The Verdict

Scent Profile: Citrusy opening with a woody, animalic dry-down.
Seasonality: Best suited for cooler weather, autumn, and winter.
Sillage: Strong projection up to 6 feet
Longevity: 12+ hours.

Introduction

Amouage, a brand renowned for its luxurious and daring fragrances, has introduced Opus XV: King Blue EDP, a scent that blends fresh citrus with deep, woody, and animalic undertones. Part of the Opus collection, King Blue is a bold, complex fragrance that showcases Amouage’s signature craftsmanship. With an opening that’s bright and zesty, and a base that’s rich and intense, this fragrance is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a statement piece, perfect for those who appreciate a fragrance that evolves dramatically on the skin.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes: Mandarin, Blackcurrant, Pink Pepper
Middle Notes: Frankincense, Amber
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Oakwood, Patchouli, Oud Silver, Leather

Fragrance Profile

Opus XV: King Blue EDP opens with a burst of mandarin and blackcurrant, creating a bright, fruity introduction. The pink pepper adds a subtle spiciness, balancing the sweetness of the citrus. As the fragrance settles, the heart reveals frankincense and amber, offering a smoky, resinous warmth that contrasts beautifully with the initial freshness. The base is where King Blue truly makes its mark: sandalwood, oakwood, and patchouli provide a dense, woody foundation, while oud silver and leather add an animalic, almost fecal edge that is both challenging and intriguing. This is a fragrance that demands attention, with a dry-down that is as complex as it is memorable.

Occasion

King Blue EDP is best suited for formal or evening wear, where its bold, woody-animalic profile can truly shine. It’s also a great choice for occasions where you want to make a strong impression, whether that’s a night out or a special event. However, its intensity may make it less suitable for casual or office wear.

Season

This fragrance is ideal for cooler weather, particularly autumn and winter. The warmth of the amber and the richness of the woods are heightened in colder temperatures, making it a comforting yet powerful scent for the colder months.

Performance

King Blue EDP is a beast mode fragrance in terms of performance. The transition from the bright top notes to the deep, woody base is seamless, and the fragrance maintains its complexity throughout its wear time. It’s a scent that evolves on the skin, revealing new layers as the hours pass.

Longevity

12+ hours

Sillage

Strong, projecting up to 6 feet

Conclusion

Opus XV: King Blue EDP is a bold, unapologetic fragrance that showcases Amouage’s mastery of blending fresh, woody, and animalic elements. While its fecal oud note may be polarizing, it’s this very complexity that makes King Blue a standout in the Opus line. With exceptional longevity and strong sillage, this is a fragrance for those who want to make a statement. It’s not for everyone, but for those who appreciate daring, unconventional scents, King Blue EDP is a must-try.