The 8 Best Amber Colognes to Wear in Winter, According to Esquire
Here, we’ve pulled together our definitive list of the top amber scents for men in 2025, covering every vibe, lifestyle, and scent story you’re trying to tell. Whether you’re leaning into smoky sophistication, something on the sweeter side, or going for “I naturally smell this good,” there’s something here for everyone. And with the holidays fast approaching, consider these foolproof gift options for anyone on your list who appreciates smelling like they have their life together.
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The purpose of Maison Margiela’s Replica line is that the scents are made to capture memories and moods, the scent of a specific moment. By the Fireplace is easily one of the most evocative scents in the collection—my personal favorite, for what it’s worth—because smoke and warm chestnut instantly transports you somewhere near a warm crackling fire.
It starts with a bit of spice and smoke, and once it settles on the skin, that initial smokiness softens into a smooth, vanilla warmth. The rest of the fragrance leans very heavily into the sweetness of amber. It’s a compliment-getter, if that’s what you’re after.
For me, that sweetness combined with the staying smoky accord calls back the winter bonfires my family used to have at our ranch in Paris, Texas. Pretty much everyone has a “somewhere” for this scent, and that’s why it remains so popular season after season.
If you want to channel your inner Alexander Skarsgård in Pillion (IYKYK) with a scent that radiates rugged confidence, subtle earthiness, and that intoxicating new-leather smell that only comes from a new pair of boots or a leather trench, look no further. Malin + Goetz’s Leather Eau de Parfum has been a staple in my collection for years
It’s leathery and musky, but it has a good hit of cedar that combines to leans it into the world of amber. It also has a lot of floral notes as it dries on the skin to balance it all out. It’s a nicely layered fragrance. A purist might not call this amber, but we think it’s well within the sweet, resinous world of these other fragrances.
Not ready to commit to the full bottle? The unisex cologne also comes as a perfume oil in a compact rollerball perfect for a trial run or as a stocking stuffer.
Diptyque is another one of those bougie fragrance houses everyone recognizes, yet for some reason I rarely reach for their scents over my tried-and-true favorites. But after smelling L’Eau Trois Eau de Toilette, I might have to rethink that stance. This one immediately transported me and reminded me of family trips to Italy and stepping into a Duomo, where incense and myrrh linger in the air.
It takes a surprisingly verdant and green approach to the amber family, but those resinous top notes anchor everything with a spicy-smoky warmth. The result is a scent that feels refined, atmospheric, and just mysterious enough to keep you coming back for another sniff.
As I noted in my intro, amber fragrances can take on a variety of scent profiles, all capturing the warmth and depth of true amber. Rich gourmand options like Horace’s Vintage Vanilla are a great pick if you love scents inspired by the culinary world, but don’t worry, it’s expertly balanced with a mix of woodiness and spice so you won’t end up smelling like you went overboard on your marshmallow-y Victoria’s Secret body mist.
Don’t even want to smell like an edible vanilla confection? No problem. The brand’s signature Oud Rose is another solid amber-forward scent that leans on floral notes to balance its intensity.
Sitting somewhere between gourmand and citrus on the fragrance spectrum, Arquiste’s L’Or de Louis is one of those amber scents that just radiates richness. The 24K gold flakes are a little too on-the-nose, but the the story behind the fragrance does a better of telling a story of opulence. It was inspired by the moments when King Louis XIV and his court strolled Versailles’ Grand Orangery, enjoying the flowering orange trees warmed by bonfires.
It also won The Fragrance Foundation’s Indie Fragrance of the Year Award in 2024, so the hoity-toity storytelling is backed by a scent that actually smells…well…good. The result is a golden aura of perfectly blended smokiness, fruitiness, and depth. A fragrance truly fit for a king.
Ok, I’m not saying the other fragrances on this list can’t also be considered “bougie,” but Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris’ Baccarat Rouge 540 takes luxury to an entirely new level. And yes, while the price tag is particularly eye-watering, I have to admit: this scent is absolutely worth it. A perfectly balanced blend of woody, floral, and ambery notes, this fragrance uses high-quality ingredients with a higher molecular weight, meaning they cling to the skin longer and create a richer scent profile with impressive staying power. In short, a little goes a very long way with this one…if that helps you justify the price tag.
Inspired by the luxury fashion label’s most iconic men’s silhouette, this fragrance is designed to capture the essence of a tuxedo, using notes that convey sophistication and sharp black-tie tailoring into scent. Grounded in earthy patchouli and layered with subtle spice, it radiates a refined, confident energy that’s perfect for winter yet versatile enough for wearing it year-round.
It’s also one of the rare fragrances in my collection that consistently earns compliments. I’ve even been stopped on the street by strangers while wearing Tuxedo, so if you’re after a scent that’s a guaranteed conversation starter, look no further!
If your nose is on the more sensitive side and you’re looking for a warm, enveloping scent that doesn’t overwhelm with heavy muskiness, D’Orsay’s Te dire oui. V.H. Eau de Parfum is a perfect choice. Built on leather, it avoids the overpowering muskiness found in many amber and leather fragrances, opting instead for a cleaner, sportier interpretation rounded out by a subtle saffron and rose finish.
This aligns perfectly with the brand’s philosophy, which favors fragrances that act as personal rituals—subtle companions that are seamlessly woven into everyday life—rather than scents that dominate every room you enter.
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