Our take
What does Ambre Russe smell like?
Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, founder of Parfum d'Empire, composed Ambre Russe in 2003. The idea was an imperial amber full of excess. It opens on alcohol. Vodka and champagne fizz over a handful of spices, with coriander and cinnamon already warming the nose. The heart gets darker. Smoky black tea mixes with leather, like a samovar on a wooden table. Cumin adds a skin note and birch a tarry edge. Then the amber takes over. It is thick and honeyed, and incense gives it depth. Vanilla and ambergris soften the finish. Next to Serge Lutens' Ambre Sultan, Ambre Russe is less herbal and far more festive. This is a party amber, all bubbles and smoke, and it never aims for discretion. On skin it lasts many hours. The vodka fades first and the incense stays to the end.
When to wear it
A winter scent for evenings and celebrations. One spray is often enough because the amber spreads fast.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber family. Ambre Russe is one of 7 creations by Parfum d'Empire in our encyclopedia.
