First Impressions – Amouage

Amouage – Interlude Black Iris Man – A new perfume from Amouage always warrants a sample. Interlude Black Iris Man, is a significant release. It represents the first output for the brand since the tenure of Creative Director Christopher Chong came to an end. Interestingly, new Chief Experience Officer Renaud Salmon’s first fragrance at the helm is a flanker. Pierre Negrin, composes the scent. He also authored the original Interlude Man. In a way, it’s not surprising that Salmon chose to release a flanker to one of the brand’s most-loved scents. It seems like an appropriate way to pay tribute to the past and segue into future successes.   

The original Interlude, dubbed the “Blue Beast” is known for being a real smack in the face combination of leather, smoke, and spices. With Black Iris, Negrin has added an orris note, which I find barely perceptible on skin, unfortunately. Instead, I get a seemingly watered-down version of the original where the leather accord and spices become stifled in a veil of smoke. Yes, its airier and more wearable than the original, but ultimately I wanted the iris to make more of a statement.

Black Iris is true to the original, and that is commendable. Too often, we see flankers that bear no resemblance to the original’s DNA. However, I’m not the biggest fan of Interlude Man and probably wouldn’t wear this flanker either. I do wonder how many diehard Amouage fans will go for this scent. I’m not sure it’s enough of a departure from Interlude Man to warrant owning both. It feels obsolete. Regardless, I remain an ardent observer, and I’ll be watching with interest upcoming releases from the famed Omani house.

Have you tried this one? Do you have a favourite from the house?

Note: Sample obtained from Men’s Biz, Australia. Bottle image courtesy of Google.