Spicy Amber

Olfactory Experience

Spicy Amber opens with a robust coffee note, though rendered with a noticeable synthetic edge. It lacks the nuanced roasted quality of Matiere Premiere's Encens Suave. The heart centers on incense, and it's here the clone achieves a respectable likeness, capturing about 85% of the original's resinous character. Madagascar vanilla attempts to smooth out the sharper incense, but falls slightly short. The base, a blend of benzoin and labdanum, aims for a warm amber accord. It’s less complex than the original. Some of the deeper, balsamic facets present in Encens Suave are missing, resulting in a slightly thinner finish. Overall, the fragrance captures the general idea, but lacks the depth and sophistication of its inspiration.

How Long Does it Last?

The initial projection is moderate, creating a noticeable scent bubble for about an hour. It quickly settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent ; I observed approximately 5-6 hours of wear. The dry down becomes a muted, slightly sweet amber skin scent. The synthetic coffee note is a clear drawback, and the base lacks some nuance. However, the incense accord is respectable. At roughly 1/10th the cost, this is a decent option for casual wear or layering. Ultimately, while it's a reasonable interpretation, the quality difference justifies the investment in Matiere Premiere's creation if you seek refined artistry.