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, that 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 about 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.