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  1. Database
  2. Serge Lutens
  3. Collection Noire
  4. Ambre Sultan (EDP)
Serge LutensCollection Noire

Ambre Sultan (EDP)

1993

AI Generated

Versions Timeline

1993

Ambre Sultan (Original Release)

Price Range
$100 – $221

Estimated price range, including all bottle sizes

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Perfumers

Christopher Sheldrake

"Ambre Sultan is one of Serge Lutens' most iconic amber fragrances, originally launched in 1993 and widely associated with perfumer Christopher Sheldrake. It is built around a warm resinous amber core, but what sets it apart is its strikingly aromatic, herbal opening of bay, oregano, coriander, myrtle, and angelica. Rather than presenting amber as purely sweet or gourmand, it gives the genre a drier, more textured, almost souk-like character that feels both opulent and rugged. As it develops, balsamic notes, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, and benzoin create a rich oriental base with depth and persistence. The fragrance is frequently cited as a benchmark amber in niche perfumery and is often described as one of the scents that helped popularize this style. In its current form, it is sold in Serge Lutens' Collection Noire line as an eau de parfum."

Ideal Environment

Best Seasons

Fall
Winter

Ideal Weather

Cold
Dry
Mild

Moods

Warm
Mysterious
Sophisticated
Luxurious
Sensual

Occasions

Night Out
Dinner
Formal
Work
Date

Fun Facts

Serge Lutens' official story says the fragrance was inspired by a fragment of amber resin discovered in a Marrakech souk and forgotten in a thuja wood box.

Ambre Sultan is widely regarded by critics and enthusiasts as one of the reference-point amber fragrances of modern niche perfumery.

AI Generated

Aromatic Profile

0m/16h
Top Notes
1x
SpicyGreenResinousWoodyOrientalSweetPowdery

What Changed

Original 1993 release of Ambre Sultan in eau de parfum concentration; later worldwide commercialization and modern Collection Noire presentation are documented, but the core scent identity remains the reference point for this original release.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

0–2h

bay leaf
oregano
coriander
myrtle
angelica root
Middle Notes

2h–7h 12m

amber
myrrh
resins
Base Notes

7h 12m–16h

benzoin
sandalwood
vanilla
patchouli

Performance

Longevity
100%

Eternal (8h+)

Sillage
70%

Strong

Reviews Summary

“Reviews consistently describe Ambre Sultan as a landmark amber with an unusually herbal, aromatic opening over a dense resinous heart and a rich vanilla-benzoin-patchouli drydown. Users praise its originality, warmth, and long-lasting character, often calling it one of the best amber fragrances ever made. Some reviewers note that its dry herbs and balsamic density can feel challenging or old-world, but even detractors often acknowledge its importance and quality.”

Discovered by

P@Perfumind

Updated At:

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