AMOUAGE
THE ESSENCES – REASONS
2024
PERFUMER
Bertrand Duchaufour
cardamom
cinnamon
schinus molle
hazelnut
davana
patchouli
pine
cypriol
cashmeran
white amber
benzoin
cistus
cedarwood
myrrh
palo santo
oakmoss
sandalwood
vetiver
white musk
‘When it first emerges, Reasons is somewhat unassuming: its hazelnut opening presents a warmth that is comforting but also perhaps surprisingly unostentatious. But within moments, the scent grows, taking on an increasingly grander form. The part-herbaceous, part-fruity personality of davana creates layer upon layer of depth and complexity. Finally, the smoky woodiness of palo santo introduces a grounding, resonant earthiness – rooting the whole in a sense of timeless, harmonious stability. With tremendous complexity and gravitas, Reasons conveys the idea that although the past may be gone, its effects live on forever, supporting the present, while giving it meaning, depth and value. The Amouage Essences are a collection of three universal fragrances that push the boundaries of high perfumery. Reasons, by Bertrand Duchaufour, delves into introspection and resonance; Lustre, created by perfumers Julien Rasquinet and Paul Guerlain, radiates a refined brilliance; while Outlands, by Cecile Zarokian, captures the spirit of adventure and exploration. Each fragrance is highly concentrated, containing 30% pure perfume oils, and underwent a meticulous six-month aging process, including a double infusion with Sandalwood chips and oakwood barrels, resulting in a deep, layered scent experience. Housed in an original, refillable bottle – the first new design introduced by Amouage in 15 years – the Essences represent a pinnacle of olfactory artisanship.’ – Amouage
Last, but… well also least, for my taste, Reasons. With the Amouage Essences, it’s clear that Lustre is the one for me, Outlands is good and Reasons doesn’t quite do it for me. It’s the least up my alley as far as scent profile goes and it doesn’t give me the feeling of doing anything to elevate it to a €420 fragrance.
Pink pepper reigns supreme in the opening. Some cardamom as with Lustre & Outlands, but pink pepper is most prominent to me. Crisp, sharp, almost metallic with ever so slight fruity tinges. A lot of people have remarked on it smelling synthetic; I disagree on that front; I have a feeling a lot of people find pink pepper to smell unnatural. This is the type of fragrance that wakes you up like a splash of aftershave after a shave.
Quickly, the rosier teint of the pink pepper makes way for more green and a pine forest setting. Slightly mentholated, aromatic, chewy greens, reminding me of tree sap.
The spiciness lingers, but blends in well with the woods; it’s not a harsh or sharp scent after the opening. Of course, there’s the nutty aspect. Hazelnut is listed and early reviews speak on this nuttiness. For me, it’s understated; Reasons definitely has a slight nutty, earthy, woody edge, but it’s not as prominent as I was expecting. I’d have to revisit Amouage Opus II, but that gave me a nuttier green vibe if I remember correctly.
It’s a nice balance of fresh green woods and a sliver of ambery warmth. Only a sliver, this doesn’t grow nearly as sweet as Lustre or Outlands, so if that’s not your speed, Reasons will not change up on you too much. It stays green and woody.
As mentioned, this is not for me and I also don’t feel that you need anything remotely close to a higher-priced barrel-aged Essence for this type of fragrance. I’m not that well-versed in this style of fragrance, but I don’t feel like this elevated ‘pine-like’ scents or does much to set it apart. Ones that I prefer do get warmer and sweeter after the opening, for example the excellent Les Abstraits Des Cendres, but you can also look towards vintage green masculines for this genre at less than a 10th of the cost of the Amouage. Admittedly, I’m biased, because it’s not my type of scent, but I’m not too impressed with this one.