The French fragrance house Creed is causing a stir with a new line called The Amber Universe. The two eaux de parfum Delphinus and Centaurus are dedicated to the woody-amber fragrance family and the cosmos. We will soon find out what these two quite different themes have to do with each other and how exactly Creed combines and translates wood, ambergris and the universe olfactorily.
In my previous posts Queen of Silk by Creed – Silky Pleasure and Carmina – The new fragrance by Creed, I introduced you to the two women’s fragrances Queen of Silk and Carmina by the cult label. Delphinus and Centaurus are also dressed in the brand’s classic bottle, which is dipped in warm reddish orange and reddish brown to match the woody-amber fragrance theme.
The Latin names of the two creations make me spontaneously think of the last series, the first and only season of which I just finished last night: Those about to die is set in ancient Rome in 79 AD and gives an impression of life in the Roman Empire, the machinations, intrigues and cruelties that seemed to be the order of the day back then. Of course, the series is fictional, but it is partly based on real people and historical events. Not only are the chariot races in the Circus Maximus impressively depicted, but the cruelty of gladiator fights, the bloodthirstiness and hedonism of the Romans are also a big part of the series, in which Game of Thrones sadist Iwan Rheon plays a leading role. Not everything in Those about to die is worth seeing, but the series is certainly entertaining.
Delphinus – The Amber Universe
However, this review is not about the Amazon series, but about The Amber Universe Collection by Creed, and so I would like to focus on the first eau de parfum, Delphinus. The Latin name means dolphin, for which you certainly don’t need a great deal of Latin, and refers to the constellation also mentioned, which can be seen in the northern hemisphere. The press release states: “This creation combines the symbolic meaning of the dolphin in Greek mythology, as Poseidon’s envoy to find Amphitrite, with a unique olfactory experience.” The ingredients black pepper, incense, almond, pink pepper, heliotrope, orchid, iris, patchouli, ambergris, leather and bourbon vanilla live up to the promise of a woody-ambery fragrance.
Delphinus opens opulently and immediately reveals creamy, leathery and vanilla-spicy aspects that make the creation appear very dense and complex. The opening reveals dry, peppery nuances accentuated by milky almond and subtly smoky incense. However, iris soon takes center stage in the composition with its lipstick-smooth facets, accompanied by vanilla-sweet blossoms. Light, soft leather combines with iris to create a powerful and soft leather iris that is so beautiful and enchanting that I immediately melt away. I like! The ambergris brings additional velvety warmth to the olfactory play, accompanied by soft, earthy and creamy patchouli, which emphasizes the softness of the suede-iris duo.
Delphinus is a bright, sweet and vanilla-spicy blend of precious iris and the finest leather, accompanied by gourmand, creamy and ambery notes. The eau de parfum thus has its finger on the pulse of the times, because – as already mentioned several times – warm and spicy, gourmand-inspired creations are currently on the rise in the world of niche fragrances and are gradually replacing the fruit fragrance hype of recent years. Despite all its expressiveness, Delphinus has a certain transparency and airiness and never seems heavy or overwhelming in my eyes. This eau de parfum is absolutely suitable for everyday wear and the office and is ideal for all lovers of leather iris as well as creamy, warm and spicy compositions. In my opinion, it is not only suitable for fall and winter, but can be worn all year round. Great! 🧡
Centaurus – Olfactory hybrid
The constellation Centaurus is located in the sky of the southern hemisphere. It is quite extensive and includes the well-known stars Alpha Centauri and Proxima Centauri. The source of inspiration for Creed’s fragrance of the same name was not only the constellation itself, but the centaur Cheiron depicted by it. In contrast to other centaurs, who were bloodthirsty and violent, Cheiron is said to have been very gentle, just and wise. He was a teacher to many other gods, was well versed in medicine and is generally regarded as the one who lent his knowledge to Asclepius, the god of healing. Creed has created an olfactory monument to this very special being, half horse, half man, with the ingredients cardamom, cinnamon, tobacco, pink pepper, geranium, sandalwood, heliotrope, jasmine, patchouli, benzoin resin, tolu balsam, tonka bean, ambroxan and bourbon vanilla.
The opening of Centaurus is dark and a little gloomy, from which I sniff out clear, cool coniferous wood nuances. Gradually, spices and tobacco join in, soothing the powerful start of this eau de parfum and lending it aromatic, dry and greenish, spicy accents. At the heart, the composition becomes calmer. Warm sandalwood and vanilla heliotrope meet milky jasmine and creamy patchouli, making the creation lighter and more airy. In the base, creamy resins, the spicy sweetness of bourbon vanilla and tonka bean and super-soft ambroxan provide a powdery, soft and gentle finish.
The second fragrance in The Amber Universe Collection is initially darker, but then becomes similarly transparent and light as Delphinus. Centaurus has cooler, woody-creamy notes that could be described as subtly masculine. Overall, however, both creations are unisex in my eyes and were designed as such. If you like the combination of spicy tobacco, soft flowers, creamy woods and powdery notes, this eau de parfum from Creed is just right for you. 🤎
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