Amber woods

Amber woods, as perfumers call them, are not, strictly speaking, woody scents. In fact, this mainly refers here to ambergris. The latter is a kind of “stone” or concretion that is expelled by sperm whales when they have eaten too much octopus or squid. Ambergris stones are then expelled through the sperm whales’ natural passages and wash up on the deserted beaches of New Zealand or Madagascar. The term “Amber woods” also encompasses the woody odors of cedramber, boisambrene, cashmeran, ambermax, and karanal.

Amber woods, an olfactory wave

Although they have existed for a very long time, amber woods are currently claimed by all perfume creators. On the olfactory side, amber woods give off very complex odors, generally dry, resembling the smell of tobacco. However, the odor is usually much more woody than ambery, but it is also very dusty and scratches the throat. It can be said that the longevity, intensity, and power of amber woods are extreme, to the point that they are often called “the woods that sting”! A small trace is thus enough for one to remember amber woods forever... This olfactory wave is mostly found in the base notes. Furthermore, amber woods are excellent fixatives. At first glance, one might think amber woods are found mainly in men's perfumes because the odor is strong and powerful, some say it smells like a man. However, many women's perfumes today include amber woods and woody notes.

The pairing of amber woods with other olfactory facets

Thanks to the multitude of facets that amber woods offer, they are used in the composition of many perfumes. Amber woods naturally pair with floral notes, gourmand notes, oriental notes, aquatic notes, and other woody and amber notes. Amber woods bring modernity and power to most perfumes. One of the finest pairings of amber woods with floral notes is found in the women's perfume Repetto. Here, amber woods sit in the base note alongside vanilla. In the heart note, rose and orange blossom stand out. Repetto tells the story of feminine sensuality, with ultra-graceful and sensual fragrances. In men's perfumery, the 2014 creation of Bleu de Chanel by Chanel signed a woody and fresh perfume with a modern and warm side.

Amber woods, or ambergris, are materials that have existed for a long time. They have recently become highly prized by perfume creators. With their complex yet multiple odors, the various amber woods bring power and intensity. They are therefore mostly found in base notes. The “woods that sting”, as they are often nicknamed, are today very modern fragrances and drive the success of brands.