Inspiration

Ambergris is used to stabilise scent in fine perfumes and give them, “a distinctive scent that adds complexity and depth”.

It is very valuable, found in the oceans, it’s known as ‘floating gold’ and has on occasion made someone rich overnight when they’ve come across a large amount washed up a beach.

But where does it come from? When some sperm whales (only around 1% apparently) eat a giant squid, sometimes the undigested beaks are coated in a substance produced by their bile ducts. This is then excreted (yes, it’s basically sperm whale poo) and spends years floating around the ocean ‘maturing’, before it’s then found, added to perfume and on to the skin of the unknowing public.