TFfabiolous

...when I was able to get hold of the first bottling for €5 per ML, my expectations were immeasurably high!

After the first spray, I was honestly a little disappointed and put the bottle away immediately... after a little citrus came the cowshed! Without end! I'm supposed to wear this and get compliments, I thought to myself!
2 days later, the second attempt: "oooh, still animalistic high thousand. Where are the chords? A little more cinnamon this time... I have the feeling I'm standing in a sterile doctor's surgery. But where does it come from? Fortunately, I got all my answers to this question on my third attempt. Because all good things come in threes...

The top notes present a dynamic blend of citrus and aromatic lavender, reminiscent of the bustling streets and markets of Alexandria. The heart notes of jasmine, cinnamon and rose geranium add a sensual depth.
The true essence of "Alexandria II" unfolds in the base. This is where the mature Cambodian oud, the warm nuances of cedarwood and the sweet temptation of lily of the valley merge into a beguiling finale.
The depth and complexity of this fragrance make it a timeless classic that enchants both men and women. Whether on a special occasion or in everyday life, "Alexandria II" gives every wearer a regal aura and makes them feel like a ruler of their own world.
Overall, "Alexandria II" by Xerjoff is a fragrance that intoxicates the senses and inspires the imagination. With its rich fragrance composition and captivating story, it is a must-have for all lovers of luxury fragrances and an essential addition to any perfume collection. Welcome to Alexandria - the most beautiful siege in history, captured in a bottle.

Nevertheless, in my opinion, there are much better alternatives for the money that are "easier" to wear and understand. The fragrance has won me over, but it won't make it into my top 10.

...to buy the original!

Yes, you heard me right... everyone starts at some point and then dives into the niche world for good. At the time, I had a small bottling of "Erba Pura | XerJoff" and just wanted to get to know more. I came across "Kirkè (Extrait de Parfum) | Tiziana Terenzi" relatively quickly, but I was very short of money at the time and then did a lot of research into possible alternatives.

The search didn't take long, then I was here - at "Souvenir Desert Rose | Afnan Perfumes"

My thoughts: "...40€?!? - i can do that blind...!"

Then it was delivered and I was definitely not disappointed! On the contrary: the durability and the fruity twist are really great!

This perfume opens with a refreshing blend of fruity notes and musk, creating an invigorating yet sensual atmosphere.
The heart note that follows adds an exotic dimension to the fragrance by combining tropical fruits and powdery nuances.
The base notes present a sophisticated composition of citrus fruits, warm sandalwood and intense ambergris, giving the perfume a long-lasting, elegant depth.

I can recommend this fragrance without reservation! Always a good alternative to the "original" for the money.

Have fun testing it!

When I was on Sylt with my wife last year and stood in the Schuback perfumery, I had countless fragrances under my nose.
One of them was "Oajan | Parfums de Marly" - its boozy, spicy and sweet DNA immediately fascinated me. In the end, however, I wanted an even more special fragrance for the special vacation, so I opted for the "Tony Iommi Monkey Special | XerJoff"...

But that's not what my review is about... let's stick to the wonderful DNA of "Oajan | Parfums de Marly". It followed me around for the next few weeks and months. Between visits to other niche perfumeries, I was somehow led to "Ambre Tabac | Daniel Josier" by all the forum posts here on parfumo. According to the descriptions, it should also have the same DNA as the Oajan. But at a price that is less than half that of Oajan, depending on availability. In times of cost-cutting measures (due to an upcoming wedding), this came at just the right time. I thought to myself: I can smell like Oajan and pay less for it... isn't that worth a blind buy? Or?

The day came when I discovered a bottle in the souk... 83/100ml... 70€... great price! I'll give it a try, I thought to myself, totally curious!

4 days after the 70€ had left me via Paypal, I was able to see via DHL shipment tracking how the parcel carrier deposited the parcel at the agreed drop-off location.
It was Friday - I left work an hour earlier than usual because I couldn't wait to finally test the fragrance... I shot out of the office towards home, parked the car at the side of the road, ran to the shed and pulled out the parcel... I hadn't even got to the front door when I was already holding the bottle in my hand.
"Now let's get in and test it..." I thought to myself.
So I stood in my beloved perfume room and the fragrance journey began...
I pulled a fragrance strip out of the box and sprayed the scent generously... The fragrance journey could begin:

The intense scent of the finest tobacco dominates the composition and is skillfully combined with balsamic and powdery nuances...
The irresistible aroma of incense unfolds with impressive intensity right from the top note. It simply blew me away!
The bergamot provides a fresh and fruity contrast and a perfect prelude.

Patchouli and sandalwood in the heart note give the fragrance a profound essence and a special spiciness...

Ambergris unfolds its full intensity in the base note, while sweet vanilla rounds off the bouquet perfectly and creates a warm, cordial atmosphere!

Treat yourself to this wonderful fragrance. It's 90% like "Oajan | Parfums de Marly" - but even rounder and softer - which doesn't mean it's weak. Because it is far from it! Definitely a blind buy for fall/winter and on cooler days in spring up to 16/17 degrees...

Have fun testing dear community!

In fact, I'm writing my first long review after almost a year of membership.

On the day I was introduced to this fragrance, we were in Düsseldorf... in Marc Gebauer's new store... but let's start chronologically.

On that Saturday, we decided relatively spontaneously after getting up that we wanted to go to Düsseldorf to visit the new store, which had been advertised in one of Marc's YouTube videos two days earlier.

After a 1.5 hour drive and a horrendous search for a parking space, we fought our way through the hustle and bustle of the Düsseldorf Christmas market towards Blumenstraße 9.
So now we were standing in front of the store!
Modern, stylish, classy - a mix of the traditional art that Marc's Headquater represents, paired with modern technology and stylish elements.
After a friendly welcome from a member of staff, we finally started our fragrance journey. Let it be said that I was not mentally prepared to buy a perfume in advance... I was proven wrong!

We started with "Oxford | Roberto Ugolini" to "Uden Overdose | XerJoff" , "Orange Flamingo | Marc Gebauer" , to "Oajan | Parfums de Marly" (which were/are all great fragrances)
But I got stuck with "Oud Republic | Pana Dora" which captured the whole experience best for me.

A fragrance of pure luxury!
Multifaceted! Elegant! Spicy! Sweet! A little oriental! Very multifaceted and above all special in its composition! A fragrance for a true man! Individual fragrance notes are familiar from well-known fragrances. But I've never smelled them in this combination before! A few more suggestions from the employee followed, but I knew immediately: I want the "Oud Republic | Pana Dora"!

In the meantime, I was also able to talk to Marc personally, as he happened to be in the store that day. A really great highlight, which rounded off the fragrance trip in Düsseldorf with a great experience.

With €305 less in my wallet, I left the store overjoyed and could hardly wait to wear the fragrance on such special occasions.
A great gift to the most important person in my life - myself!

Merry Christmas!