L'Ambre de Carthage by Isabey

*****
Year: 2011

Notes: bergamot, thyme, cardamom, cinnamon, jasmine tea, geranium, osmanthus, patchouli, amber, labdanum, birch, olibanum, sandalwood, sensual musks
Isabey's third modern release revives the name of their classic 1924 fragrance, L'Ambre de Carthage, for a new masculine offering. The only trouble is that there's nothing particularly masculine about it.

Sharing vaguely familiar olfactory traits to Fleur Nocturne, L'Ambre de Carthage is a genteel woody-amber with noticeable floral trimmings. While it isn't markedly less sweet than this house's two feminine creations, it also lacks any bold, earthy or rugged elements that would distinguish it as something specifically targeted towards men (as confirmed by ‘Parfum pour Homme' on the label).

Regardless of this minor detail, the fragrance itself is yet another ho-hum addition to this genre, with low sillage and disappointing staying power.

Coming from Isabey, it's a monumental let down.


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