Day Three Fragrances Ámbar Dominicano (Michael Paul) 2023 + Boozy Island Getaway Giveaway

June 17, 2023June 18, 2023

Day Three Fragrances Ámbar Dominicano courtesy of the brand

When I was just a lad looking for my true vocation
My father said “Now son, this choice deserves deliberation
Though you could be a doctor or perhaps a financier
My boy why not consider a more challenging career?”

Hey ho ho
You’ll cruise to foreign shores
And you’ll keep your mind and body sound
By working out of doors

True friendship and adventure are what we can’t live without

And when you’re a professional pirate
That’s what the job’s about. ~ A Professional Pirate, from Muppet Treasure Island

Michael Paul of Day Three Fragrances with his wife accepting the Aftel award for La Tacita De Cafe on Thursday May 11, 2023 at the historic Cicada Club in Los Angeles. Courtesy of the Perfumer

I recently received a discovery set from this year’s Art and Olfaction award-winning Day Three Fragrances perfumer Michael Paul – whose artisanal perfume category submission, La Tacita de Cafe, went from Finalist to Aftel Award for Handmade Perfume winner (I’m honored to share that, as judge for the artisan and independent categories, it was among my favorites). As I sampled all 7 fragrances, one struck me: Day Three Fragrances Ámbar Dominicano, which appealed to one of my alternate personae.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the 2003 movie Pirates of The Caribbean Curse of The Black Pearl 2003 via IMDb

I have to thank the perfumer for indulging my lifelong piratical aspirations. My family and friends are aware that I have always been a pirate at heart; I know more sea chanteys than you can shake a stick at, and have never been timid about singing them at full volume while dancing a sailor’s hornpipe (even in public). From the first spritz of Ámbar Dominicano, I was transported to the Caribbean and Hispaniola of old – so rich in history and culture – which is beautifully depicted in this perfume (it is an extrait). Day Three Fragrances Ámbar Dominicano is an embarrassment of olfactory riches, scarcely contained in one little flacon. While it possesses all the attributes of an ambery resinous scent (labdanum aka rock rose, vanilla, benzoin, patchouli), it owes a large proportion of its allure to cola – with its vanillic, citrus and cinnamon notes – and the popular Dominican beverage known as mamajuana.

Istock

Mamajuana is, historically speaking – is considered one of the first distilled alcoholic beverages of the Americas, preceding rum (which in later years became part of the recipe). The earliest Spanish adventurers initially mixed their alcohol with the native Taíno peoples’ herbal tea; when leatherback turtle meat was added, mamajuana became so commonly touted as an aphrodisiac that during El Jefe’s dictatorship, selling it was prohibited unless one had a medical license. The infamous Porfirio Rubirosa (international playboy, polo player, race car driver, and secret agent) was known to consume large quantities of the drink – and claimed that it contributed to his considerable sexual prowess.

Mamajuana today is a mixture of bark and herbs which are soaked in rum (usually dark rum, but white rum is also used), red wine, and honey. Additional ingredients (leaves, barks, sticks and roots) vary regionally; frequently other ingredients such as cinnamon, raisins, strawberry, and lemon or lime juice are added (along with grated tortoise shell and/or sea turtle penile shaft if considered an aphrodisiac). It is deep red in color, and is said to taste similar to port wine.

Day Three Fragrances Ámbar Dominicano boasts both luminous and crepuscular attributes which distinguish it from other boozy or amber perfumes. The piquancy of lime and passionfruit evoke a tropical, light-infused flair; the cola tones possess freshness, while lavender and immortelle impart herbal elements. Davana’s fulsome nature evokes the aroma of spirit-infused dried fruit; red wine, rum and sweet, warm spices further flesh out our perception of mamajuana (in combination with lime and honey). A classically dusky resinous base imbues this perfume with excellent longevity and added depth. The overall effect is that of shafts of light penetrating the stained-glass windows of an ancient dark cathedral. A sense of cool serenity pierced by warmth. In warmer months Ámbar Dominicano will bloom and expand – and in cooler climes it will provide cossetting comfort.

Notes: cola, lime, lavender, passion fruit, Mamajuana (spiced Dominican rum), cinnamon, immortelle absolute, honey, red wine, davana, rock rose (cistus labdanum), patchouli, vanilla, benzoin, sandalwood

Sample provided by the perfumer – many thanks! My nose is my own…

Day Three Fragrance Ambar Dominicano courtesy of the brand

Thanks to Michael Paul, we have a drawing for one 50 ml bottle of Ámbar Dominicano for one registered user in North America and Europe. To enter, you must be a registered reader. To qualify, please leave a comment about what appealed to you in Ida’s review of Day Three Fragrances Ambar Dominicano and where you live. Draw closes 6/20/2023

Please read Michael Paul’s Profile in American Perfumery here

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