What does ambergris smell like
So, what does it smell like? Well, it’s complicated. Ambergris has an odour which is difficult to explain to anyone who has never had the pleasure of its sensual aroma. There is no denying that it is odd with its combination of sweetness and raw animal potency. For those who grow to love its exquisite yet elusive notes; the contradiction is part of this attraction. Ambergris is often described as being musky and having a sweet earthy aroma unlike any other or a mossy fragrance reminiscent of the damp forest floor. Add a dash of ocean spray, a hint of cigar, a good amount of sweetness and a little odour of the stable floor to complete the recipe for this exotic fragrance blend. Ask 10 different people to describe their impression of the ambergris fragrance and you may receive 10 different answers. In the first instance; the fragrance will vary greatly depending on the quality of a particular piece. Then there is the fragrance perception unique to us all where an odour so pleasant to one person is offensive to another. Given that ambergris originates in the bottom of a whale; there is a general (and not unreasonable) expectation that ambergris will have a strong and foul odour. This is not the case. The base animal (manure) odour fades as ambergris cures in the ocean. In general, lighter coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant fragrance. The white and grey varieties, in particular, possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma which is so highly prized and brings such rich rewards for the dedicated beachcomber.
