Ombre Nimbus

Notes & Nuances

Ombre Nimbus initiates with a potent incense accord, reminiscent of church alter resins mingled with a syrupy, almost medicinal raspberry – think cherry cough syrup with a smoky undertone. The heart attempts to replicate the original's lauded oud-rose combination but falters slightly; the oud is present, yet manifests as a sharper, more synthetic wood note rather than the nuanced, barnyard quality of aged oud. The birch contributes a tar-like, creosote smokiness alongside a metallic tang. Rose is evident but feels thin, lacking velvety depth. The drydown shifts towards a sweet amberwood accord, projecting a generic, almost chemical warmth coupled with the balsamic vanilla of benzoin. The geranium listed is undetectable to my nose. This clone lacks the seamless blending of its inspiration, presenting instead a slightly disjointed aromatic experience.

Bottom Line

Ombre Nimbus is best suited for cooler evenings and formal settings, but only when wanting a bolder statement. The intense opening is potentially overpowering in enclosed spaces or warmer climates. This fragrance wears like a costume rather than a familiar comfort, demanding attention and a specific, confident personality to carry it effectively.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is respectable, projecting for approximately 7-8 hours on skin. Projection extends to roughly one arm's length for the first 2 hours, then settles closer to the skin. I tested this indoors in a climate-controlled environment. While the initial blast is strong, the scent loses complexity over time, resulting in a less compelling final experience.