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Inspired by the reviews, I ordered a sample of Ambre Sultan. At first spray, a fruity-vanilla cloud greets me. I think of vanilla ice cream with hot cherries or red berry compote with egg liqueur. This fades after a few minutes, and I perceive a strong herbal note.
Is this supposed to be an oriental? I keep smelling it in disappointment, wondering where I know this scent from. Now it comes to me! It smells like a neglected backyard on a hot afternoon in full sun. The half-dried wild herbs emit a pungent smell, somehow it smells like rusty metal, and in the back corner, a dog must have peed. It smells somewhat wild and uncultivated.
After 20 minutes, a warm, soft, and balanced fragrance slowly develops. It envelops me like a silk kaftan. But the wild, animalistic aspect remains in the background, reminding me that life is not a Hollywood movie, but rather complex and uncontrollable. Truly brilliant!
By the way, I don't understand why many think such scents only fit the cold season. I was in Dubai and Southeast Asia. People there wear these fragrances during the day too. And I found them magical in dry and even more so in humid heat. Ambre Sultan is also a summer fragrance. Give it a try!

When I ordered the sample, I didn't expect to be reminded so much of my last visit to Café Sacher in Salzburg. The heavy, spicy sweetness immediately made me think of a Punsch cake with lots of cinnamon and cloves. I believe there are red plush sofas at Sacher, but in the scent, I smell well-maintained leather cushions. And a gentleman in a suit walks by, who has recently smoked.

Unlike many orientals that I have come to appreciate during my travels in Asia even in the heat, this fragrance is definitely only suitable for the winter months. For the time when one dreams of a beautiful Christmas season without worries and problems.

I think I need it. Especially at this time!

Fortunately, I was able to get a sample here in the community and test Black Tie.

The scent is wonderfully composed. The dress code Black Tie at your invitation means long evening gown and tuxedo, but no grand evening dress. Therefore, the fragrance should be correspondingly elegant and understated. It definitely also fits daytime attire. I imagine a delicate, elegant person with a penchant for fashionable classics. The composition of Black Tie is finely balanced, powdery, but not too sweet.

I am currently testing iris fragrances, and this one would be perfect if it were a bit louder and longer-lasting. It is too subtle for me even for the day, especially at a rather hefty price.

Infusion d'Iris by Prada would be my alternative. It is a bit more robust than Black Tie and not as lightly gourmand, but just as subtle and noble, though for half the price.

I definitely need more oomph!

In search of orange scents, I found this fragrance. I have long mourned a perfume that is at least 120 years old, which, like the manufacturer, no longer exists: Lavender-Oranges by Jünger & Gebhardt.

Hoping that an orange-moss combination could be just as harmonious, I immediately ordered an 8 ml sample and was wonderfully disappointed. These oranges have not only the bitter note but also a lasting fruity note, and I love it.

Of course, I also read the comparisons with BR 540 and got myself a sample of that as well. Sorry, Storia d'Amore is the clear winner. While BR 540 increasingly drifts into a sweetness that is unpleasant for me, Storia d'Amore remains fresh-spicy until the end. And it costs less than half!

Longevity and sillage are above average. I was still approached about it at the end of a whole day in the office. And it fits every season.

Clear recommendation from my side!

I have been mourning this at least 120-year-old perfume for a long time, which, like the manufacturer, no longer exists. Even back then, unisex fragrances could be created. I found the bitter combination simply wonderful. Since then, I have always been on the lookout for a similar scent. But everything on the market uses oranges and other flowers to soften and sweeten the lavender. And of course, today, the fruity aspect cannot be missing. Lavender-orange probably only stood out with bitter orange peels, which formed a wonderfully bitter, beautiful liaison with the lavender. No sweetness and no fruit, just the way I love it. Hopefully, a perfumer will discover this again someday!