Nathan
4
Arabian kings of the night
Have you ever wondered how Arabian royalty smells like? I myself have, and when I first got my nose on Al-Khatt from Xerjoff, I was almost certain that I had found my answer.
Do not judge Al-Khatt on it’s opening. It starts off absolutely uncompromising with that oud assam and bangladesh oud knocking out ones face, held slightly together with Italian bergamot. But give it around 5 minutes and watch the magic unfold. Slowly creeps in the benzoin, vanilla and best of all, the wonderfully blended Arabian jasmine, to make this a luxurious and regal smelling scent. Let me just say this… This smells very expensive!
It’s so beautifully composed with that high quality oud combined with sweetness and flowery touches. This is an absolute masterpiece in my book. The kind of scent you put on when you want to leave an intoxicating and unforgettable trail behind you. People will turn their heads and you will leave them speechless. They will not know what it is, but they sure know that you’re wearing something that the local Sephora do not have on their shelves.
Do not be afraid of the oud in here, it can smell a bit animalic and fecal up close but in the air, together with the other notes it’s just mesmerizing. It also takes the backseat with time, only to let the jasmine and vanilla shine through. The oud ends up being the backbone holding all strings together and does a beautiful job in here.
Can we talk about the blending just really fast? Jesus Christ.. The way that oud, the flowers and the resinous ingredients mingle in between each other is simply genius. It feels so well balanced and round as if every drop was carefully executed. My absolute favorite of all Xerjoff fragrances, possibly tied with Mamluk and Symphonium. Yes it’s that good! Totally unisex in my opinion, fit for a king and queen. Niche perfumery at it’s highest level possible. If you want something that is unique, refined, opulent and artistic… Then look no further.
When the Arabian nights settle, when royalty makes their presence known, when darkness and beauty collide in the most spectacular way possible, that is Al-Khatt.