Blue Amber
by Montale

There is something about the Montale fragrances that I simply can't deny. My brain processes these fragrances, especially the non-aoud ones, in big chunky pieces at the beginning as though looking at a perspective piece of art up close, something you need to see from a distance in order for it to make sense. They seem almost, dare I say, clumsy, brutish and unrefined for the first part of their evolutions. Blue Amber has a little of that, too, and I was actually quick to dismiss this fragrance, not entirely of course, but just as not something I'd consider purchasing. I'm glad I didn't because after giving it a full day's wearing, with full application instead of just little sniffs here and there, I'm a big fan.

Blue Amber starts with something that turned me off (and still sort of does) which teeters between astringent and chemical. I read a review at MUA and a reviewer mentioned glue... I can't say glue exactly but it's something in that direction. With reviews mentioning plastic, chemical, and glue, there must be something going on, and having read other's thoughts on that sensation, I felt less insane in having experienced that myself. Thankfully, for me personally, that little phase doesn't last too long. And furthermore, it's only experienced up close: Blue Amber, without my nose glued to my wrist, starts billowing golden curling tendrils of itself immediately which are devoid of this astringency I mentioned.

I'm thankful I allowed this to really develop because after the first couple of hourse, this continues to develop, become more exquisitely rich yet dry until it reposes in it's golden brown phase. After that, it continues to works its golden ambery magic, but without changing too much. And herein lies the beauty of Blue Amber, my friends. The golden cloud of amber that floats around you throughout the day, that which about others have written here and elsewhere, is an undeniable feature of this gorgeous fragrance. It is an envelopingly warm, light golden brown amber, whose vanillic, warm, dry sugaryness intensifies as it develops while never becoming syrupy or heavy. For texture purposes only, think perhaps of warm, slightly crisp sugar cookies.

I sincerely encourage anyone who tries Blue Amber to give it several hours on skin before making a judgment. Any discord you may experience at the opening, I assure you, will dissipate and you'll be left with an amber, though simple and uncomplicated, to die for. I'd like to add that on me, this was extremely powerful and tenacious. I could imagine a 50 mL lasting forever. I am aware of it all day. A tad tricky up front, with a gorgeous dry down which is well worth the wait. I can't recommend this more to those looking for a warm, uncomplicated, enveloping high quality amber.

Wow, I really love this one!

I’ve tried many dominant amber scents, in the past, but have always found them to be too resinous and harsh (Ambre Sultan being the worse offender). However, Blue Amber isn’t like that at all (much to my relief). The opening blast is intoxicating and it only gets better. The drydown is creamy and extremely sexy, and it didn’t take me long to deem it as bottle worthy. Sillage and longevity is superb, and I’m now completely in awe with this house. This has to be one of the best releases in recent years.

Two thumbs up!

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[Original submission date: 10 April 2008]

Powdery, vanillic opening, with a rubber that manifests as an artificial sweetness - like a warm, heavily iced lemon and raisin bun; grows a little drier and saltier - an uncomplicated but rich amber.

My journey of amber exploration is over!

I have found my holy-grail amber in Blue Amber. I've sourced the parfum concentration which might differ from the "eau du parfum" as it is more concentrated. The development is linear but in the nicest possible way; from start to end the wearer is enveloped in a beautiful rich amber. The warmth that this fragrance radiates is appreciated by all. I've received compliments from both sexes, and what's even more notable is that Blue Amber is worn by my wife making it the first fragrance we've shared. Longevity is just outstanding, I can still detect it on my skin 24 hours after application.

This fragrance is just divine and Montale deserves all kudos.

Amber plus citrus plus salt equals solid gold. Think Sel de Vetiver when I say salt. Anyway, this is a very well composed amber in which the amber is dominant and yet not overbearing. Also, the whole citrusy-salty thing keeps this from retreading the whole desserty-vanilla thing. If you're not a big fan of amber this could change your mind.

Warm and strong basic amber scent. Very, VERY powdery. Too much so for me personally; and I think this amber leans more towards feminine side. Still, I can see a man wearing this without a single problem.

Powerful and forever lasting mixture of amber, vanilla and powder with hints of fiery patchouli. Coriander freshens up the composition and gives some balance to this rather simple blend.

Depending on skin chemistry and temperature, Blue Amber can easily come out smelling quite rubbery. It’s usual with these saucy, powdery scents.
Hot, smoking rubber.



Very nice and yet so largely eclipsed by some other amber scents; both in quality and overall appeal.