Decisions decisions

Amouage is one of my favorite houses but since the departure of Christopher Chong I’ve lamented the turn away from complex resinous beasts to more market friendly and simple blends. I was not super optimistic going into my sample of Decisions, and while I don’t love it I was pleasantly surprised. The frankincense really shines in this, and frankincense notes have always been a strong point for Amouage. It combines with the juniper note to make this a very coniferous smelling scent, although more the sap and pine needles than wood. The base goes in a different direction with subtle vanilla warmth, which is a nice and palatable balance but something more daring or complex - some musk or oud - would really have elevated this. Overall it feels like classic Amouage resinous notes married to a more marketable and simplistic vanilla base, without any other sharp or funky edges. VERY powerful and long lasting. Filled up the room with three sprays and I haven’t gone nose blind after 5 hours of wear.