Amouage’s new chapter: Decision 42 & Overture 41.

The interesting question about a new extrait is what it changes. Does it bring a different texture, a new contrast, a reason to revisit a familiar name? Amouage’s latest pair, Decision 42 and Overture 41, gives us two distinctly different briefs for a September sample list.

Both are marked as new on the house’s website as of 15 September 2026. This is our first look at the published compositions, with a practical way to decide which to investigate. We have not wear-tested either release.

Decision 42: follow the smoke and spice

Quentin Bisch’s Decision 42 revisits Decision Eau de Parfum at a stated 42% concentration. Amouage describes an amber, woody and aromatic direction. The opening lists pink pepper, bergamot, cardamom, neroli and cinnamon; the heart combines frankincense, juniper, myrrh, sandalwood and rectified pine tar. Patchouli, cedarwood, vanilla and labdanum form the listed base.

For a collector, the intriguing contrast is between that bright, spicy opening and the darker woody materials. If your current favourites lean towards vanilla, our editorial suggestion is to ask whether you want smoke and resin around it next. That is a sampling brief, not a promise of similarity to a bottle you own.

Explore Decision 42 at Amouage ↗

Overture 41: rose takes the lead

Annick Ménardo’s Overture 41 develops Overture Woman Eau de Parfum at a stated 41% concentration. Amouage categorises it as amber, woody and spicy. Frankincense, saffron, Calvados and cinnamon open the composition; benzoin, Rose Centifolia, geranium and sandalwood drèches sit in the heart. The base lists vanilla, labdanum, patchouli and leather.

That makes it the more interesting starting point if your brief is flowers with a contrasting edge. We would frame the sample around one question: do you enjoy the relationship between rose and the darker notes as much as the initial impression? A floral collection can have room for contrast without needing another version of the same favourite.

Explore Overture 41 at Amouage ↗

Read the number, then look beyond it

We would not rank these two by their percentages. A concentration figure is useful product information; it is not a personal preference score. These are different compositions with different creative starting points. Neither number tells you which one will make you want another wear.

Compare the exact version you are considering. Enjoying an earlier eau de parfum is a reason to be curious, not a substitute for trying its extrait.

Build a two-wear shortlist

Give each candidate a separate day. Record the opening, your impression later on, and the moment you would choose it for. Keep the rest of your scent routine simple enough to notice what this sample contributes.

Then look at your wardrobe. Are you adding a genuinely different role, or returning to a direction you already love? Either is a valid choice when it is deliberate. Check the house’s current regional availability before planning a purchase; these links lead to product information, not a ScentWardrobe checkout.