However,… on to Meander, which is the first perfume of the Renaissance collection that I've tried. But feel fiercely protective of the house that gave me the joys of both Golds, Jubilations, Ubar, Dia Man… Weird, as I'll gladly snort up all kinds of high concept niche folderol with an open mind. And it was that newness that was spooking me. Now Renaud Salmon is in the driving seat affable and responsive on the forums (he revealed who the nose behind Dia Man was a question that had nagged me for years), but also new. Then, there was a major adjustment to Christopher Chong's wayward path, which sometimes threw up a gem like Fate Woman, intriguing Myths and Imitations, but also unbelievably ugly things like Sunshine Woman and some of the Secret Garden offerings that were best forgotten. I fell in love with the house when the classic perfumes that made its name were all that were available. I have been circling around Meander for a few days, summoning up my nerve to try it, now that Amouage is under new creative direction.

For me, it is just one of many examples of at least the past half decade of Amouage mundane misses that make one ponder what happened to the great house producing masterpieces like Dia Man? The bottom line is the $340 per 100ml bottle Meander is a 'good' smelling but unimpressive 3 stars out of 5 rated perfume that really should never have been created, meriting a neutral shoulder shrug recommendation to all. The perfume doesn't change much from start to finish, and is pleasant smelling but not anywhere near inspired in its construction or execution, leaving the wearer unimpressed. The truth is there isn't much to write on Meander. The supporting orris is a nice subtle touch that softens the earthy aspect of the cypriol. It starts off with an odd minty bent that takes some time getting used to, but the pepper infused, earthy, woody cypriol and frankincense primary heart accord grows on you, if never wowing. I don't know why the composition is called Meander, as its development actually is pretty linear to the this writer. Projection is excellent, as is longevity at well over 12 hours on skin. During the late dry-down the remnants of the black pepper, cypriol and frankincense join with woody vetiver and slightly sweet sandalwood through the finish. As the composition enters its early heart the starring slightly sweet minty frankincense remains with the supporting pink pepper morphing into black pepper, thickening as it is joined by near-creamy orris, and earthy, woody patchouli-like cypriol rising from the base. Meander goes on with a minty, slightly sweet aromatic smoky frankincense with soft pink pepper support before transitioning to its heart.

Amouage meander