Amouage King Blue Opus XV (Alexis Grugeon and Hamid Merati-Kashani) + The Art of Living Giveaway

Amouage King Blue Opus XV

Amouage King Blue Opus XV courtesy of the brand

Amouage Opus XV King Blue is the exclusive new perfume and the 6th fragrance from the restructured Library Collection and follows the 2023 Fragrance Foundation USA Awarding Winning Royal Tobacco. Read on to learn how they share a common inspiration when Creative Director Renaud Salmon’s visited Cuba, in this exclusive quote for ÇaFleureBon (as of the date of this post).

Renaud Salmon of Amouage

Creative Director Renaud Salmon of Amouage courtesy of Renaud Salmon

During my research about Cuba for the previous Opus of the Library Collection, Royal Tobacco, I stumbled upon Salon De Mayo, a gathering of some of the most influential artists on the planet that happened in Havana in 1967.

 Amouage King Blue Opus XV was inspired by the Art of Living Painting by Rene Magritte

Inspiration mood board courtesy of the brand

 One of the pieces exhibited was “The Art Of Living” from the surrealist artist Rene Magritte. I remember that my first encounter with this painting was when I discovered it as a kid on a stamp in my collection; but I did not realize back then that it was part of a commemorative series edited by the Cuban post following Salon De Mayo. At that time, I recall that the stamp clearly stood out from the page and felt very different from the hundreds of paper neighbors – probably because of its surrealistic nature. This is how the idea of Amouage King Blue Opus XV was born. I wanted to create a perfume that explores the mechanisms behind the surrealistic thinking and how it opens a new reality through unexpected juxtapositions. I did not want the work to be limited to a study of the – mostly visual – aesthetics of the movement but wanted to propose a genuine olfactive surrealistic impression, using visual clues, semiotics, lexicology of perfumery and the fragrance itself to create the expectation of something that won’t come. – Renaud Salmon

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

Amouage King Blue Opus XV is an Eau de Parfum with 35 percent pure perfume oils Aging: 5 weeks /Maturation 5 weeks

Alexis Grudgeon and Hamid Merati-Keshani of Firmenich

Perfumers are Alexis Grugeon who recently composed Amouage Search (reviewed by Steven and Karl) and Hamid Merati-Kashani both of Firmenich © courtesy of Amouage

Video Editor Steven Gavrielatos reviews Amouage King Blue Opus XV

Disclosure: Steven was a gifted a bottle and Michelyn a discovery kit

 In Steven’s video he accidently said a bottle was for the giveaway. This is NOT correct it is a 10 ml travel spray !!!

Thanks to a team member we have a 10 ml travel spray of Amouage King Blue Opus XV for a registered CaFleureBon reader in the USA, Canada, EU, UK  (if you are not sure if you are registered click here) and a Redolessence subscriberTo be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about BOTH Renaud Salmon’s introduction and Steven’s review

Draw closes 8/6/2023 and the winner will be announced within 10 days thereafter

Available at the time of this posting only on Amouage.com

Renaud Salmon of Amouage was Michelyn’s Creative Director of the Year 2021

All photos courtesy of Amouage©

Follow us on Instagram:@cafleurebonofficial @redolessence @amouageofficial @renaudsalmon @alexis grugeon @hamidhmk

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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68 comments

  • ramsesperez52 says:

    I’m Cuban so I was not aware of this place in Cuba, granted I came when I was 14 years old, 16 years ago. I love strong fragrances so I’m ready to take on Opus XV! I don’t mind animalic fragrances and based on the notes it does give a winter/fall fragrance. I would love to win the 10 ML travel spray. Cheers from NJ, USA.

  • Steven Smith says:

    Fantastic introduction and great review by steven. I own jubilation 25 which is stunning. Would love a sample of king blue opus xv.

  • Vincent Veneracion says:

    Another Amouage release that I’m eager to try. Great review as always by Redolesence.

  • Robert DeLeon says:

    So I’m guessing this will be different and stand out from what I read. Those are some really good notes with a high oil concentration. Sounds like it smells divine.

  • mikebkirby says:

    I absolutely love Amouage. Mr Salmons description really sets it up as unconventional and alluring. Like things that shouldn’t be there but they are and it makes everything more interesting because of it. That ties in with Stevens description of it being for the connoisseur or someone looking to make a statement. Typical and expected aren’t making the statements or standing out. The scent sounds so amazing. A great next step after Royal Tobacco.

  • I’m really intrigued by this one, especially the black current note. Hope to try it some day soon!

  • I have an immense fondness for Amouage. The portrayal truly presents it as something unique and captivating—like an unexpected charm that adds intrigue to everything. Steven’s depiction aligns perfectly, suggesting it’s meant for connoisseurs or those seeking to make a bold statement. It’s evident that this fragrance goes beyond the typical and predictable, bringing a sense of allure and fascination. From the description, it sounds incredibly appealing! New Jersey, USA

  • juicedupandsloppy says:

    Love the Cuban connection and stevens videos always are right on. Price is high at $500, but by the descriptions in the article and video it will be worth it.

  • Paul Smith says:

    Renaud Salmon’s introduction and Steven’s review were great. Based on Art, exquisite ingredients, and 12+ hour longevity, I can’t wait to try this!

  • As a writer who often makes connections between disparate issues that others don’t see readily, I appreciate and enjoy the thought process behind Renaud’s scent. He takes an abstract thought and manages, much like he did with Royal Tobacco, to turn it into a story and create a scent that tells it. I’ve been watching Steven on Redolessence for quite some time and always appreciate the authenticity in his reviews. The way he’s able to describe and give impressions of a scent profile lets one imagine it clearly, while his personality and delivery is always enjoyable. Smelling great from upstate New York!

  • Great article and awesome review by Steven.
    If I don’t win this bottle I’ll just cry

  • While I like Steven’s review of OPUS XV King Blue, LOVED that the man himself, Renaud Salmon shared his story of the Magritte stamp when he was a young boy and then being in Cuba. I own so many Amouage perfumes and Silver Oud and Royal Tobacco are in heavy rotation.
    USA

  • Regis Monkton says:

    Amouage is definitely one of my favorite fragrance companies. “Jubilation XXV Man” might be my all-time favorite fragrance. I’m intrigued to see if Amouage King Blue Opus XV is like the concept behind it, the concept which Renaud Salmon was talking about. I like to hear that it has good overall performance, and I’m intrigued to see what Steven means when he says that this fragrance is Amouage going in a new direction. I live in the U.S.A.

  • Been a huge fan of the library collection but haven’t sampled any after the restructure. This review is very compelling and a nice prompt to get back int the “Library”! The notes ate equally compelling!

  • sammyscents says:

    The sillage and longevity of Amour fragrances is what attracts me the most. I travel alot and a 10ML is perfect to have time with the fragrance on your skin. With the fall coming and the notes in this fragrance it would be a great bonus to add to my collection. MD, USA

  • The introduction was full of intriguing facts and amazing information. The reference to Cuba sounds fascinating. Steven’s review was in my opinion very helpful, professionall and captivating. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Albert Pena says:

    This brand is one of the most fascinating brand I ever bought in my life. I’m really happy about the perfumes I have from these brand. I wish I can win this giveaway. Why not thank you everybody.

  • From Renaud Salmon’s introduction I enjoyed his description of how the surrealist thinking that inspires art helped lead to the creation of King Blue.

    Steven as always gave a thorough review and I enjoyed his breakdown of the notes and performance for this fragrance.

    Looking forward to getting my nose on it!

  • like2sme11 says:

    I really like how Renaud Salmon recalled how a stamp stood out from all the others and Steven mentions this is as a fragrance that will make you stand out from the others. I would love to experience this fragrance.

  • I love Stevens reviews! He always describes fragrances in a way where you can almost smell it! I truly believe if you’re looking for a unique scent and wanting to stand out from everyone this is definitely it! But I also believe this scent is also for the connoisseur. This is such an amazing opportunity to be able to possibly have this in my collection! Much love from PA USA

  • Renaud Salmon’s connecting this to surrealist art makes me interested in King Blue.

    I like that Stevens review does a good job describing the wearing experience. I think I fit into the category of people who would enjoy this fragrance. I would really enjoy a sample of this.

  • Joel Franco says:

    Wow! wow! Just fantástico, all that notes make me try this beatifull fragrance but if can Win this bottle I ll be very happy

  • Tyrone Cheers says:

    The introduction was stellar. His delivery and presentation was superb!! I’ve always wanted to try Amouge as it is on my Superior List of fragrance houses. This would be a excellent way to start. Congrats in advance to whom ever the winner will be!!!

  • Interesting this fragrance inspired by surrealistic artist Rene Magritte and Cuba political movement. Steven described the animalic facets and the Frankincense,Amber and Patchouli stood out for me. The richness and longevity just adds to the reputation of Amouage. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Top Notes: Mandarin, Blackcurrant, Pink Pepper; Heart Notes: Frankincense, Amber; Base Notes: Sandalwood, Oakwood, Patchouli, Oud Silver, Leather. A beautiful piece description by Steven just adds to allure and mystery of this concoction I am loving the animalic and frankincense and amber throughout this fragrance. The perfumer mentioned his inspiration by surrealistic artistic movement just takes this to another stage. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • I enjoyed reading of Mr. Salmon’s childhood stamp collection. From the video I enjoyed when I learned just how powerful this fragrance is. US

  • Isaiah Hodge says:

    I recently got out of the hospital after having a near-death experience. God has given me another chance at life and I am going to live whole-heartedly for Him now!

  • Can’t wait to try this one out. Thanks for doing this giveaway! Greetings from Dallas, TX

  • Sounds like an amazing scent now that I’m starting to dabble in middle eastern fragrance

  • Both Salmon’s introduction and Steven’s review makes me want to try this more and more :D.
    Amouage is one of my favourite houses and i have a lot of perfumes from them: Reflection Man/Rflection 45/Interlude Black Iris/Jubilation XXV and more. I would love to put my nose on this, too!
    Greetings from Romania, EU!

  • What a creative director M.Salmon is! wow! he is building an amazing collection since he arrived to Amouage! In this now Opus XV he wants to create a genuine olfactive surrealistic impression, an unexpected “Magritte” perfume. Steven smiles when says that this heavy hitter fragrance open with a just a little bit of freshness. Animalic, strong, vigorous, woody, warm (the Amouage frankincense is not smoky here) this scent is not for this torrid summer we have in Europe . Dark longevity and great projection for one of the best releases of the year according to Steven! I live in Spain, EU.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    This is really cool. Steven is super detailed and the review Here and the pics in Royal Blue are cool. The library opus is one of the few really inspiring collections out there

  • opens with freshness a bit musky animalic fragrance. Based on Stephen this is not a safe blind buy ,it is more for experienced noses. Definitely a cold weather fragrance with anticipated strong performance as most Amouage. Can’t wait to try it after all as mentioned this is inspired by the “The Art Of Living”.I am in EU

  • Oh, this sounds like a lovely treat for cold gray rainy days in the winter. I have not tried any Amouage fragrances, so this sample would be great. I enjoyed Steven’s review and he gave me ideas for other Amouage events I might enjoy (anything with “beach” always calls my name. I also liked the intro with the mood board, I’m interested in trying a scent with such a different story.
    Thank you for the reviews and the draw

  • Joshua Hampton says:

    This is really cool. I’ve always enjoyed fragrances and would imagine the story behind them. Can’t wait to experience this one. As usual, Steven’s review is informative and casual, but covers just about everything you’d want to ask about the fragrance. Well done!

  • I’m not one for super safe fragrances. I want it to smell good, but still have something about it that is alluring. I like that this fragrance is dark with animalics and a lot of variation in the woods. Earthy and warm sounds so good. This seems like it would be right up my alley, but still different. I enjoyed learning about the inspiration for this. I wonder what inspired the name? I live in Illinois, USA.

  • Steven is always a thorough and thoughtful reviewer and I related to Renaud’s surrealistic thinking in the creation of this fragrance.

  • Always looking forward to trying a new Amouage. My favourite from the line is Royal Tobacco and that one set the bar pretty high, so I am excited when there is something fresh on the market, as I have high hopes that it could surpass Royal Tobacco.
    Thank you

  • I love Stephen in a crown! So regal. I too am an abstract artist so the inspiration is interesting to me. I have become a fain of amouage. My husband wears several and I recently tried sunshine woman. In maryland.

  • Leave it to Amouage to create a fragrance celebrating the surrealists. It’s fascinating that the inspiration was a Cuban stamp series. Love Steven’s crown. Favorite Amouage is Woman. I’m in the US.

  • Frankincense, amber, oud leather, sandalwood, patchouli – sheesh! This sounds dark in every sense of the word. Hoping the sandalwood is from Mysore (can always hope!). I’m so glad I stumbled upon this video from Steven. Amouage has never disappointed, and this sound like an absolute heavy hitter. Jubilation XXV and Overture are my favorites, I would love if this could be my new go to. Thanks for the giveaway guys!

  • I appreciated how Renaud Salmon gave us some insight about how he found the inspiration for King Blue, in Salon de Mayo including a selection of Magritte’s works.
    Regarding Steven’s review, he really helped imagine what kind of frankincense we’re talking about, talking about how this frag is meant for colder weather since it becomes warm and rich after the amber kicks in, also has an animalic component and it is not for the “weak of heart”, but for people who truly love and know niche.
    Commenting from the EU

  • I’m facinated by Renaud Salmon’s aim to achieve “a genuine olfactive surrealistic impression” – what does that smell like? I’m thinking of how unique other Amouages are, like Myths Man. And Stephen’s review emphasises the same thing – something unusual, complex, only for the connoisseur. Interesting! Would love to smell it, I’m in the EU.

  • Brandon Morgan says:

    I loved hearing Steven describe this enigmatic scent and it was a pleasure learning the history of Salon De Mayo with Renaud. I am excited to try this release!

  • Randy McClaugherty says:

    Can’t wait to try Opus XV… I have 4 other Amouage fragrances and have been happy with every purchase.

  • Leonarda K. says:

    I love Mr. Salmon’s backstory and inspiration behind this fragrance and I’m always looking for something new to try. Surrealism as insiration for a fragrance made me interested in it as soon as I read it. Reading the notes I imagined it was going to open as a fresh, zesty fragrance like so many other fragrances do, but Steven’s review gave me a better idea how the two talented perfumes combined the notes and it turned out completely different than what I expected from just reading the notes.
    The fact it’s an animalic perfume and was described as something for conossieurs makes me think this is a great perfume for a confident, masculine successful man who wants to stick out from the masses.
    I would love to have a chance to try it.
    I support Steven’s channel and am subscribed to his channel even though I don’t usually follow perfume reviewers. He always makes it concise, straight to the point, no frills and flashy clickbait, just good quality content. Keep up the good work.
    Greetings from Croatia, EU.

  • Really interesting introduction to King Blue from Renaud Salmon. I enjoyed clicking through the included link and learning about the Salon De Mayo; I imagine surrealist art can be interpreted many different ways via perfume’s complexity. I’m also intrigued by this blend of notes and robust materials. I appreciated the candor in Steven’s video—laughing about the minimal amount of freshness, pointing out the animalic combination of blackcurrant and oud, explaining how it’s probably better suited for cooler weather, and highlighting the “enormous” projection and strong performance. Plus, I’ve been on a huge frankincense kick lately, so I’m glad Steven described that note here in more detail. I haven’t tried any Amouage fragrances and I’d love to start with this one.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • Fantastic review by Renaud Salmon and Steven.
    I love how Renaud explains the inspiration behind King Blue Opus XV, just amazing.
    I think that Steven is on point saying that it this fragrance is truly special. I love when Amouage get out of their confort zone and make this heavy fresh hitters. I would love to smell this one soon.
    USA here.

  • I really like the notes in King Blue and I feel like it’s going to be a super nice choice for the autumn fall chilly weather. Thanks for the giveaway and for the review! EU

  • I’m excited to experience Renaud Salmon’s inspiration of surreal thinking as it comes to light in the form of a fragrance. Steven, in his video, drew me in further as my curiosity and love for Amouage fragrances is incredibly strong. I have over twenty bottles of Amouage fragrance and am drawn strongly to the complex and mysterious characteristic of the brand.

  • Outstanding review by Steven of Amouage King Blue Opus XV. I was interested in the notes of frankincense which is a royalty resin.

  • Aftekhar Khan says:

    I love how this one sounds, Amouage always stood out to me as a luxurious and prestigious house which has many statement and iconic offerings. Stephen described this one as one for the connoisseurs and aficionados and I feel I would enjoy this based of the note breakdown. I would absolutely love to enter, thank you for the opportunity. Greetings and well wishes from London UK