Most so-called „amber” notes in perfumes are actually synthetic compositions, inspired by the image of its warm, resinous colour. Real amber, however, smells quite different - intense, smoky, with a hint of sea salt and a subtle hint of nostalgia.
For me, this contrast between legend and reality became the starting point for creating original fragrances from natural amber. Baltic amber smells of memories - polished nuggets, amber liquor and sometimes even the sea air after a storm. My laboratory has created amber oils and extracts extracted from the resin without the use of synthetics, using processes inspired by ancient recipes. The result? Compositions with a non-obvious character: from smoky and resinous notes, to balsamic sweetness, to delicate powdery accords.
Amber doesn't smell like vanilla or incense - it smells like history. Like a stone that is still alive. In my perfumes from the Mare Goticum or Hispaniola series, I wanted to show that this „golden stone” can be not only a jewellery symbol of the Baltic Sea, but also a fascinating artistic raw material, opening up completely new possibilities for the perfumer.
The entire interview:
Amber is wildly inspiring for perfumers - a conversation with Alan Balewski