Oud Ambre Absolu

The Verdict

Oud Ambre Absolu is a respectable effort. It captures the general essence of Clive Christian X. The differences are noticeable, especially in the mid and drydown, where the cheaper ingredients come through with slight synthetic edges. Is it a 1:1 clone? No. Is it worth buying if you can't stomach Clive Christian's price tag? Absolutely. It's a solid, affordable option for those seeking an amber fragrance with a fruity-spicy kick. For the cost-conscious fragrance enthusiast, this is worth a look.

Notes & Nuances

Oud Ambre Absolu from Montagne Parfums aims for Clive Christian's X, a bold amber-centric fragrance. The opening is fruity – rhubarb and pineapple lead, but it's less refined than the original. I'd say 95% close in the opening, maybe less. The heart brings a spicy, slightly powdery iris with paprika. The spice is where it deviates most; Clive Christian uses richer, more natural ingredients, leading to a smoother feel. In the base, the Montagne leans heavily on cedar and a noticeable cinnamon note. The amber is present, but less nuanced. You can tell it's using aroma chemicals instead of high-end ambergris substitutes. It's nice, but not luxurious.

How Long Does it Last?

Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then it settles closer to the skin. Don't expect beast mode here. It's detectable without being overpowering, making it suitable for office wear.