Blue Amber by Montale

*****
Year: 2006

Notes: Italian bergamot, coriander, Bourbon geranium, vetiver, patchouli, amber, vanilla
With astringent top notes, smelling like either plastic or glue, this olfactory assault promptly becomes a distant memory with subsequent wearings. But after the initial discord subsides, Blue Amber transcends into the most exceedingly rich and buttery amber fragrance.

Being deceptively linear, the quality of the amber is simply astounding, with accords of coriander, patchouli and vetiver providing a solid foundation for the sweet amber to truly emanate. Graced with some powdery vanilla, the end result is a warm, delicious and enveloping aroma that's utterly intoxicating.

In contrast to other niche amber renditions, it's not as one-dimensional as Tom Ford's Amber Absolute, nor is it as syrupy sweet as Hermès' Hermèssence Ambre Narguilé, also it isn't compromised by notes that make both Serge Lutens' herbaceous Ambre Sultan and Parfum d'Empire's boozy Ambre Russe quite a challenge to wear. Furthermore, it's far more substantial than Annick Goutal's Ambre Fétiche and isn't as mannerly as L'Artisan's L'Eau d'Ambre. In fact, its closest rivals are most probably Maître Parfumeur et Gantier's Ambre Précieux and Histoires de Parfums' Ambre 114.

Blue Amber is both full-bodied and slightly resinous, with adequate projection and excellent staying power. Not only is it an exceptional amber offering but it's also one of Montale's finest creations.


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