9
Top Review
Opus XIV - Royal Liquorice
I can't call this scent the king of tobacco; it's the queen of licorice. G used to be a bit smokier, presumably due to higher concentrations of incense and tobacco. I've tried H batch and well, let's just say it's a different beast.
Current formulation dials down frankincense, allowing the prominent spices like anise and fenugreek to take over and blend with sugary licorice. After a while, I start getting whiffs of tobacco and the sillage is green, spicy and a bit herbal. However, the scent profile is quickly dominated by the sweet licorice.
Thankfully, the drydown stays true to Amouage's origins. I get some woodiness, honey-like myrrh and a creamy, vanillic undertone of benzoin. There's a smooth, smoky and leathery nuance, I'm assuming that's birch tar and labdanum at play.
While tobacco slowly disappears throughout the drydown, licorice is amped up to the point where it lasts forever, making Royal Tobacco mass-appealing. Performance is still amazing! Usually, I get at least 10 hours on skin and 4 hours of loud projection.
So, if you're expecting a tobacco-based scent, you'll be disappointed. To experience Cécile's award-winning blend, look for G batch. The current version is about anise and licorice, with resins and tobacco playing supporting roles. It's OK, but doesn't live up to its name.
Current formulation dials down frankincense, allowing the prominent spices like anise and fenugreek to take over and blend with sugary licorice. After a while, I start getting whiffs of tobacco and the sillage is green, spicy and a bit herbal. However, the scent profile is quickly dominated by the sweet licorice.
Thankfully, the drydown stays true to Amouage's origins. I get some woodiness, honey-like myrrh and a creamy, vanillic undertone of benzoin. There's a smooth, smoky and leathery nuance, I'm assuming that's birch tar and labdanum at play.
While tobacco slowly disappears throughout the drydown, licorice is amped up to the point where it lasts forever, making Royal Tobacco mass-appealing. Performance is still amazing! Usually, I get at least 10 hours on skin and 4 hours of loud projection.
So, if you're expecting a tobacco-based scent, you'll be disappointed. To experience Cécile's award-winning blend, look for G batch. The current version is about anise and licorice, with resins and tobacco playing supporting roles. It's OK, but doesn't live up to its name.