Aqua di Parma Colonia Ambra is the third fragrance in The Ingredient Collection where Acqua di Parma selects rare, unusual, evocative ingredients to reinterpret itself and produce unprecedented fragrance compounds, while keeping its utterly recognizable character. The first two chapters are about two different, equally intriguing destinations--the East, with Colonia Oud that conveys the sensory wealth of those regions, and, back in Italy, a stop in beautiful Tuscany, at the historical tanneries pervaded with that intoxicating smell of leather that recalls utterly masculine elegance. Ambra is the interplay of notes created by combining the special scent of ambergris with the characteristic style of Colonia. The freshness of the citric notes find balance with the sensual ambergris which is the center of this fragrance.
Ambergris is an ancient and extremely rare essence that owes its characteristic scent to the effect of the ocean and the wind upon the substance that is actually from the digestive system of the sperm whale. It floats for years and years across the oceans until it ends up on sea shores in solid crystals. The most precious varieties float on sea water for over twenty years. As it ages it takes on the sweet and unmistakable scent of sea and leather. Ambergris is found on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Normandy, England, Madagascar and Japan. It was first reported in 1000 A.D. in Africa. At that time it was exported as a luxury item with gold and other precious items. Well known for its therapeutic properties and power as an aphrodisiac, it was used in ancient times as an incense or a tincture for medical preparations. Due to its rarity, ambergris is very expensive and has always been regarded as a special ingredient in haute perfumery. In many instances it has now been replaced with a synthetic note.
Ambra features top notes of orange, bergamot and bitter orange; middle notes of rose, nagarmotha, Virginia cedarwood and patchouli; and base notes of ambergris, sandalwood, labdanum (rockrose), vanilla and musk. It is an eau de cologne concentree.
Acqua di Parma Colonia Ambra Reviews
Fragrantica - "...warm earthy middle of patchouli and velvety rose. Then the ambergris starts to kick in. This is not the Creed ambergris, this one is much more earthy. I get mostly darker sandalwood, ambergris, and musk out of this to create an overall effect of earthy wood."
Fragrantica - "Here 'Colonia' and the Italian tradition are blended with the deep sensuality of ambergris, an ancient essence evocative of faraway worlds and times. The opening citrus is still present, with zesty orange and bergamot full of life. A heart of cedar wood, rose and patchouli follows, melding gently with the hesperidic top notes. The real centerpiece of this creation is the warm and enveloping base notes as rich ambergris, sandalwood and vanilla combine. Upon application, the wearer is cocooned in a sensual amber and marine accord. It is extremely comforting and exhilarating to wear, yet at the same time sophisticated and well-refined. "
