by Amouage
Amouage Homage is a deeply refined, opulent attar that unfolds with a luminous clarity, blending crisp citrus, a sublime Taif rose, and a smooth amber base with subtle incense and oud. It opens with a radiant, slightly effervescent blend of bergamot and orange blossom, creating a shimmering, almost transparent floral-honeyed opening. The heart centers on a pure, velvety rose that unfolds gradually, supported by soft jasmine and warm sandalwood, while the base offers a discreet, quiet depth from frankincense, amber, and crystal-clear oud. Though it presents a cream-like viscosity and high intensity, it never feels heavy, aging more gracefully than many attars. Longevity is exceptional, with visible trace-on-skin presence lasting beyond 12 hours. The scent maintains this rich, glowing presentation well into the night, though some find the top notes slightly soapy or uneven across batches, most notably in newer red-box versions. Overall, it is a refined, glowing rose-amber attar with a natural elegance that feels both intimate and majestic. There are clear inconsistencies in batch quality, with the original white-box version generally praised as the benchmark—complex, balanced, and intensely fragrant—while newer versions tend to be more soapy, less rose-dominant, or subtly altered, even among trusted retailers. This inconsistency makes purchasing this fragrance, especially online, a significant risk. The fragrance performs best when used sparingly, as a single drop can last through many hours, offering a deeply resonant experience. Its versatility is low due to thin projections and a preference for daytime or special occasion use—though some enjoy wearing it covered with a jacket pack for privacy. Many users find Homage to be a masterpiece of balance and subtlety, calling it one of the most beautiful perfumes they have worn. However, its lush, light, jasmine-rose-amber core, while deeply beautiful for some, may feel overly restrained or mild for those seeking boldness or strong projections. Some find it slightly underwhelming compared to the immense hype, particularly if they expect intense smoky or dark oud. Despite this, it remains highly revered among collectors, particularly for its elegance and long-term stability.