Amandus by Manos Gerakinis Parfums: An Almond Love Story

Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Greek perfume house Manos Gerakinis Parfums has just launched a new fragrance called Amandus, and it’s truly heart-melting.

How many of us, while tasting a sweet, crunchy, sugar-coated almond, knew that it’s a traditional dessert served at Greek weddings? Well, I didn’t – not until I read the story behind Amandus (Latin for “worthy of love”), a fragrance inspired by the idea of eternal love itself.

“According to an ancient Greek myth, a heartbroken princess was given new life by the gods and transformed into an almond tree,” the brand notes. And this is how the story of this perfume begins – with a sweet, tempting almond at its core, symbolizing devotion, rebirth, and enduring affection.

The almond in Amandus takes center stage. After the very first spray, I thought of a fleeting whisper of amaretto; however, I quickly realized the perfume is not boozy at all. Instead, this almond feels full-on gourmand: alluringly sweet, creamy, and irresistibly edible. Wrapped in layers of sugar dust, salted caramel, and golden toffee, it becomes a decadent treat for the senses. It’s one of those perfumes you can almost taste just by smelling it – rich and cozy.

As the fragrance unfolds, the sweetness lingers beautifully. Notes of milky sandalwood, warm amber, and soft musk gradually join the composition, giving it more warmth and body. Yet the nutty core remains. A hint of vanilla appears in the drydown, closing the scent with a creamy, caressing softness – like placing a delicate crown atop a sweet Mediterranean dessert.

Photo credit: Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Created by the perfumer Sofia Bardelli, Amandus sits firmly in the traditional gourmand category, and yes – you need to love sweet fragrances to truly appreciate it. But if you do, this perfume offers a warm embrace. It’s the kind of scent that feels comforting, like love that lingers. Whether you wear it on a chilly evening or simply to brighten a quiet day, Amandus wraps you in sweetness without ever feeling too cloying.

And just like that, writing this review, I found myself craving an actual sugar-coated almond. In fact, I might already have a tab open in my browser with a few options to order some. Screw the diet – I can pause it a little.

[sample generously gifted for a review, opinion – my own]