Opus VII - Reckless Leather Amouage 2013

I have studied this Opus VII since 2020, from the time when it was in the gray/black bottle, and I also have the opportunity to study it in detail in the current version. That's right, this monument masterpiece in perfumery, is a ruthless, extremely green, spicy and metallic leather. The metallic character is given by the overdose of galbanum, in combination with Cypriol and pink pepper. The extremely green and spicy character, almost burning your nostrils, is given by a melange of spices: here cardamom, nutmeg and, surprise, fennel (here fennel is a species related to cumin, hence the similar character to that of cumin), but another interesting spice was used: Fenugreek - which has culinary and gastronomic properties through its seed reminiscent of curry dishes. Finally, the leathery character is given by an overdose of labdanum, oud Assafi (Assam Oud) and patchouli. I spoke privately with Christoper Chong, a person extremely kind and open to talking with true enthusiasts, and he confirmed to me that in the first batches real ambergris was used, which I would be happy to find even today. And finally, a melange of resins and roots ala Amouge: Omani Franckincense, Cypriol and Costus root, which amplifies the perfume even more and gives it its oriental signature character. An exceptional perfume.