Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan (2023) Review – Do You Need It?
Ambre Sultan.
An artisanal take on warm amber.
Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan was released in 1993. It is based on amber, aromatics, and spices. It lasts eight to ten hours on the skin with moderate projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan Smell Like?
The opening is noticeably green with an intense herbal combination of oregano and bay leaf. This duo is paired with subtle woods and a booziness. I enjoy that the herbs are authentic but never become medicinal.
In the background is a combination of less prevalent warm spices and green aromatics. This all sits atop labdanum that contributes a deeper and more resinous nature. It has slightly sweet and musky accents. The overarching emphasis of the opening is green aromatics, spices, and warmth.
As the wear continues, the herbal nature fades, but the greenness remains. This is mainly due to the deeper labdanum, amber, and woods washing over the heart. The labdanum has more prominent sweetness and muskiness but never becomes too much in either aspect.
Amber and woods are new additions. The wood is the most unique at the moment. It has an aged aroma when mixed with earthy and slightly smoky incense.
The dry down is all about amber, which is most of the wear. Faint aromatic herbs linger with nutty and musky accents from the remaining labdanum. The final addition is dry and powdery vanilla. This is what you’ll smell for the rest of the wear.
Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan notes:
Resins, Amber, Bay Leaf, Myrrh, Benzoin, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Coriander, Oregano, Patchouli, Angelica, Myrtle
Performance
Ambre Sultan lasts eight to ten hours on the skin with moderate projection. The first four hours are around two to three feet. After this period, til about hour seven, it is intimate, pushing out up to a foot. The last couple of hours are a skin scent.
The sillage is as good. In the first four hours, the more you move around, the better this smell and projects. Once it starts to recede, the scent trail behind you is the same as the scent bubble when stationary. This performance is with three sprays.
This is exclusively fall and winter wear and is best for special occasions. This is too decisive for office wear or any other close-quarter situation.
The mass appeal and likability are average. The amber in the fragrance’s base is beautiful, but if you can get there. The intense herbs and spices in the opening will often be off-putting for sensitive noses. Lastly, the uniqueness is excellent. It’s rare to get these green herbs with this quality of amber.
Final Words
The best dupe is Tom Ford Amber Absolute. Unfortunately, it is about the same price, so you’re better off sticking with Ambre Sultan.
The final burning question is, is Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan worth it? Maybe. This is decisive and hard to wear for the average person or even one with a smaller collection. However, if you’re really into fragrances or have many events to wear it at, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality of amber in this scent.
If you try Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.