Woods Symphony by Amouage is part of the brand’s high-end, luxurious Renaissance Collection, which was inspired by the stunning natural beauty and historical richness of Oman. This fragrance is a sophisticated blend that, as the name suggests, harmonizes various woody notes, enhanced by spices, florals, and resins to create a symphony of complexity and depth.

Overview:

• Brand: Amouage
• Fragrance Name: Woods Symphony
• Fragrance Type: Eau de Parfum
• Release Year: 2020 (as part of the Renaissance Collection)
• Target Audience: Unisex
• Perfumer: Karine Vinchon-Spehner

Scent Profile:

Top Notes:

• Bergamot: The opening is fresh and citrusy, with bergamot providing a lively brightness. This sparkling note sets the stage for the deeper woody tones to follow by creating a contrast between light and dark.
• Cardamom: Cardamom adds a spicy and slightly sweet warmth to the top, balancing the sharpness of the bergamot with its aromatic and comforting character.
• Pink Pepper: A slightly rosy, spicy nuance from pink pepper adds to the top, contributing a soft, fresh warmth that blends nicely with the citrus and cardamom.

Heart Notes:

• Olibanum (Frankincense): As the fragrance develops, the heart is dominated by olibanum, giving the fragrance its characteristic Amouage signature. The frankincense provides a smoky, resinous quality that feels spiritual and meditative, yet elegant. It pairs beautifully with the woodiness that starts to emerge.
• Cedarwood: Cedarwood introduces a dry, slightly sharp, and resinous woody note. It forms the backbone of the fragrance, giving it a rich, structured core that is enhanced by the surrounding incense and spices.
• Jasmine: There’s a touch of jasmine in the heart that adds a soft, floral sweetness to balance the smoky and woody elements. The jasmine isn’t overpowering but adds a delicate, smooth floral lift to the composition.

Base Notes:

• Sandalwood: The base is smooth and creamy thanks to the sandalwood, which blends seamlessly with the cedarwood and incense. It gives the fragrance a soft, milky woodiness that feels warm and luxurious.
• Patchouli: Patchouli adds a deep, earthy, and slightly sweet element to the base. It’s grounding and enhances the woody nature of the fragrance, giving it a more robust and long-lasting presence.
• Vanilla: A subtle touch of vanilla in the dry-down brings warmth and sweetness, rounding out the composition and making it more inviting. The vanilla adds a layer of softness to the otherwise dry and smoky base.

Performance:

• Longevity: Like most Amouage fragrances, Woods Symphony has impressive longevity. It easily lasts 8-10 hours or more on the skin, lingering with its woody and resinous warmth well into the day.
• Projection: The projection is moderate to strong. During the first few hours, the fragrance radiates noticeably but eventually settles into a softer sillage. It’s a fragrance that will be noticed but isn’t overwhelming.
• Versatility: Due to its woody, resinous nature, Woods Symphony is best suited for cooler weather—fall and winter are perfect for this fragrance. It’s versatile in terms of occasion, working well for both daytime and evening wear, but its richness makes it more appropriate for formal events, professional settings, or special occasions where you want to leave a lasting impression.

Impression:

Woods Symphony is an elegant, luxurious, and expertly balanced fragrance that leans heavily into woody, resinous, and spicy notes. The combination of cedarwood, sandalwood, and incense creates a rich, meditative quality, with the spices and florals adding complexity and depth. The smoky olibanum and creamy sandalwood are the stars of the show, creating a deep, calming, and spiritual aura.

The fragrance feels like a refined journey through a dark, aromatic forest, where the earthy scent of patchouli and the smoothness of vanilla in the base act as grounding forces, balancing the intense woods and resins. It’s a fragrance that evokes both power and serenity, making it ideal for someone who appreciates intricate compositions and enjoys woody fragrances with a resinous core.

Who Would Like This?

• Lovers of woody, resinous fragrances, especially those who enjoy incense and smoky notes.
• Fans of Amouage’s signature DNA, with its strong focus on frankincense and complex blends.
• Those seeking a sophisticated, long-lasting fragrance that balances woody intensity with smooth, warm, and spicy nuances.
• People who enjoy luxurious, unisex fragrances that can transition from day to night and are suitable for formal occasions.