Enter the Amber Universe: Creed Centaurus & Delphinus Review
28 October, 2024
Luxury fragrance brand Creed has just launched two new luminous, amber based scents, inspired by the beauty of the cosmic sky. Centaurus and Delphinus both fall under the woody amber category, featuring warming spices, enveloping woods, and a touch of honeyed sweetness from bourbon vanilla in the base.
‘Centaurus draws inspiration from the legendary Centaurus constellation, one of the largest in the night sky. Bottling the intense radiance of its vibrant stars and capturing the unbridled magnitude of wider space, Centaurus blazes brightly with a bold blend of beaming ingredients. Delphinus was crafted as an olfactive ode to the Delphinus constellation, a smaller collection of stars adorning the northern sky that once guided voyagers, artists and dreamers alike. Inspired by its luminous magnificence, this stellar creation shines like stardust.’ – Creed.
Centaurus (Woody Amber, Tobacco & Spicy)
‘Inspired by one of the largest constellations, Centaurus is a universal woody amber perfume that burns bright with plumes of incandescent tobacco ignited by potent pink pepper, fiery cinnamon and spicy cardamom. This dazzling display is tempered by the voluptuous light of sandalwood, the delicate hues of jasmine and the gentle glow of heliotrope, reminiscent of stars blooming in the night sky. The sensual woody amber backdrop of Centaurus is painted with the forceful presence of patchouli, the dark honeyed notes of tonka bean and the deep richness of Bourbon vanilla, which together leave an enduring star-powered glow.’ – Creed.
Centaurus is a luminous amber scent, opening with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, tobacco and pink pepper. Straight away the fragrance feels luxurious and sumptuous, with the spicy cinnamon and sweet tobacco at the forefront of the scent. It doesn’t take long for the heart notes to make an appearance, including geranium, sandalwood, heliotrope, jasmine and patchouli. The heart still feels tobacco forward, but supported by these well blended floral notes and a touch of woodiness from the sandalwood. The base features notes of benzoin, tolu balm, tonka bean, ambroxan and bourbon vanilla, giving a beautifully sweet ambery dry down that feels just like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. Overall, Centaurus very much feels like a rich, warming, autumn / winter fragrance – perfect for wearing as the weather gets cooler.
Delphinus (Woody Amber, Orris & Leathery)
‘Shine brightly with Delphinus, a universal woody amber perfume inspired by a vibrant constellation in the cosmic sky that once guided travellers, artists and dreamers alike. Smoky swirls of resinous incense, enveloped in the luminous aura of black pepper and pink pepper, set a captivating tone from the start, while almond, heliotrope and orchid combine, casting sparks of light into the darkness. Opulent orris, the blue gold of perfumery, glimmers like precious stardust, before intertwining with sensual patchouli, honeyed tonka bean and leathery Bourbon vanilla, evoking the inviting warmth of a starlit night.’ – Creed.
Delphinus is also described as a luminous amber fragrance, but it’s very different from Centaurus. Opening with notes of black pepper, incense, almond and pink pepper, the scent is instantly rich and intense. I mostly pick out the almond in the opening, blended nicely with a kick of pepper – I can already tell that this fragrance is an instant love for me! The heart features a bouquet of heliotrope, orchid and orris butter. While the almond now starts to move into the background, the floral notes add another dimension to the scent and it really starts to shine with a beautiful airy luminosity. The base includes notes of patchouli, tonka bean, amberwood, leather accord and bourbon vanilla. I mostly pick out the patchouli and leather here, leaving you with a dry down that’s feels rich and warm, yet enticing and radiant.
I feel like these are both fantastic new launches from Creed, still niche but also very wearable. Comparing the fragrances, though both are unisex, I feel that Centaurus feels slightly more masculine than Delphinus. Both fragrances feel opulent and luxurious, and perfect for wearing in cooler weather. Are you a fan of Creed fragrances?
