Ferdinando Mazzolari

During a vacation in Milan, I tested various fragrances in the Mazzolari store. As a newcomer to the world of perfume, my nose and olfactory brain area were quickly overwhelmed by the niche scents. At that time, I struggled to identify individual fragrance notes, but the elegant, citrus-fresh start of Ferdinando convinced me to spontaneously purchase my first niche perfume.

The following evening, I sprayed the fragrance at 25 degrees in Genoa and again smelled that combination of elegance and freshness. This character lasted for about 2 hours before the freshness slowly faded and sweeter notes began to emerge. On the way back from the city center, 6 hours after application, the scent was still clearly detectable. My partner was constantly close to me during this phase due to the incredibly delicious development of the fragrance. Even the next morning, the slightly gourmand sweetness was still very noticeable up close.

Twelve months later, with quite a bit of (passive) Parfumo experience under my belt, I tested the Xerjoff range for the first time. After sampling the usual suspects like Erba Pura, Accento, and 40 Knots, I was already feeling somewhat disillusioned and was about to leave the perfumery. But before I could go, the saleswoman quickly handed me a freshly sprayed test strip of Naxos - in an instant, I was back in Milan. And suddenly, I had to laugh. THIS Naxos, perhaps the most hyped fragrance on Parfumo at the moment, smells almost identical to Mazzolari Ferdinando! In disbelief, I took the test strip with me. But even later on, I could hardly notice any difference between the two fragrances. Scent, longevity, and sillage are very strong in both. I wouldn't recommend more than 2-3 sprays for any occasion; you can smell the fragrance consistently even if you apply it to your neck. The bottle of Ferdinando has a high-quality spray head but otherwise seems a bit boring compared to the Xerjoff.

Anyone looking for a high-quality alternative to Naxos at half the price, without caring about the brand, should definitely give Ferdinando a try.

Many thanks to Sören for the sample :-) To my great surprise, my opinion on Ferdinando is very contrary to the other reviews on Parfumo. I find the comparison to "XJ 1861 Naxos | XerJoff" to be severely flawed. For me, this is, contrary to the local perfume community, not an alternative. The Honey Tobacco is worlds better. The longevity is really good. 10 hours full blast and the next morning there's still a bit detectable on the skin. The sillage can also be described as successful.

The top note is completely different for me, as this minty aroma creates a completely different scent impression. Orange and lemon peels are more in the background. In the heart note, nutmeg and rose geranium dominate. The sweet honey note found in Naxos is very subtle, and the jasmine flowers are also negligible. And in the base, it definitely ends for me. This green-earthy patchouli note with a rough, animalistic oud aroma has NOTHING in common with Naxos. Tonka beans and cedarwood provide a woody-resinous-vanilla finish.

First of all, I like Naxos but somehow I always felt something was missing.. now I know what was missing for me, Ferdinando. There are similarities, but Ferdi, as I call him, feels more cuddly and fresher than Naxos. Very beautiful honey note, not too sweet as expected. I also smell something floral. All in all, a wonderful honey scent enveloped by gentle lemon peel. I don’t want to be without you anymore. Wearable in every season, I’m curious how it feels in summer. H/S similar to Naxos. Clear recommendation to buy!

The Ferdinando is often compared to Xerjoff Naxos and yes, I also definitely notice parallels, but a bit later.

The fragrance starts with a strong mint that can indeed be quite overwhelming.
There will surely be many who do not like this type of mint.
Personally, I did not find the opening to be particularly pleasant.
Nevertheless, I could already smell the honey in the background, albeit still relatively shyly.

After a while, the Ferdinando clearly approaches the Naxos.
The honey now comes out much better. I have read that one cannot really perceive the honey. I absolutely disagree with that.
I find that this honey note comes forward quite distinctly and has strong parallels to the Naxos.
A few floral nuances and nutmeg join in.

Towards the end, the fragrance becomes increasingly woody, but I can still perceive the honey here, albeit much more subtly.

I have read a lot about this flanker, and since I am a fan of Naxos, I had to get a sample here.
The Ferdinando lives up to its name. More Mediterranean with a lot of siesta and what we are missing. Sun.
The scent is nothing new, but if I didn't know better, everyone, and I mean everyone, would not be able to smell a difference in the air compared to its predecessor. Nevertheless, I find the OG more finely tuned up close. The H/S is simply brutally good. But that doesn't mean that Ferdinando doesn't project. It does just as well. You also have lemon, honey, oud, and tonka bean that harmonize beautifully together. Clear recommendation for anyone who loves and seeks these Naxos vibes. I will definitely have to call it my own someday. 9/10