Mind Games Gambit Extrait

Description

Gambit borrows its name from chess's boldest opening idea, a strategic sacrifice made in exchange for the advantage. Composed by perfumer Carlos Viñals in the aromatic fougère tradition, it opens with the classic pairing of lavender and petitgrain sharpened by clove, layers in a spiced floral heart of cardamom, geranium, and mimosa, and resolves into a woody-ambery base of patchouli, sandalwood, and the ambery captive material Ambrostar. Launched in 2023, it's built for a wearer who treats a fragrance's opening moves as an invitation rather than a warning: daring in its first minutes, warm and settled by the finish.

Scent Character

• Woody & Ambery: 33% (patchouli, sandalwood, Ambrostar)
• Spicy: 23% (clove, cardamom)
• Fresh: 22% (petitgrain, lavender)
• Floral: 22% (geranium, mimosa)

Translation: an aromatic fougère, sharp lavender and petitgrain balanced by warm clove and cardamom, closing on a soft ambery-woody base.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top: Petitgrain, Lavender, Clove

Heart: Cardamom, Geranium (Madagascar), Mimosa

Base: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ambrostar

Performance

Longevity: Moderate to long-lasting. Expect several hours of wear that fades gracefully rather than looming all day.

Sillage: Moderate. Projects well for the first hour before settling close to the skin.

Projection: Assertive on application, softening steadily through the dry-down.

Best Occasions & Season

A genuinely year-round fougère: the fresh lavender-petitgrain top keeps it wearable in spring and summer, while the spiced, ambery base gives it enough weight for fall and winter. Works equally for the office and low-key evenings out.

Concentration & Provenance

Concentration: Extrait de Parfum

Perfumer: Carlos Viñals

House: Mind Games (est. 2022, USA)

Year: 2023

Try Before You Commit

Gambit is currently offered as a full 3.4 oz / 100 ml bottle. Want to test the lavender-and-clove opening before committing? Check Venba's decant listings for this fragrance or reach out. We're happy to help you find a smaller format.

100% Authentic

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FAQ

What does “aromatic fougère” mean?
It's a classic men's-leaning fragrance family built on lavender, herbs, and warm woods. Gambit is Mind Games' take on the style.

Is Gambit unisex?
Yes. It's formulated and marketed as a genderless extrait de parfum.

What does the “Gambit” name reference?
A chess gambit is a sacrifice made early for later advantage, part of Mind Games' chess-inspired naming across the collection.

How long does it last?
Expect several hours of moderate, close-to-skin wear typical of an aromatic fougère.