Ambra Santa Maria Novella 1828 Eau de Cologne

Amber smells completely different than expected......and in fact, much better.....and above all, more distinctive.....

Taking a look at the complete fragrance pyramid quickly reveals the reason for this unexpected scent experience:

Top notes: Bergamot, lemon, bitter orange, neroli

Heart notes: Jasmine, lavender, rosemary

Base notes: Amber, birch, sandalwood, benzoin

From the very beginning, birch wood takes the lead and remains, in a way, the main motif throughout the entire fragrance journey.....it smells woody-smoky and slightly leathery.....

At first, my nose perceives mainly neroli and bitter orange....however, not dominant, but rather as a supporting melody to the birch......for brief moments, something fresh, almost eucalyptus-like, also flashes through......perhaps this impression arises from the combination of the currently active fragrance notes.....

A little later, lavender and rosemary join in......the smoky-woody-leathery base theme is now complemented by a herbal impression......but note: “complemented”.....not “replaced”.....I can hardly perceive jasmine at all......but perhaps it is the reason why the fragrance is now slowly becoming a bit calmer and softer.......where “soft” should be understood as extremely relative.......AMBRA is by no means a “soft” fragrance.....

At this stage, the fragrance lingers for a longer time.....and just when you think not much is happening anymore, sandalwood and amber make their appearance......

The strong birch note noticeably steps into the background now, but remains present as a fundamental vibration.....the fragrance becomes softer and more balsamic and ultimately fades out with a delicate amber note.....

Personally, I see amber more suited for men.....nonetheless, I would wear it myself.....not daily, but certainly now and then.....the fragrance has something fascinating about it.......something that is hard to put into words......