Ambre 114 Histoires de Parfums 2008

Ambre 114 is a pretty linear scent to my nose, at least (in this case that is just fine). It opens with a good deal of nutmeg spice mixed with the initial amber that immediately makes its presence well known. This amber is only mildly sweet (thank goodness), and is not cloying in the least. The spiced amber adds sandalwood to its repertoire in the heart notes before including a nice dose of semi-sweet vanilla and tonka bean in the base notes. These notes are extremely well-blended, and distinguishing individual notes is difficult due to the high level of sophistication and refinement Ambre 114 brings to the plate. Ambre 114's projection is average to slightly below average, with average longevity.

It is well documented that I abhor super-sweet amber scents (a "good" example of this is Ambrarem, a much more expensive scent from the same house), so it was a pleasant surprise that Ambre 114 joins Mona di Orio's Ambre as being two of the least sweet, but most appealing amber scents I have smelled to date. I think I have a slight preference for the Mona di Orio, but it is a near toss-up and they are both incredible scents that are highly recommended. Ambre 114 gets a very strong 4.5 stars out of 5 from me. Superb, and full bottle worthy for certain!

Simply said: a beauty.
This refined scent is soft and fresh even.
An amber perfume for those who like to have it sweetened by vanilla, and uplifted by a musky rose, some sandalwood an a light cedar.
I am smitten.

The ambre 114 starts with strong repelling hit of patchouli, amber and benzoin. After two to three minutes the perfume starts to calms down revealing a nice vintage like scent, a one reminds me of a fine antique shop which I think due to the height quality of the amber . Few minutes later and Gradually the vanilla note starts to show up in unusual way and it’s very enjoyable to trace it. In the dry down a masterfully blend of amber and light benzoin and smoky vanilla settles on the skin for long hours. The amber 114 is wonderful and addicted masterpiece for autumn time of the year.

Ambre 114 has its name because the formula includes 114 ingedients. It is a rather light amber parfume with a moderate sillage, wearable for both men and women. Starting with herbs and spices then getting woody dry with a vanilla note. Sweetness is carefully tamed and dosed to become a side aspect. At drydown i get an impression of old dry books. A very nice well-balanced fragrance!

I was on a quest for the perfect amber, and I reached the following conclusion: there is no unique perfect amber, but several perfect ambers. This particular scent has a sharp spicy opening, so sharp that I think it isn't suitable for winter because it would become too screechy, and a powdery musky dry-down.

The thyme and nutmeg are really present in here, but their aromatic notes disappear around the 15 minute mark. Then, the patchouli comes to stay until the late dry-down. While it does have some traditionally masculine elements, I do believe this is truly unisex. This isn't syrupy like other ambers, so keep that in mind if you were looking for a cosy, vanillic fragrance!

All in all, I enjoy wearing this scent on cooler spring or fall days.