NeoRio Xerjoff 2025

I'm really surprised no one has drawn the parallels yet between NeoRio and Oud Zarian. The opening is very very similar, with that "fall themed candle" kind of vibe. Considering the bottles and the "caramelized fig" note, I was expecting something fruity and candy-like, but this is not the case at all. Lots of spices which aren't listed in the note pyramid: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and even licorice/anise which makes the comparison to Oud Zarian and Opus XIV - Royal Tobacco even more obvious. And a huge maple syrup note that dominates the fragrance after the opening. There is a subtle fruity rum note as well, which adds a smooth booziness to the concoction. The drydown is where it gets very different from the fragrances I'm comparing it to, it's a dry tonka-patchouli rather than the thick resinous myrrh of Oud Zarian.

I don't understand the low rating. Maybe because, like Groove Xcape, people were expecting a different fragrance based on the bottle? There's definitely nothing "wrong" with it to warrant a rating under 7 (6.6 at the time of writing this review). If you enjoy fall scents, and especially maple syrup, definitely give NeoRio a try. At retail it is definitely overpriced, but I'm seeing it at discounters for just above $150, and it's not a bad deal at that price. Especially compared to Oud Zarian. Low-ish rating for the bottle not because it looks bad, but because it misrepresents the scent.