The Library Collection Opus IV by Amouage

What a marvel! I spent the year testing drop-by-drop samples and, taking advantage of a weekend in London, I visited the Knightsbridge boutique. For sentimental reasons, I got the best of the Library collection. I wanted Opus V since I already owned the VII and felt the IV was too similar, but the salesperson convinced me: Opus IV brought back memories of my childhood, of my bohemian, grumpy but generous grandfather who lived in a cold apartment surrounded by canvases. He told me that if I liked the IV so much, I shouldn’t hesitate twice to buy it, and that I could get the V later. You’re right; now I not only have an exquisite perfume, but it also brings me a beautiful memory of my grandfather, whom I loved dearly. I’ll be back in July to say thanks and to buy the Opus V.

Opus IV is definitely an ode to incense. While Amouage always uses lots of labdanum, here the note is so intense it almost drowns out the rest. Instead of smoky, it smells sweet and reverent, with that ecclesiastical vibe I’ve noticed in some churches. Cumin also stands out, that spicy Arab note that can sometimes remind you of sweat and polarize people, but it’s not animalic. There’s a subtle floral touch. It was love at first sniff, perfect for fall, winter, and special occasions. The longevity, projection, and trail are notable on my skin.

I have a 2ml sample and so far I’ve loved it. I’m totally in agreement with what drakecito said.

This fragrance is undoubtedly a great incense perfume as previous reviews have noted; I see it as a spicy fruity incense. In the opening you definitely perceive cilantro giving a very spicy touch along with incense and fruity notes. As time passes that spicy cilantro touch fades and cardamomo and cumin start to gain importance. The incense is always accompanied by that fruity sensation like a mix of tangerine and grapefruit though I’d say mostly grapefruit. In the dry-down I notice it as if it smelled of amber; perhaps it’s the labdanum giving me that sensation. Throughout the fragrance the incense never stops being noticeable though I must say it’s not one of my favorite notes; here I like it quite a bit since it’s accompanied by other notes that make it more aromatic in my opinion. Regarding projection I have to disagree with previous reviews. It doesn’t seem as bombastic as they say; the perfume is definitely noticeable but I don’t think it overwhelms anyone around me or anything like that. I’ve read that few applications are necessary but in my opinion that’s not true; you can apply this perfume without fear. For example today I applied more than 10 sprays and nothing happened. It’s also true that the Opus IV I tested is from the latest reformulations and maybe that has something to do with it; perhaps the old version was more potent. I do agree that the longevity is very good. I see the scent as very versatile; it could work for going to work or going out partying just to give examples. The seasons I’d recommend are winter autumn and even spring; I can’t see why not. Really it seems like a very good perfume although too expensive but one I’d like to own in the future.

Fantastic Amouage perfume very original and complex. Citrus resins spices flowers and sweetness over a typical incense base. I’d define it as oriental-fruity. Sometimes it smells excessively spicy with dominant cumin or cardamomo but it blends them well which is commendable since that note can ruin it and I don’t like it much. You have to test it carefully: over three different days it gave me very different impressions. Day 1 was extremely spicy with cumin on the skin bordering on dangerous. On blotter the citrus and fruity tones came through more. Day 2 was more citrusy sometimes like fruity gum. Today it smells like fantastic sweet incense. It has countless components with a high-quality feel very complex and elaborate surely complicating things for those not used to it. I see it as unisex and within reason portable if you apply the minimum. 1-2 sprays are enough; I never recommend over-applying. Curiously it works better on clothes than on skin. Performance is extraordinary: 2-3 sprays give a high sillage and last over 15 hours (I stopped counting) and more than a day on clothes. It’s the opposite of Jubilation XXV which is a complex high-quality oriental but softer so perhaps it feels more portable. Conclusion: an extraordinary Amouage perfume that will delight lovers of powerful orientals and incense in general; very potent. Personally I think it’s one of the best from the brand.