Amouage Enclave Review: The Scent of Golden Hour in a Bottle
A Breathtaking Olfactory Journey to the Musandam Fjords
There are fragrances that smell pleasant, and then there are fragrances that tell a story. They transport you. They wrap around a memory you haven''t even made yet and hold it, waiting for you. Amouage Enclave, my friends, is one of the latter. It is not merely a scent; it is an experience, a moment captured in time, a feeling bottled with the kind of artistry that reminds me why I fell in love with perfume in the first place. This is the story of a sunset, of breathtaking contrasts, and of a modern masterpiece from a house that knows how to command attention.
When I first heard about Enclave, I was intrigued. It was launched in 2020 as part of Amouage’s Renaissance Collection, a quartet of fragrances signaling a fresh, vibrant new direction under the creative guidance of Renaud Salmon. For years, Amouage was the undisputed king of opulent, complex, incense-laden scents that felt like olfactory translations of ancient Arabian tales. With the Renaissance Collection, and Enclave in particular, the house proved it could retain its soul while speaking a new, more modern language. It was a bold move, and it paid off beautifully.
The inspiration is pure poetry: the fjords of Musandam, Oman, at the final moments of sunset. Imagine it. You’re standing on the sun-baked, amber-hued rocks, the heat of the day radiating upwards. But as the sun dips below the horizon, a cool, fragrant breeze sweeps in from the sea, carrying with it the scent of the wild greenery clinging to the cliffs. It is this very duality—the clash of intense warmth and invigorating coolness—that perfumer Julien Rasquinet so masterfully captured. Enclave is not just a perfume about mint and amber; it is the scent of that specific, fleeting, magical moment.
In the fragrance community, Enclave quickly became a star. It was a departure, yet it felt undeniably Amouage in its quality, its boldness, and its sheer performance. It’s a scent that sparks conversation, a modern niche icon that balances artistic expression with surprising wearability. It’s the kind of fragrance you wear when you want to feel unique, sophisticated, and utterly unforgettable. So, let’s journey together into this olfactory sunset and discover the magic of Enclave.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Julien Rasquinet, a renowned perfumer known for his work with luxury houses like Frederic Malle, Creed, and Initio Parfums Prives. He is celebrated for creating complex, emotionally resonant fragrances.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A stunning and immediate contrast of cool, photorealistic spearmint against a backdrop of warm, spicy cardamom and cinnamon. It feels invigorating and sophisticated, like a cool breeze over a sun-drenched landscape.
The mint gracefully recedes, allowing the heart of golden, resinous olibanum (frankincense) and earthy patchouli to emerge. The warmth builds, but the minty freshness lingers as a fascinating counterpoint, preventing the scent from becoming too heavy.
A luxurious and enveloping base of modern, powerful amber (AmberXtreme™) and a soft, refined leather accord (Saffiano™). It''s a warm, sensual, and slightly sweet skin scent that lasts for hours, with a faint memory of the cool minty opening.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional longevity. Easily lasts 10-12+ hours on skin and for days on clothes.
Projects strongly for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming scent bubble.
Leaves a beautiful, captivating trail of warm amber and cool spice that is sure to draw attention.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
A very high compliment getter. The unique and alluring contrast of mint and amber is a frequent conversation starter.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly unique mint and amber scent profile
- ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
- ✅ Made with high-quality, luxurious ingredients
- ✅ Modern, sophisticated, and versatile for evenings
- ✅ Tells a beautiful olfactory story
- ❌ Luxury price point can be a barrier for some
- ❌ The prominent mint note in the opening can be polarizing
- ❌ Can be too heavy for hot weather or confined spaces
Price & Value
“A significant investment, but worth it for the exceptional quality, performance, and unique artistry. A masterpiece for serious collectors.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men and women aged 25+
- Confident individuals who appreciate niche perfumery
- Lovers of unique, complex scents with a warm/cool contrast
- Those looking for a sophisticated signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who dislike mint in fragrances
- Fans of simple, light, or purely aquatic scents
- Very conservative office environments due to its bold character
The Family
Part of the same Renaissance Collection, focusing on a bright, solar floral theme.
Part of the same Renaissance Collection, an earthy, green, and incense-driven scent.
Part of the same Renaissance Collection, a spicy and warm rose and cinnamon fragrance.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a theme of icy freshness contrasted with a woody, ambery base, though Bvlgari is much lighter and more designer-focused.
A classic designer fragrance that pioneered the use of mint with a warm vanilla base, but Enclave is a far more complex, niche interpretation of this contrast.
While the notes are different (honey, tobacco), it shares a similar profile of being a powerful, sweet, and spicy scent for cooler weather that exudes luxury and performance.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Widely cited in the community as a very close and affordable alternative that captures the mint/amber DNA.
Known for creating high-quality ''inspirations'', this is another popular choice for those seeking the Enclave experience on a budget.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Shares a modern, mass-appealing yet sophisticated blend of fresh and warm spicy notes (apple, cardamom, vanilla).
Another creation by Julien Rasquinet, it offers a similarly intoxicating blend of warm, sweet, and spicy notes (rum, tobacco, vanilla).
For those who love the warm, spicy, and slightly sweet drydown of Enclave, Herod''s rich tobacco and vanilla profile is a natural next step.
More from Amouage
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance (like Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille) to amplify the sweetness in the drydown.
- A molecule scent like Iso E Super or Ambroxan to add a woody, ethereal diffusion to the base.
- A dry incense fragrance (like Comme des Garçons Avignon) to enhance the olibanum in the heart.
🏆 Final Verdict
Amouage Enclave is a triumph of modern perfumery. It''s a bold, artistic, and deeply evocative fragrance that manages to be both challenging and immensely wearable. If you are seeking a scent that stands out from the crowd, performs exceptionally well, and tells a compelling story of contrast, your search may be over. It is the perfect signature scent for the confident individual who appreciates quality and is not afraid to make a statement. To wear Enclave is to wear a piece of art, a captured moment of natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression on you and everyone you encounter.