Overture Woman was a surprise with its apple brandy opening. It is sweeter than many of the other classic Amouage women's fragrances, but still sophisticated, complex, and not over the top. Saffron, bergamot and apple are the top notes. The saffron and bergamot fade quickly, leaving a realistic apple brandy. Soon a gorgeous jammy rose and resins emerge, along with a hint of something almost like cotton candy. Then I detect leather and frankincense in the drydown. A hint of apple continues. Overture Woman is composed of quite an unusual series of notes, but they play very well together. The realistic apple brandy and sugary candy note don't quite tip this into gourmand territory for me, and that's a good thing, but we are gourmand adjacent here. I would categorize Overture Woman together with my old favorites Chopard Casmir and Burberry for Women which also straddle gourmand and amber, with lovely, not-too-juvenile boozy fruity notes.
