Parfum d'Empire Ambre Russe was launched in 2003. Created by Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, drawing inspiration from the Russian Empire, it is an excellent reference amber fragrance. Notes of vodka, champagne, cinnamon, Russian leather, tea, coriander, birch, juniper, amber, incense and musk. Parfum d'Empire Ambre Russe is an eau de parfum, edp. I wrote a review of a couple of amber fragrances in 2006, and pulling from childhood memories of Rat Roulette at the County Fair, I would refer to them as "Rat Money." From the review - "I don´t remember what the Rat Money really smelled like, but it´s my phrase for every smell that I identify with that something that makes you wriggle up up your nose and look the other way while casting furtive backward glances trying to figure out what it is and if it´s as much fun as it looks like and hoping nobody will catch you sniffing ’round it. Amber is Rat Money smell for me. Whether it´s in an amber perfume like Laura Tonatto Amir, Hermes Ambre Narguile or Parfum D´Empire Ambre Russe, it isn’t the perfume itself, it´s that amber note. All three of these perfumes are lovely renditions with amber as a strong note in them."
From the brand - "In this intense elixir, the opulence of the Russian Empire is conjured by the golden warmth of ambergris, intensified by vibrant spices, the smoky aroma of Russian tea and spirituality of incense."
Fragrantica - "the Tea and Coriander underscore this element and their whole presence as quintet make this a quite interesting amber. the thing is, when I sniff my pulse I get a Massive Wall of Russian Leather, the Bitter Tarriness of Birch and Incense in a somewhat off-kilter qualification, but then also a solidifying machinism of Tea and Juniper. all very much 'Schiedam', the city intrinsically connected with Rotterdam. the Amber then is, I suppose but also recognizable, conjured up by Amber, Cinnamon, Tea, Juniper. any other combination would also fit. but then this is not a monotonous perfume but wrecked ( a good thing ! ) with different Characters at once. it is a kind of 'Dirty Amber'. and that is all fine by me."
Fragrantica - "Ambre Russe is, to me, a perfect nightclub fragrance. It has presence. It cuts through the air like a spotlight—amber, vodka, and champagne coming together in a dramatic, magnetic mix. It doesn’t whisper; it announces. If you want to turn heads, to leave a scent trail as unforgettable as your night out—this is it. Not your everyday amber. This is amber with edge, with elegance, and with attitude."
Fragrantica - "Talk about intoxicating...like a drunk Amber Absolute, yet it never gets lost in the alcohol. Ultra classy, divine stuff. This is what niche perfumery is all about."
Fragrantica - "For the name it opens with bitter vodka, black Russia tea inspires a smoke of incense, after minutes the heart is ture to reflective golden amber, on fabrics is more tranquil. Obsession is a beauty, Grand Soir stays beautiful and Ambre Russe is always my heart of gold. Like many of Parfum d'Empire, it's artistic and delicate, not strong but longlasting."
Fragrantica - "To my nose this reads labdanum, smoke, rummy booze, tobacco. Love it."
Fragrantica - "The smell of Eastern Orthodox liturgy in winter, but still sexy and boozy. The alcoholic opening is short on my skin and dries to a rich amber laced with incense. It's an easy choice for fall and winter nights, but I'm also drawn to it on summer days where the sun is so overwhelming that you stop trying to refresh and just give in to the heat. Use with caution and dedication: even the tiniest dab projects and lasts for well over a day."
Fragrantica - "What a spectacular and heady amber fragrance. For years I have been looking (since ambre orient Armani Privé) for a satisfying amber scent made from natural ingredients and Ambre Russe is the answer to my prayers. I am completely mesmerized by its beauty and depth. Not only does it last for hours on my skin but it developes like a fairytale evolving and revealing its sensual and captivating structure. Amber lovers, this is the holy grail;-)"
