a unique and sensual opening, likely not found in any other fragrance.
HEART NOTES
In the heart notes, as the fragrance begins to settle and shed its initial harshness, a captivating transformation unfolds from the polarizing opening. The rose, still a prominent player in the composition, finds balance with an increasing presence of iris (orris butter). This transformation evokes shades of Dior Homme Parfum but offers a smoother, and in my opinion, better-blended rendition than Dior.
BASE NOTES
After a good couple of hours, Imitation reaches its full dry down. The composition takes on a warmer and more sensual dimension, creating a blend of notes that introduces some of the animalic aspects reminiscent of many old-school scents from the past. A castoreum accord, akin to the one found in Chanel Antaeus, mingles with a halfway modern patchouli note reminiscent of the original Givenchy Gentleman (1974), and a touch of semi-dirty myrrh.
All of these dance around the central brown leather accord and iris, creating a spectacle that demands to be experienced.
OVERALL
Sometimes, there comes a fragrance that defines an entire genre, and Imitation for Men is one such fragrance. Initially unsure if I would like it, this scent grew on me, and for that reason, along with everything else discussed here, I highly recommend sampling it as soon as you can. Compositions like this one are what fuel our passion for fragrance and keep us exploring the ever-evolving world of scents.
Read the full review at scentgrail.com