Amber Precieux

I used to think I liked amber fragrances until I encountered a bunch of stinkers.  The ones that have the powdery drydown that reminds me of old ladies and scented toilet paper.  Those I hate.  I figured Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier's Amber Precieux would be just like that, so I did not go out of my way to test it.  But when I got a sample in a recent perfume order, I had to try it.  And I was pleasantly surprised.

It opens with a surprising lavender note (although I suppose it is no more surprising than the oregano note of Ambre Sultan) that is backed by a sweet amber that's not-overly powdery, laced with a touch of spices and lots of vanilla.   This lavender/amber/vanilla trio creates something that is rich, warm, and comforting. 

As the scent dries down, the lavender disappears and one is left with a sweet, strongly vanilla, powdery amber.  But one I like, one I can wear without disgusting myself.  It has a lot of the characteristics of the amber resin chunks that I bought at a New Age store, years ago.  I kept them in a little soapstone container and would lift the lid to sniff them once in a while.  It's a good amber for me.  And it lasts forever.  I could still smell it on the back of my hand at 10 the next morning, after a shower and several thorough hand-washings.

What is your favorite amber? 

MPG Amber Precieux Notes: myrtle, lavender, amber, vanilla, nutmeg, ambergris, peru balsam, tolu