Opus XVI: Timber by Amouage: Where Ancient Trees Whisper
Written by Eveline Nagajeva
The Library Collection holds a special place within Amouage. Within the brand’s universe, it stands as a space for creative freedom — where the house pushes beyond convention and the boundaries of traditional perfumery, curating each creation with intention and patience. New scents are added only when an idea perfectly embodies the spirit of the Collection — when creativity, depth, and emotion come together effortlessly, as they do in the new Opus XVI: Timber.
Photo credit: Eveline Nagajeva
Timber narrates an olfactory story of nature’s oldest wonders — a tribute to permanence and wisdom, a reflection on time, nature, and the stories carved into wood. It bridges two worlds: the giant sequoias of California, symbols of timeless endurance, and the frankincense trees of Oman, whose sacred resin has been cherished for millennia as the soul of the nation. Together, they form a dialogue between the physical and the spiritual, the rooted and the transcendent.
The inspiration came to Amouage’s creative director, Renaud Salmon, from nature — from his visit to Yosemite National Park in the United States, where he stood among the monumental sequoia trees. Surrounded by their silent grandeur, he felt humbled, as though these ancient giants were guardians of history themselves.
The name Timber was chosen for several reasons. The word had appeared on early sample labels by perfumer Alexis Grugeon, and Renaud found it instantly evocative. It captures both the physical weight and emotional resonance of wood — the monolithic feeling one experiences when facing a massive tree — while also referencing the American tradition of shouting “Timber!” as a warning when a tree begins to fall.
Photo credit: Freepik
For Renaud, Timber represents the passage of time etched in the veins and rings of wood — a visible manifestation of knowledge, patience, and endurance. It connects nature, time, and wisdom in a way that feels both profound and organic.
Perfumer Alexis Grugeon translated this vision into scent after his own walk among the giant sequoias, where the air was filled with a resinous, aromatic sweetness — “almost indescribable and grandiose,” he said. With Timber, he sought to imagine a futuristic wood: rich, complex, and full of contrast.
Together, Renaud and Alexis faced the challenge of creating a purely woody fragrance — something rarely done, as woods are usually paired with other families like aromatics or marines. They wanted to reveal the full diversity and nuance of wood itself — its rawness, its sophistication, its emotion.
The composition opens with the crisp, aromatic brightness of cypress, evoking freshly cut timber. Cardamom brings a multifaceted aromatic spark — lemony, ginger-like, and resinous — while lavandin adds a subtle green nuance. Creamy palo santo contributes a minty smoothness, and juniper with pink pepper adds a sparkling woody spice. As the scent deepens, fir balsam appears — warm, sugary, and resinous — adding depth and volume. At the heart lies Hojari frankincense, Oman’s most prized resin, linking the fresh aromatic top with the deep balsamic woods below.
The base rests on sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli, forming a textured, enveloping foundation. Cedar recalls the noble scent of sequoia; sandalwood lends creaminess and warmth; patchouli anchors everything with earthy depth. Finally, vanilla smooths the rough edges, softening the composition and adding sensuality.
Alexis Grugeon describes Timber in three words: woody, nuanced, power.
For me, Timber unfolds like a meditation in layers of wood — a truly introspective experience. It feels like stepping into a cathedral of trees, where resin drips slowly and the air is dense with calm. It is reflective, grounding, and deeply serene.
Courtesy of Crème de la Crème: PR sample and webinar invitation.