AMOUAGE
EPIC 56

2021

PERFUMER
Cecile Zarokian

Cumin
Pink Pepper
Cinnamon

Damask Rose
Jasmine Tea
Geranium

frankincense
Oud
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Amber
Iris
Guaiac Wood
Vanilla
musk

Amouage released Epic 56 in 2021 as part of the Exceptional Extraits and it became my favorite Amouage fragrance. Building on the DNA of the already great Epic Woman, it’s a thicker, smoother and longer-lasting version of that fragrance.

It’s a little bit spicier with a hint of cumin, but never daring or sweaty in my opinion and I’m often put-off by cumin. The opening is green herbal with a greenish rose, which grows ever more creamy with a paste-like iris. I find it equally herbal as Epic Woman, but it moves through that stage quicker in the 56 flanker.

There’s a hint of sweetness, although not as sweet as the honey in Rose Aqor, which feels like another progression on this same Zarokian DNA. Another step sweeter and spicier and you end up at her Mon Nom Est Rouge for Majda Bekkali. All are excellent, but Epic 56 is the perfect balance for me.

Performance is excellent to nuclear, especially the longevity is impressive and it wears very dense and oily.

Epic 56 defies my issues with cumin and with green scents and has taken over Reflection Man and Jubilation XXV/40‘s spot as my favorite Amouage anno 2024. It’s such an addictive scent and one that every one that smells it seems to fall in love with.

Even as someone who’s personally not totally a fan of the opening minutes, after about 30 minutes in, it’s hard to find something more epic than this.