Ambre Sultan

Scent Breakdown

Fragrance World's take on Ambre Sultan kicks off with a blast of medicinal oregano – think Vicks VapoRub, but sweeter. The coriander adds a dusty, almost cumin-like spice, clashing a bit with the bay leaf's sharper greenness. The heart tries to redeem itself with a prominent myrrh, but it has a certain waxy crayon quality that the original avoids. Sandalwood emerges later, yet it’s more of a generic wood accord than the creamy sandalwood I expect. The base is where things get dicey. The amber feels glued on, not integrated, and the vanilla presents itself as a sickly sweet, borderline cloying presence. The resins are there, but they lack the depth and complexity found in Serge Lutens’ creation, registering as a single note of burnt caramel.

Bottom Line

Wearing this version, you gain a loud, room-filling amber fragrance that lasts a good while. You lose the nuanced artistry and luxurious feel of the original. It mimics the general structure, but it feels like a sketch compared to a full painting. While a strong performer, the sharp synthetic notes detract considerably from the intended elegance.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is impressive; I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin, even longer on clothing. Projection is initially strong, filling a room within the first hour, but it quickly settles to about an arm's length for the majority of its lifespan. I wore it during a chilly evening walk, and while it held up, the synthetic edge became more noticeable in the cool air.