Amberwood

What Does It Smell Like?

Amberwood is warm, resinous, and deeply sensual—imagine standing in a cedar-panelled library warmed by afternoon sunlight, where the wood itself has absorbed decades of amber incense smoke. There's a honeyed sweetness beneath the woody grain, like amber resin that's been gently heated. It's softer than raw sandalwood, more golden than vetiver, with a subtle burnt-sugar undertone reminiscent of tobacco leaf or aged leather. The overall effect is enveloping and almost edible—as if precious wood has been kissed by caramel and vanilla.

Origin & History

Amberwood is a modern aromachemical, synthesised in laboratories rather than extracted from nature. It emerged from perfumers' desire to capture the warm, amber-like qualities of natural resins and woods without relying solely on costly, slow-growing trees. The note draws inspiration from ambergris, oud, and sandalwood but streamlines these into a more stable, ethical ingredient. Its creation involved understanding how polycyclic musks and woody molecules behave when heated and oxidised—essentially bottling the essence of aged amber and precious wood together.

In Perfumery

Amberwood functions as a sophisticated base note and bridge between floral and woody families. Perfumers deploy it to add depth, warmth, and sensuality to compositions without the heaviness of pure oud. It creates a "soft focus" effect—rounding sharp edges whilst adding luminous, honeyed richness. Often paired with florals to add embrace, or with spices to deepen intensity.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 67 Fragrances