Amber Empire

The Scent Profile

Amber Empire opens with a boozy rum accord, somewhat rough around the edges. The olibanum is present, a dry, resinous counterpoint to the initial sweetness. The bitter orange is less pronounced than in Clive Christian's Blonde Amber; this clone leans heavier on the rum. The heart showcases dried fruits and a noticeable white tobacco note. The tuberose is subdued, thankfully preventing the composition from becoming overly floral. The drydown centers on tonka bean, vanilla, and myrrh. This is where the greatest divergence from the original occurs. Blonde Amber has a smoother, more refined base. This has a slightly synthetic vanilla edge. Overall, I'd place it at roughly 95% similarity.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderate. I get about 6-7 hours on skin with this one. Projection is initially strong, creating a scent bubble for the first hour, then settling closer to the skin. Decent, but not exceptional.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Amber Empire by Fragrance World is a competent clone. It captures the general essence of Blonde Amber, delivering a boozy, amber-centric experience . The synthetic vanilla in the base is a drawback, but not a deal-breaker. If you enjoy the Blonde Amber DNA and are on a budget, this is a worthwhile purchase. However, those seeking absolute fidelity to the original may find the differences too significant. The original *is* noticeably higher quality, but its price tag is substantial. For most, this clone will satisfy the craving.