Interlude Black Iris by Amouage is a darker, richer flanker to the brand’s iconic Interlude Man, a fragrance celebrated for its intense complexity. Interlude Black Iris refines and reinterprets the original’s chaos, adding smoother, more refined touches of iris and tonka bean, giving it a slightly more accessible and elegant profile while maintaining its bold, dramatic core.

Overview:

• Brand: Amouage
• Fragrance Name: Interlude Black Iris
• Fragrance Type: Eau de Parfum
• Release Year: 2020
• Target Audience: Primarily masculine, but suitable for confident unisex wearers
• Perfumer: Pierre Negrin

Scent Profile:

Top Notes:

• Bergamot: The opening starts with a bright, zesty burst of bergamot, cutting through the darkness that follows. It adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that quickly makes way for more intense notes.
• Rosemary: Aromatic rosemary adds a green, herbal facet to the opening, blending with the bergamot to create an invigorating yet slightly medicinal touch.
• Violet Leaf: A fresh, green note of violet leaf brings a metallic coolness that contrasts with the warmth to come, making the fragrance feel crisp and cold at the start.

Heart Notes:

• Orris (Iris): The addition of orris is what sets Black Iris apart from the original Interlude Man. This powdery, earthy, and slightly floral note lends a refined, buttery texture to the fragrance, softening the sharpness of the incense and spices while adding an air of elegance. The iris adds an almost velvety smoothness to the composition.
• Frankincense & Myrrh: As with the original Interlude, frankincense and myrrh dominate the heart, providing a rich, resinous smoke. This incense accord is both meditative and intense, grounding the fragrance with a sense of mystery and spirituality.
• Amber: The amber enhances the warmth and richness of the heart, giving it a sweet, resinous quality that balances the dry smokiness of the incense.
• Labdanum: Adds to the warmth with a leathery, balsamic touch, deepening the fragrance's complexity and complementing the iris in creating a smooth, sophisticated heart.

Base Notes:

• Leather: The base is anchored by a deep and refined leather note, which is strong but smooth. It adds a masculine, smoky undertone to the fragrance.
• Sandalwood: Soft and creamy, sandalwood gives the fragrance a milky woodiness that blends perfectly with the smokiness of incense and leather. It enhances the overall smooth texture, making the base feel luxurious and rich.
• Vanilla: The sweetness of vanilla softens the darker elements, adding a gentle warmth and sweetness in the base that helps tame the incense and smoke.
• Patchouli & Oud: Earthy patchouli and oud add depth and a dark, woody richness to the fragrance’s dry-down, reinforcing its strength and longevity.

Performance:

• Longevity: Excellent. Like most Amouage fragrances, Interlude Black Iris has impressive longevity, lasting easily 8-12 hours or more on the skin. The richness of the resins, woods, and leather ensures that it lingers long after application.
• Projection: Strong projection, particularly in the first few hours. The fragrance has a powerful sillage that creates a noticeable presence, but the iris and sandalwood smooth it out, making it more wearable and less aggressive than the original Interlude.
• Versatility: Due to its intensity and rich, dark composition, Interlude Black Iris is best suited for cooler weather and evening wear. It’s a perfect choice for formal events, special occasions, or moments when you want to make a strong, memorable impression. While some may find it wearable year-round, it can feel overwhelming in high heat.

Impression:

Interlude Black Iris is a bold, mysterious fragrance that captures the essence of luxury and sophistication, yet with a touch of darkness and drama. The smokiness of incense, leather, and resins dominates, but the orris adds a new dimension of refinement. This iris inclusion makes the fragrance smoother and more elegant than the original, giving it a powdery, almost buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the darker elements of smoke and leather.

Where the original Interlude Man was known for its intense, chaotic smokiness, Black Iris feels more controlled and harmonious, thanks to the creamy sandalwood, iris, and vanilla, which add a sense of balance. It’s a fragrance that speaks to power, confidence, and mystery, perfect for those who want a scent that exudes masculinity but in a refined and sophisticated way.

Who Would Like This?

• Fans of incense-heavy, smoky fragrances with depth and complexity.
• Anyone who enjoyed the original Interlude Man but prefers a smoother, less intense version.
• Those who appreciate fragrances with rich, woody, resinous, and leathery notes.
• People who want a unique, luxurious scent for evening wear or special occasions.
• Iris lovers looking for a darker, more mysterious interpretation of the note.