Battle of the Giants: Interlude 53 vs. Interlude Black Iris by Amouage
Interlude 53 Extrait by Amouage is a flanker of the original Interlude Man, formulated at a 53% dosage and aged for 6 months in the factory located in Muscat. I am not familiar with the original Interlude, but I know it is famous for its herbal and smoky facets and a remarkable note of oregano, which some love and some hate.
Interlude 53 is spicy, woody, smoky and ambery. A complex perfume with many layers to unfold. It opens up spicy with a pungent and mouth-watering pepper and just a hint of oregano. Again, if the oregano is prominent in the original, as it is said, in 53 is just a murmur; Soon, resins and amber make their appearance along with the incense. The oud joins the composition, enhancing woody and smoky characteristics. At the same time, it brings a wet sensation, like smelling a tree bark in the forest after the rain.
Patchouli and sandalwood lure in the background, reinforcing the woody touch. Throughout the development, it begins to showcase an elegant and soft leather aspect. Interlude 53 is a POWERFUL perfume. Longevity, projection and sillage are above average.
Compared to Interlude 53, Black Iris is a whisper. Interlude 53 yells. They are very similar and definitely belong to the same family, but Black Iris is well-behaved and more refined. What differs Black Iris to Interlude 53, is the addition of orris which makes the composition ever so slightly powdery and dusty, while it never conjures a lipstick and make-up imagery. There is a sweetness in Black Iris that makes me think of bubblegum. Perhaps the combination of myrrh and vanilla causes this perception. Both niche perfumes are great, but I personally prefer Black Iris, since I am the type of person that prefers to make the entrance unnoticed rather than being announced with a megaphone. I am not sure if I could not draw attention while wearing Black Iris though, since it is not a discreet fragrance by any means - it is only less loud than its brother.
In my perception, both fragrances are suitable for cold weather. They are just too complex, too intense and too cerebral for a hot, sunny day.
Notes for Interlude 53: Top notes are Oregano, Pimento and Bergamot; middle notes are Opoponax, Amber, Incense and Labdanum; base notes are Smoke, Leather, Agarwood (Oud), Patchouli and Sandalwood.
Notes for Interlude Black Iris: Top notes are Violet Leaf, Rosemary and Bergamot; middle notes are Orris, Olibanum, Myrhh, Labdanum, Amber and Vanilla; base notes are Leather, Agarwood (Oud), Sandalwood, Patchouli and Cedar.
Written by Luciana Savaris
About Luciana Savaris
A designer with a curious nose! I was always obsessed with all things scented, and my compulsive sniffing led me to become a perfume enthusiast. Perfume has been my hobby since a young age. I don’t have any professional training in perfumery; therefore, my insights on scents are from my perspective as a consumer, the way it makes me feel and the visuals it brings to my mind and less about notes and technicalities.
