Amber Wood Monotheme 2013

Amber Wood is a finely balanced, somewhat straightforward… well, what is it then? Amber scent? Wood scent? Amber may - in whatever form - make its appearance. However, we are primarily dealing with a very, very special wood. More on that later, because upon application, smoke and birch tar initially reign. Nevertheless, Amber Wood does not overwhelm. The two powerhouses are quickly disciplined by a balsamic note in the background. This may be due to labdanum, as well as possibly a diffuse amber note. Nonetheless, the scent can certainly be described as quite edgy.

But now to the gradually emerging wood note, which from late morning stands at eye level with the smoke-birch tar faction: Wow. I am reminded of the smell of ancient furniture and paintings in a museum. And not in a bright yet soulless exhibition room, where the exhibits have been given a purely art-historical context by a highly educated curator, so that even the last visitor is at best addressed via intellect. No, it is the smell of a place where people lived. Perhaps a residential house, like one of those tiny, unpretentious museums found along the North Sea coast: Former seafarers' houses with creaking wood, small and cozy cubbies. Or that firnish scent that fills desolate, venerable castles, where galleries of ancestors have been looking down gloomily for centuries, as if incessant discontent over the living walking on the parquet floors gnaws at them.

Until the afternoon, I am accompanied by a beautifully complementary interplay from both directions, which emphasizes similarities rather than highlighting differences. The scent remains well perceptible for about seven to eight hours; for another one to two, I have to make a bit of an effort.

Conclusion: Those looking for a typical amber scent are at the wrong address with Amber Wood. For fans of strong, dark yet elegant wood notes or for anyone seeking a universally wearable counterpart close to the style of, for example, Bois d’Ascese or Mona di Orio's Cuir, it is a top test tip.

Many thanks to Ergoproxy for the sample.