Amber Oud Black

Conclusion

Amber Oud Black is a solid alternative for those who crave Layton's vibe without the hefty price tag. If you can tolerate a slightly sharper, more synthetic opening and a more prominent vanilla dry down, this is worth exploring. Those seeking pure refinement might still prefer the original, but for everyday wear, Amber Oud Black gets the job done, and does it well. This is for the guy who appreciates a well-groomed presence, but doesn't take himself too seriously. Dapper, but with a mischievous glint in his eye.

First Impressions & Dry Down

Amber Oud Black kicks off with a juicy apple, almost candied, but the lavender and bergamot try to keep it classy. It's a bright start, reminiscent of Layton, but the apple leans slightly more synthetic, a bit like a cleaning product at first. The heart reveals geranium and violet, a powdery sweetness battling against a hint of jasmine. This is where it diverges from Layton the most; the violet is more prominent, making it a touch more feminine. The dry down is a warm hug of vanilla, patchouli and guaiac. The vanilla is dialed up compared to Layton and the woods are less refined, a little rough around the edges. Overall, it captures around 80% of Layton's DNA.

Performance Reality Check

The projection is initially strong, creating a noticeable scent bubble for the first hour. After that, it settles closer to the skin, but remains present. Longevity is impressive. I got a solid 7-8 hours on skin, with a lingering vanilla sweetness still detectable the next morning on my clothes.