Raw Materials - Ambergris · Brotherhood Of Scent

Jul '24 (edited) • New Releases & Reviews 📝

Raw Materials - Ambergris

Hey Gents, Joe A. here, just starting up my raw materials blurbs, in alphabetical order. I appreciate your time and feedback with these! This will be my first time smelling raw materials!

Ambergris is a rare and valuable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It forms when indigestible parts of a whale's diet, like squid beaks, accumulate and create a waxy substance that is eventually expelled by the whale. Initially, ambergris has a strong, unpleasant odor, but as it ages and oxidizes while floating in the ocean; it develops a unique and complex scent often described as a mix of earthy, marine, sweet, and deep musky notes.

When added to fragrances, ambergris adds a rich, warm, and complex aroma that evolves over time. This complexity enhances the depth and longevity of the fragrance, making it more appealing and memorable. Its subtle musky and slightly animalic undertones add a layer of sophistication and allure.

Smelling my sample of ambergris: It started with a faint, ocean-like aroma—salty and a bit like wet wood. Then, as I breathed in more, it became richer and sweeter, with hints of vanilla, honey, and a warm, almost smoky touch, like old leather or old church pews. There was also a subtle, animal-like note that added depth without being unpleasant, making it clear this was something organic. Although nowadays, synthetic ambergris is most often used in fragrances, what I have here is, I believe to be most authentic ambergris, not only for the price I paid, but for the deep rich animalistic undertones in the scent. Very rich and strong, my sample is watering my eyes…

(Note: the two examples I have here claim to have ambergris in them, however, while I detect the slightly earthy, slightly woody aspects, the animalistic undertones just aren't there…maybe this is the biggest lacking aspect of synthetic ambergris...)

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/Les-Absolus-d-Orient-Ambre-Eternel-34935.html

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Lux-e-Terra/By-Virtue-of-Sunbeams-79215.html

What say you Gents? Any experience with Ambergris forward fragrances? What ones do you like or dislike? What ones out there would you like to try? And for you seasoned fragheads, what fragrances would you recommend to beginners? Love to hear from 'ya!

Continue the #Journey

Raw Materials - Intro

Raw Materials - Ambroxan

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