Kemi Xerjoff 2023

The Kemi is my new discovery of 2023, my absolute highlight in the realm of animalic oud fragrances.

Why?
At first, the Kemi actually comes off a bit stinky. The barnyard note is quite noticeable. Warm-creamy, the whole cowpat aroma then settles into a bed of candies, caramels, and fruit preserves.

These wonderful candy notes in Kemi clearly remind me of those fairground stalls where the pastilles are arranged in containers next to and on top of each other, and you can freely serve yourself with a pointed plastic bag. Syrupy fruit scent. Raspberry, strawberry, yes, also somewhat woodruff, along with a certain but clearly perceptible ethereal aroma in the background. As a child, I loved these “candy shops,” and Kemi transports me right back to those nostalgic memories.

But now to the “stinky” oud aroma, which is definitely present but quickly diminishes over time. The drydown is among the best I have ever had the pleasure of smelling. I think it is precisely this animalic-sweet confections-etheric twist that makes the Kemi so wonderful. It just fits together; the animalic notes align so finely with the candy aroma that both create an incredibly beautiful symbiosis, making this fragrance so unique. I have it on my wrist, and my nose is practically glued to it all day. It’s addictive to smell! By the way, I was informed upon inquiry that the animalic aspect is not really perceived as such in the air.

Oh Kemi… So magical, so unique, so fascinating, so beautifully warming, so sweet-candy-like, so grandiosely ethereal, and so full of nostalgic childhood feelings in one fragrance. And yet you are so wearable, attractive, and striking.
Wearability:
Yes, yes, and yes! Anytime in leisure!
In the office and at business meetings, I would prefer to reach for other fragrances due to the slight stinky animalic aspect.

Longevity:
The scent comes off oily. It easily lasts 10 hours+. 9/10

Sillage: Well perceptible, but never annoyingly intrusive. Just right! In the first half hour, it might be a bit too stinky for some untrained noses. 8/10

Conclusion:
For me, the Kemi is underrated here in the rating. It is certainly not at home in the world of pleasing easy-to-wear fragrances, and it may be a bit unusual for untrained noses or lovers of “normal” scents at first, but it is so good that I would gladly speak in superlatives. I rarely give the full 10 points, but here it is warranted.

To those who test it: Waiting for the drydown is a must!

More courage for Kemi, more love and attention for this masterpiece!