AMOUAGE
SANTAL SOHAR ATTAR
2023
PERFUMER
Karine Vinchon-Spehner
basil rose
clove
sandalwood
‘In 2021, Chief Creative Officer Renaud Salmon reintroduced the world of Amouage Attars to an expectant public with six new treasures. Now, in 2023, he adds two more exquisite creations to the collection. Amber Sogara and Santal Sohar are the House’s latest expression of an ancient, highly-revered form of perfumery. These modern creations draw inspiration from the natural treasures of our Land, the Sultanate of Oman. Powdery-green sweeps of Basil-Rose meet the spicy vermillion of Clove bark all dimmed in the mellow, gourmand sheen of Sandalwood. The golden aura of a thousand celestial lights glimmering over the ancient harbour of Sohar whence spices and sandal used to flow.’ – Amouage
I have to say, I wasn’t overly impressed with the first 6 ‘new’ attars that Amouage launched. All were great quality, but most of them were adding very little to what was already out there as (much) more affordable, sprayable niche fragrances. With the 2023 new additions, Santal Sohar and Amber Sogara, I’m seeing a leap forward in what I wanted from these attars. Especially this Santal Sohar, which is my favorite.
Santal Sohar is done by Karine Vinchon Spehner, who has a great track-record with Amouage. She was the nose for my favorite of the Odyssey – Escape collection, Lineage. And there is perhaps some lineage towards Santal Sohar with the honeyed aspect.
Santal Sohar is a warm, honeyed sandalwood, with a light spiciness. The listed clove is definitely noticeable, reminding me of Christmas and always a bit of the Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille DNA. The combination with the rose pulls it more in the direction of Dior Santal Noir. Or even Guerlain Santal Royal at first, but the Amouage keeps the focus way more on the sandalwood as it starts to dry down.
The oily, dense, but super smooth wear of the attar, really helps in making Santal Sohar stand out. Clove and spiciness can be a bit harsh and overpowering, but in this form factor, it feels like it’s one big accord straight from the get go.
I can imagine some honeyed incense here, but it’s not as bright or incense-heavy as for example Areej Le Dore Mysore Incenza. Instead, this goes fully milky sandalwood in the end. Probably the most lactonic I’ve seen an Amouage go and it’s a lovely smooth wear.
Overall, this feels as luxurious and mature as I wanted these reimagined Amouage attars at their price points to be. I still couldn’t justify the spending, but in another life, I’d be happy to have Santal Sohar in my collection.