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What does Ambre Gris smell like?

Ambre Gris belongs to Balmain’s 2008 fragrance line. In a 2016 Perfume Posse review of their bottle, Portia describes a waxy, salty resin opening with honeyed sweetness, followed by a more awkward, plastic-like floral phase. The account then turns to sweet vanilla and a salty, musky finish.

Details

House: Balmain
Gender: feminine
Year: 2008
Longevity: 7.8 / 10 · 348 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 6.7 / 10 · 327 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (196 votes), Winter (181 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (157 votes), Daily (146 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Woody, Oriental, Sweet, Powdery
Perfumer: Guillaume Flavigny

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The fragrance is widely recognized for its exceptional longevity, with many users reporting it remains detectable on the skin all day and persists on clothing for much longer.
Though marketed to women, the community frequently highlights its unisex character due to the lack of traditional sugary sweetness and the prominence of dry woods and pepper.
It is often described as a "polarizing" scent; while enthusiasts praise its rich, balsamic drydown, some find the initial opening synthetic or reminiscent of a "plastic" note before it mellows out.
Now that it is discontinued, it has gained a reputation as a "hidden gem," with collectors often seeking it out for its versatility in professional and casual settings during the cooler autumn and winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambre Gris by Balmain still in production?+

No, this fragrance has been discontinued. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find at retail, though it still appears occasionally on secondary markets and through decant sellers.

How does this perform in different seasons?+

This fragrance is most popular for fall and winter. Its spicy, balsamic, and powdery notes are designed to cut through the cold, providing a warming sensation that can feel too heavy or cloying in the high heat of summer.

Is this a safe choice for the office or workplace?+

Despite its "oriental" classification, most users find it very office-safe. It has a polite sillage that sits close to the body after the first hour, making it sophisticated and focused rather than overwhelming to colleagues.

Does Ambre Gris smell like a traditional gourmand perfume?+

No. While it contains cinnamon and some sweet resins, it lacks the edible, sugary notes found in gourmands. It is grounded by woods, musk, and a salty ambergris accord, keeping it firmly in the "spicy-powdery" category.

Appears in Collections

Feminine Fragrances2169 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With A689

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No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

What does Ambre Gris smell like?

Ambre Gris belongs to Balmain’s 2008 fragrance line. In a 2016 Perfume Posse review of their bottle, Portia describes a waxy, salty resin opening with honeyed sweetness, followed by a more awkward, plastic-like floral phase. The account then turns to sweet vanilla and a salty, musky finish.

Details

House: Balmain
Gender: feminine
Year: 2008
Longevity: 7.8 / 10 · 348 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 6.7 / 10 · 327 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (196 votes), Winter (181 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (157 votes), Daily (146 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Woody, Oriental, Sweet, Powdery
Perfumer: Guillaume Flavigny

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The fragrance is widely recognized for its exceptional longevity, with many users reporting it remains detectable on the skin all day and persists on clothing for much longer.
Though marketed to women, the community frequently highlights its unisex character due to the lack of traditional sugary sweetness and the prominence of dry woods and pepper.
It is often described as a "polarizing" scent; while enthusiasts praise its rich, balsamic drydown, some find the initial opening synthetic or reminiscent of a "plastic" note before it mellows out.
Now that it is discontinued, it has gained a reputation as a "hidden gem," with collectors often seeking it out for its versatility in professional and casual settings during the cooler autumn and winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambre Gris by Balmain still in production?+

No, this fragrance has been discontinued. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find at retail, though it still appears occasionally on secondary markets and through decant sellers.

How does this perform in different seasons?+

This fragrance is most popular for fall and winter. Its spicy, balsamic, and powdery notes are designed to cut through the cold, providing a warming sensation that can feel too heavy or cloying in the high heat of summer.

Is this a safe choice for the office or workplace?+

Despite its "oriental" classification, most users find it very office-safe. It has a polite sillage that sits close to the body after the first hour, making it sophisticated and focused rather than overwhelming to colleagues.

Does Ambre Gris smell like a traditional gourmand perfume?+

No. While it contains cinnamon and some sweet resins, it lacks the edible, sugary notes found in gourmands. It is grounded by woods, musk, and a salty ambergris accord, keeping it firmly in the "spicy-powdery" category.

How does the "ambergris" note behave in this fragrance?+

Rather than a literal aquatic or animalic scent, the ambergris here provides a salty, mineral, and skin-like warmth. It acts as a fixative that smooths out the sharp spices and gives the perfume its characteristic silky texture.

I see a similar fragrance by Alyssa Ashley; is there a connection?+

There is often confusion because the brand Alyssa Ashley is a sister brand to Perris Monte Carlo and has released an Ambre Gris under its own label. However, the Balmain version is a distinct composition by perfumer Guillaume Flavigny.

Accords

Notes

TopCinnamon//Pink pepper//Tagetes//Bergamot

HeartMyrrh//Tuberose//Davana//Everlasting flower

BaseAmbergris//Styrax//White musk//Gaiac wood

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Where to buy Ambre Gris

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Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Feminine Fragrances2169 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With A689