A homage to the profound, age-old wisdom of nature’s most enduring creations
Knowledge
Amouage’s Library Collection occupies a unique role as the platform from which the esteemed Omani perfume house unveils some of its most audacious creations, showcasing uncompromising innovation and arresting aesthetics. Key to the Collection is the idea of knowledge, with each of the perfumes in the range being in some way related to the concept, whether it be the question of the form that knowledge assumes in a virtual world (as seen in Opus V – Woods Symphony), its ability to empower those who have been deprived of it (Opus XIV – Royal Tobacco) or the manner in which it can be allied to surrealism in order to challenge our expectations of what we see around us (Opus XV – King Blue).
As it contains some of the most adventurous compositions in Amouage’s universe, the Library Collection is always curated with great care. “Sometimes, we go through periods when we don’t add anything new to the Library Collection,” explains Chief Creative Officer, Renaud Salmon “simply because we don’t feel we have found the right scent. But then a moment arrives when an idea aligns so perfectly with everything the Collection stands for, it becomes absolutely obvious that it has to be introduced to the range.”
For the latest entry in this rarefied assortment, inspiration came from a source that was somewhat unexpected, even though it has been present on the planet for centuries.
Connection
The sequoia trees of California’s Giant Sequoia National Monument are amongst the largest and, more importantly, oldest living organisms on the earth. In some cases rising to a height of over 80 metres, they have watched over their surroundings for thousands of years, surviving countless changes taking place around them. Unsurprisingly, they have become symbols of timelessness and wisdom, taking on a totemic potency within the cultures that have developed under their immense shadows.
Although they are considerably more humble in stature, the frankincense trees of Oman are equally significant. On the one hand, they have played a vital role in the trade routes that have run through the country for millennia. On the other, they have found their way into what could be called the very soul of Oman. The frankincense resin they exude is one of the land’s most treasured products – a hallmark of its people’s generosity and openness – to the extent that it has become an image of the enduring power and sagacity of nature, not unlike the giant sequoia trees.
Renaud Salmon wanted to create a perfume that would form a tribute to a sense of permanence, profundity and erudition. What better way to express such notions, he thought, than by exploring the creative possibilities offered by the giant sequoias of California and the frankincense trees of Oman. And what better way to capture the spirit of these ancient organisms than by composing a perfume constructed almost entirely with woods.
Expression
Wood notes are not at all unfamiliar in perfumery. Indeed, there are very few fragrances that do not feature them to some degree. However, scents that are almost wholly wood-based are rare, and it is only exceptionally skilled creators who can put together a perfume that is convincingly woody without coming across as mono-dimensional, predictable and bulky.
Alexis Grugeon is one such perfumer. Tasked with the challenge of realising Salmon’s vision of ancient wisdom, he used all of the most striking, most distinctive woody materials at his disposal to create Opus VXI – Timber, an olfactory homage to the perennial, knowledge-inspiring power of trees.
The first impression created by Opus XVI is of monumentality: a firm, sturdy, edifice-like expression of woods. It is clear, bold and staunchly vertical, precisely like a giant sequoia. However, within moments, the scent begins to reveal a wealth of details and nuances.
The bright, woody facets of Cypress, Cardamom and Lavandin add luminosity and a sense of forward-thinking openness. Frankincense, Juniper and Fir Balsam introduce their own uniquely bracing, aromatic qualities, injecting a far-reaching, kinetic energy to proceedings: a notion of steadfast, noble attributes flowing through the ages.
Finally, Palo Santo, Sandalwood, Cedarwood Vetiver and Patchouli ground the whole with their supreme, uncompromising authoritativeness: symbols of a wisdom that remains firm and is not swayed by the fickle tides of changing tastes and fashions. By the very same token, they look to the future, confident that the values they represent will always endure.
Vast, monolithic and yet never anything less than approachable, Opus XVI – Timber celebrates the most primal, most natural forms of past knowledge while keeping its optimistic sights set on the wisdom yet to be acquired in the future.
Packaging & presentation
Opus XVI – Timber is presented in Amouage’s iconic khanjar flacon, this time in Cashmere colour. The outer packaging, featuring the unmistakable designs of Belgian artist, Louise Mertens, features a vertical band running from the top to the bottom of the sleeve: an expression not just the manner in which trees trace an endless path through history, but also of their grandeur and monumentality. A perfect visual representation of the themes and ideas explored in the perfume.
KEY FRAGRANCE INFORMATION
Opus XVI – Timber
Perfumer: Alexis Grugeon
Olfactive family: Woody
Ageing: Maturation: 2 weeks | Maceration: 3 weeks
Concentration: 25% eau de parfum
Top notes: Cypress, Cardamom, Juniper, Pink Pepper, Cocoa
Heart notes: Lavandin, Fir Balsam, Hojari Frankincense
Base notes: Palo Santo, Vanilla Bourbon, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli
Amouage Opus XVI – Timber can be purchased exclusively in avant-premiere online at www.amouage.com as of August 1st 2025, Amouage boutiques in Oman and UAE as of August 8th 2025, and at distributors worldwide as of September 1st 2025.
