Anyone tried the Tom Ford Amber Absolute?

Amber Absolute by Tom Ford is a Oriental fragrance for women and men. Amber Absolute was launched in 2007. The fragrance features amber, incense, vanilla, olibanum, labdanum and woody notes.

Amber Absolute by Tom Ford

SUBJECTIVE

The quintessential expression of masculinity, this audacious fragrance is certainly the hardest to pull off in my collection. Credit to Tom Ford for accurately describing this fragrance to a T as absolute amber. While this fragrance is certainly not a crowd pleaser, the note of amber is not necessarily supposed to be. While other amber-based fragrances often use a sweet supporting cast (e.g. honey in Hermessence’s Ambre Narguilé), this one exudes a smoky projection. Its brawny construction includes incense and wood.

On the odd occasion you fancy this one, you will wear it for yourself, not for others. Do not expect compliments of any sort, unless your company happens to involve males like yourself with an appreciation for the avant-garde style. Truth be told, it will serve your collection as a well-blended masculine powerhouse better than your skin for public wear.

OBJECTIVE

All props to Amber Absolute not only for smelling like amber extract, but also for a dominating performance once applied. Like other Tom Ford Private Blend colognes, this one lasts days and projects monstrously throughout its longevity. For this reason, a couple sprays per day means that its high price tag is somewhat justified.

Apply this fragrance in the winter only please. On the back of the neck, two sprays will suffice while outdoors while only one spray is required while indoors. Avoid the front (e.g. collar, chest) as the smokiness may induce nausea after a while.

IMPRESSION

A niche fragrance for niche audiences, you will likely appreciate its masculine boldness if you are a fragrance collector or if you enjoy the note of amber. If a crowd pleaser is on your wish list, steer clear of this one. Although unlike all the designer colognes at your nearest fragrance counter, there is probably a reason for this observation. This fragrance seems to lack a certain evolution, or contrast amongst notes, which seem to “burn” the amber as it dries down as opposed to supporting and complimenting it from top to base. If amber is for you, however, then this cologne is your calling.

PLAN

If you are not a lover of the art of perfumery, move on to another fragrance straightaway. Otherwise, this one is worth sampling, as it coveys the note of amber more genuinely than its rivals Ambre Sultan (by Serge Lutens) and Ambre Narguilé (by Hermessence).