BOIS 1920 VETIVER AMBRATO: I was just wondering the other day why someone hadn't yet come up with a scent that combines the sharp grassy character of vetiver with the smooth sweet nature of amber (seriously, I was, like, "Jeepers, do I have to do everything around here?") when I stumbled across Bois 1920's Vetiver Ambrato, and it does exactly that. Exactly.
The two scent notes couldn't be more different, yet this is what makes them perfect as a pairing -- it's like dropping two sworn enemies onto a deserted island where they're forced to work together for their mutual survival, discovering in the process that they make a kick-ass team and why were they ever fighting in the first place?
The resulting product would be more for the vetiver lover than the amber fanatic, however, as the sweetness of the amber is enfolded into vetiver's dark, earthen embrace, but the way the amber warms the vetiver and rounds off its sharper edges is a wonder to behold.
The drydown phase is warm and sweet and due to the grassy vetiver, completely avoids the usual powdery pitfalls that can trip up a more straight-ahead amber. I'd give it a very enthusiastic thumbs-up if it had a little longer of a life span. As it is, I get about two hours out of it, max, before the disappearing act.
MAITRE PARFUMEUR ET GANTIER AMBRE PRECIEUX: Ambre Precieux is what one would consider a more traditional amber fragrance, though it attempts to distinguish itself by weaving in scents of balsam and nutmeg that lend a dusty, woodsy character to the proceedings.
I was initially ready to dismiss it as not my cup of too-sweet brew, but the introduction of lavender and myrtle help tame the vanilla beast, and while it's still an amber at heart, with its powdery drydown to contend with, the herbs manage to cut right through the sugar for a bit of an earthy (and very welcome) kick.
It also has the good manners to last hours longer than Vetiver Ambrato.
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I bought the Boise 1920 samples last week. I haven't tried them all yet but I thought Sushi Imperial was charming, kind of Old Spice for the modern sensibility - lemon and dry amber and a tiny bit of soap. Cheerful and warm. Enhusiastic about trying the rest once my sinuses clear.
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I think the only other Bois 1920 I've checked out was their Real Patchouly, and it was a nice piece of work. Well-crafted, high quality.
I'm not a fan of Old Spice and Old Spice type fragrances, so I steered clear of Sushi Imperial, but I've read a number of good things about it from its admirers.
It reminded me of my dad, and in a way that would not require the intervention of Dr. Freud. A minor triumph, really....
I have most of the Bois 1920 line... Vetiver Ambrato is my favorite. I layer it over the L'Artisan Ambre body creme to make it last longer. Quite delicious!
BTW, did you see Luckyscent now sells Amouage Homage? Yay Franco! I hope he'll have similar success with the Party in Manhattan.
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I'll have to give more of the Bois 1920 line a try. The Vetiver Ambrato impressed me far more than I had expected, and it's downright ingenious of you to layer it over a light amber body cream to extend its life span! I love its balancing act of green and gold, and think it's a perfect candidate for a more concentrated "intense" or parfum version.
And of course LuckyScent NOW sells Homage -- after I already went and ordered a bottle from the UK. If I'd only been a little more patient, I could have saved myself some cash on those shipping charges. C'est la vie.
I am very much crossing my fingers for success with The Party in Manhattan. That stuff is awesome and I'm totally jonesin' for a bottle.
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