Having spent some time with 40 Knots, I feel mentally ready to share my perspective. The initial marketing for this scent, suggesting a "Yachting Club" theme within Xerjoff's "Join the Club" line, feels a bit disconnected from the actual aroma. It seems more likely that an existing formula was used to fill that conceptual gap, rather than the fragrance being designed with a marine concept in mind from the start. As a consumer, without prior knowledge, it's difficult to associate this scent with the sea or any kind of associated "lifestyle"... so, I will keep looking for Atlantis!
From the moment it touches the skin, there's an immediate impression of salty woods and resins. The saltiness likely comes from a prominent use of ambroxan, while the woody notes point to a significant presence of Iso E Super. This opening is quite elegant. While I do pick up on the salty aspect, any strong resemblance to fragrances like Megamare, as some have suggested, is borderline hallucinatory.
As the fragrance evolves, a soft creaminess emerges, and the woody notes become more pronounced. There's a subtle sweetness, possibly from coumarin, and a touch of green, perhaps violet. The scent settles into a pleasant dry-down that isn't either strong or subtle. For this reason, it feels best suited for occasions where you're dressed a bit more formally, like when wearing a shirt (or linen shirt, if you want to feel part of the club).
It has been mentioned before, and I agree on this one. 40 Knots brings to mind Ambre Nuit Eau de Parfum, a fragrance I don't particularly favor. While Ambre Nuit evokes a sense of elegance (in my mind, an old-er elegant woman vibe), 40 Knots incorporates a woody character that leans masculine and contemporary. Overall, I find myself liking it. However, its versatility, in my opinion, is somewhat limited. I tend to reserve 40 Knots for office wear or more formal events.
One notable advantage of this fragrance is its availability at more accessible prices. Due to the initial Xerjoff own marketing and (scripted/imposed) influencer campaigns, many who purchased it blindly might have expected a very different scent profile. This has led to it being found more readily on the secondary market. If you're considering 40 Knots, I recommend sampling it first rather than blind buying.
“borderline hallucinatory”….simply elegant commentary! We’ve become such a soft society, where most keep quiet to avoid offending a total stranger, I get a real jolt when someone has the guts to just blurt out the truth. In fact, the more awkward and uncomfortable of a situation the comment creates, the more unable I am to resist laughing. What this has to do with perfumery, I’m not really sure. But everyone who read my above comments are now better humans because of the experience. You are welcome.
Yeah, it's not an aquatic scent although that is expected based on the name and blue bottle. Strange that some guys DO find it aquatic. Power of suggestion, I suppose.
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