Amber

Natural ambergris (which comes from sperm whale intestinal stones) is increasingly rare due to its difficult availability and high price. In perfumery, the amber accord essentially built around vanilla, labdanum, benzoin and balsams from Peru and Tolu is reproduced. Olfactorily, the fragrances of this family have sensual and caressing, enveloping and elegant nuances.

The first amber perfume is Ambre Antique by François Coty, launched in 1908, which creates a real trend in the fragrances of the 1920s. For decades the amber note was forgotten, but towards the end of the 1980s some niche brands such as Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier, Serge Lutens and L'Artisan Parfumeur launched fragrances that once again highlighted this precious accord. Among the best known of today is Alien by Thierry Mugler.

It is important not to confuse ambergris or amber accords with yellow or vegetal amber which is instead a resin that comes from the fossilization of prehistoric plants and has no odor.

Evocations: enveloping, balsamic.