Navitus Parfums Exalt
Navitus Parfums Exalt, launched in 2020, is a unisex parfum that immediately commands attention with its rich, spicy tobacco heart. Crafted by perfumers Francis Kurkdjian and Jérôme di Marino, this fragrance is a study in contrasts: sweet yet smoky, warm yet fresh. It belongs to the growing category of gourmand-woody scents that have become staples for cooler months.
Exalt opens with a burst of cacao and bergamot, quickly giving way to a complex heart of jasmine, anise, and Madagascar pepper. The base is anchored by tobacco, cedar, and Haitian vetiver, creating a drydown that is both comforting and sophisticated. With moderate longevity and sillage, it is designed for office wear, upscale nights out, and formal events.
This review breaks down every aspect of Exalt—from its accords and performance to its value and alternatives—to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your collection.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first 0–30 minutes are dominated by cacao and bergamot, with nutmeg adding a sharp, spicy kick. Olibanum (frankincense) provides a subtle resinous undertone.
After about an hour, the heart emerges: jasmine and anise bring a floral-anisic sweetness, while Madagascar pepper and labdanum add warmth and depth. Benzoin softens the blend with a vanilla-like balsamic note.
Four hours in, the base takes over. Tobacco is the star, supported by cedar’s dry woodiness and Haitian vetiver’s earthy, slightly smoky character. The sweetness fades, leaving a sophisticated, slightly leathery trail.
Performance Dashboard
Moderate, estimated 6–8 hours on skin.
Moderate, projects about an arm's length for the first few hours.
Moderate, leaves a noticeable but not overwhelming trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Moderate compliments; the unique cacao-tobacco blend often draws positive comments from those who appreciate niche fragrances.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Rich, complex blend of cacao, tobacco, and spices
- ✅ Good longevity for a parfum concentration
- ✅ Versatile for both office and evening wear
- ✅ Unisex appeal with balanced sweetness
- ❌ Moderate projection may not satisfy those seeking a loud scent
- ❌ Anise note can be polarizing
- ❌ Price point is high for the performance level
Price & Value
“Fair value if you appreciate the specific note profile, but there are more affordable alternatives with similar performance.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported; consistency is generally good across production runs.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Fans of warm, spicy, gourmand scents
- Those who enjoy tobacco and cacao notes
- Unisex fragrance enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- People who prefer fresh, aquatic, or citrus-forward scents
- Those sensitive to strong spices or anise
Explore More
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Layer with a vanilla-based fragrance to enhance the sweet gourmand side.
- Combine with a woody cedar scent to amplify the dry base notes.
