Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
When the house of Amouage was established in 1983 by the Sultan of Oman, the renowned perfumer Guy Robert essentially received carte blanche when it came to creating the signature Amouage fragrance. Now known as Amouage Gold, it is a perfume epitomizing luxury and opulence, a composition of traditional Omani ingredients, yet created in the grand style of French perfumery. Robert, whose creations include Hermès Equipage, Doblis and Calèche, Christian Dior Dioressence, and Madame Rochas, is a master of the gilded and elegant compositions that evoke mirrored ballrooms and Strauss waltzes. Likewise, Gold is a polished and luminous fragrance that dazzles without ever losing its refined quality. …
“You need an orchestra to play a symphony, but you can make great music with just a flute,” says Robert. Gold is undoubtedly a symphony, for it has the layered and ornate character that marks great French classics among which Robert’s creations like Calèche and Madame Rochas must be included. The dominant character of Gold is that of rose-jasmine champagne—deliciously sparkly, gently intoxicating and airy. The green floral opening sets the bright tone, while the rich base provides a perfect plush and sensual coda.
There is a similarity between Gold and Madame Rochas, given their soft aldehydic floral character and richness provided by the creamy sandalwood. One story I heard is that Madame Rochas was a beloved fragrance of the Sultan’s wife, and for this reason, elements of it were incorporated into Gold. Above all, Gold much like Madame Rochas exemplifies Robert’s style and his elegant fingerprint. It is a fragrance that would suit Versailles as much as the Sultan’s palace in Muscat, Oman.
Amouage Gold features notes of lily of the valley, rose, frankincense, iris, jasmine, myrrh, sandalwood, ambergris, musk, civet. Amouage fragrances are available online at Fourseasons, Parfumsraffy, The Perfume Shoppe, First-in-Fragrance. Their website, Amouage, provides more information and location listings.
19 Comments
Peter: “You need an orchestra to play a symphony, but you can make great music with just a flute,” says Robert.
A great quote! Do you have the rest of the interview, or wherever you got it from? April 15, 2007 at 7:35pm
BoisdeJasmin: Peter, I interviewed Guy Robert a couple of months ago, so this was a quote from our interview. Originally, I asked him how he defined a beautiful perfume. Then he got on the topic of creativity and creative process in general. April 15, 2007 at 7:47pm
Marina: “The gilded and elegant compositions that evoke mirrored ballrooms and Strauss waltzes”, gosh I love this 🙂 Don’t have any Gold at hand, Dioressence will have to do tonight. April 15, 2007 at 10:36pm
aryse: If Amouage gold evokes the waltz of Strauss, it would be perfect in the film “2001 a space odyssey” by Stanley Kubrick.The music of this film is indeed primarily composed by works of Richard Strauss (Thus Zarathoustra spoke) and Johann Strauss (the beautiful Danube blue – marvellous waltz).
For me, this movie is the most beautiful of all the history of the cinema and I adore to dance the waltz (most beautiful and romantic dance of the world). Therefore, let’s go for an eternal waltz in the infinite space with Amouage gold 🙂 April 16, 2007 at 5:14am
k-amber: It is sad that I used up my Dioressence from 70’s 🙁 I wonder if it is still found easily in Europe. Amouage Gold sounds very nice.(Every scent Victoria reviews is so intriguing..)
Kaori April 16, 2007 at 3:00am
Elle: Beautiful review! I hadn’t thought about the connection to Madame Rochas, but I can definitely see that now. Both are such gorgeous, elegant scents. April 16, 2007 at 9:08am
Judith: Lovely review. Gold does, indeed, have the feeling of a classic, symphonic fragrace. Sometimes I find it too much for me, but when I am in the mood, it’s perfect! April 16, 2007 at 9:14am
Judith: Lovely review. Gold does, indeed, have the feeling of a classic, symphonic fragrace. Sometimes I find it too much for me, but when I am in the mood, it’s perfect! April 16, 2007 at 9:14am
Ina: Wonderful review! I’ll have to compare Madame Rochas and Gold. April 16, 2007 at 10:38am
Karin: V, this is so funny! I’m wearing Mme Rochas today and wrote about it at my blog, before I read your review. I was given a few samples of this line, but I have to go look to see if this is one of them. I have an empty sample of one, whichever one my friend liked the best. Will go look now.
Karin
http://www.savvythinker.com April 16, 2007 at 4:12pm
Flora: Sigh, I love this one SO much, and it’s my sister’s very favorite; she will not buy it for herself since it has become so expensive, but she won’t buy anything else either, she says that once she tried this it was all over. If I were the type to settle on just one this would be a strong candidate, but for the price. However, if you can afford the stuff it it totally worth it. Aside from its unattainability for many, it is immediately apparent upon first smelling this that it is well beyond ordinary and a masterpiece of perfumery. April 18, 2007 at 1:28am
Madelyn E: Dear Victoria,
I miss you .. Where are you ? Are you travelling or on vacation ?
Warmest Springtime Regards,
Madelyn E April 22, 2007 at 1:33pm
Madelyn E: Dear Victoria,
I miss you .. Where are you ? Are you travelling or on vacation ?
Warmest Springtime Regards,
Madelyn E April 22, 2007 at 1:34pm
Linda: Dear Victoria,
Just to say I miss you too! I hope that you are well and really look forward to reading more of your wonderful reviews. Take care of yourself, and warmest wishes, April 22, 2007 at 1:36pm
Maja: For last 4 years I have been living in Middle East and have to admit it is a true Mecca of wonderful scents,perfumes,oils etc.
Glad to see Amouage Gold review,but my favorite is Amouage Dia.
It is one of those compositions that can bring on a “scent infused headache” or keep you on your toes,working all the pulse points on your body.Very light,but overpowering in the same time.The composition is very complex and original to nature of Arabic women.
Whatever the latest perfume in the world -you will smell it in the hallways of Malls or just bypassing traditionaly dressed ladies on the street.
One should enjoy perfume oil trade on this side of the world.Pure and costly.
This Mother’s day my daughter presented me with “Ange ou Demon” by Givenchy.
I was fishing for “Organza” Limited Edition 2006 (Nerola Orange Blossom),but her decision was quite different.
Shocking and oversaturated,actually reminded me of insect repellent and then it started lingering around me in a very nice way.
Quite comic,yet provocative,everybody asked what is that smell??
Some perfumes smell very different in Middle Eastern climate,so I am taking adventage of it enjoying it in the sun. May 15, 2007 at 9:17am
solanace: Shouldn’t have tried. Now I absolutely need a full bottle of this! And I think I should get a sample of Dia as well… June 23, 2012 at 4:59am
Victoria: A, Gold is one of those fragrances that age really well and never really feel dated. I don’t remember Dia, but if you try it, please let me know what you think. Maybe, I should revisit it as well. June 23, 2012 at 5:28am
Kat: Is this review for the “pour homme” or “pour femme”? Thank you… August 10, 2014 at 7:38pm
Victoria: Pour Femme! August 11, 2014 at 6:59am