Xerjoff Alexandria Orientale Review: A £460 Oud Worth The Price?
A deep dive into the Harrods exclusive that redefines opulent oud. We break down the scent, performance, and value.
Xerjoff Alexandria Orientale launched in 2018, not with a global marketing campaign, but with the quiet confidence of an exclusive release for Harrods in London. This immediately positioned it as a product for the discerning collector, a step beyond the brand''s already luxurious main offerings. It arrived as a flanker to the legendary Alexandria II, one of the most revered fragrances in the niche world. The challenge was clear: create a scent that honors the original''s legacy while forging its own distinct, even more opulent, identity. Orientale was designed to be the darker, spicier, and more mysterious sibling.
Within the extensive Xerjoff catalogue, Alexandria Orientale sits at the apex of the Oud Stars collection. This line is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted character of authentic oud, using traditional Arab perfume-making techniques blended with Italian artistry. While Alexandria II is a masterpiece of balance between lavender, woods, and oud, Orientale leans heavily into the latter part of its name. It amplifies the oud, wraps it in rich leather and incense, and presents a profile that is unapologetically Middle Eastern in its inspiration and execution. It is, without question, one of the brand''s most powerful and demanding creations.
The concept was to take the regal structure of Alexandria II and reinterpret it through an oriental lens. The inspiration is a journey through ancient spice markets and opulent palaces, a scent meant to evoke a sense of timeless luxury and power. It''s less of an Italian-style perfume and more of a potent, attar-like experience bottled in a spray format. The goal was not mass appeal, but to create an unforgettable olfactory signature for those who desire the ultimate in scent projection and complexity. It is a fragrance that announces its presence long before you enter a room and lingers long after you''ve left.
In the fragrance community, Alexandria Orientale is spoken of with a certain reverence, and a little bit of fear. It has a reputation as a ''beast mode'' fragrance, a term reserved for scents with overwhelming performance. Its exclusivity and high price point have given it a near-mythical status. Online reviews and forum discussions often describe it as a challenging, complex, and deeply rewarding experience, but one that is not for the faint of heart. It is considered a holy grail for oud lovers, a benchmark against which other powerful oriental fragrances are measured. Its cultural impact is not in its ubiquity, but in its role as an aspirational standard for luxury oud perfumery.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Chris Maurice (Christian Carbonnel), a master perfumer known for his bold, powerful creations for Xerjoff and Sospiro. He is renowned for his expert handling of high-quality oud, amber, and complex oriental compositions, including the original Alexandria II and Naxos.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An intense and immediate blast of smoky leather and incense, pierced by a sharp, tart green apple note. A hint of aromatic basil provides a brief moment of freshness before the overwhelming richness takes over. The opening is powerful and demanding.
The fragrance begins to soften as a velvety Bulgarian rose and powdery orris root emerge. These floral and rooty notes provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the initial harshness, while Virginia cedarwood bolsters the woody core. The leather and incense remain, but are now more integrated.
The final and longest phase is a masterful blend of rich, authentic oud, creamy sandalwood, and warm, resinous amber. A touch of vanilla adds sweetness, and a deep musk provides a sensual foundation. This is a complex, woody-amber finish that lasts for many hours.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Lasts 12-15+ hours on skin and for days on clothing.
Very strong. Projects heavily for the first 4-5 hours, creating a large, noticeable scent bubble.
Significant. Leaves a powerful and memorable scent trail that lingers in the air.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
High impact, but polarizing. It will get you noticed and commented on, but its powerful nature may not appeal to everyone. Those who like it will be extremely complimentary.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Monumental performance in longevity and projection
- ✅ Incredibly deep, complex, and evolving scent profile
- ✅ Uses perceptibly high-quality, luxurious ingredients
- ✅ Exclusive and makes a powerful statement
- ❌ Extremely high price point
- ❌ Can be overwhelming and cloying if not applied sparingly
- ❌ Limited versatility; strictly for special occasions and cold weather
- ❌ Initially a Harrods exclusive, making it difficult to sample or purchase
Price & Value
“A significant investment. Worth the price for serious collectors and oud aficionados who value performance and exclusivity above all else. Not a practical purchase for the average consumer.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Experienced fragrance connoisseurs (30+)
- Lovers of powerful, complex oud scents
- Confident individuals seeking a bold signature scent
- Collectors of luxury and exclusive perfumes.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Fragrance beginners
- Those sensitive to strong scents
- Anyone seeking a versatile, daily-wear fragrance
- Use in professional or confined office environments.
The Family
The original fragrance in the line, with a more balanced profile of lavender, woods, and oud.
A later flanker with a different character, often described as having a more prominent rosewood and Bulgarian rose accord.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar profile of unapologetic, high-quality, and potent oud.
A similarly complex and luxurious rose-oud fragrance with a sophisticated feel.
Features a prominent rose and oud combination with a smoky character, though it is less dense than Alexandria Orientale.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A well-known ''inspired by'' version that aims to capture the apple, leather, and oud combination.
Another popular alternative in the ''inspired by'' market, noted for its strong performance.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Fans of complex, smoky, and powerful fragrances will appreciate its depth.
A popular and powerful modern oud with a spicy, slightly sweet character.
Another ultra-luxury fragrance with a complex, powerful, and leathery-woody profile.
More from Xerjoff
🧪 Layering Ideas
- This fragrance is a complete and complex statement on its own; layering is not recommended.
- If you must experiment, a single, high-quality, non-sweet sandalwood oil could enhance the creamy woodiness in the deep drydown.
- A very subtle, single-note vanilla could be used sparingly to slightly temper the harshness of the opening for some wearers.
🏆 Final Verdict
Xerjoff Alexandria Orientale is an uncompromising masterpiece of oriental perfumery. It is not a fragrance you wear; it is a statement you make. You should buy it if you are a serious collector seeking the pinnacle of performance, complexity, and luxury in an oud-based scent. The price is a barrier to entry, but it ensures exclusivity and reflects the quality of the materials and artistry involved. This is for the individual who wants their fragrance to be an unforgettable experience, a potent signature that commands attention and respect. It is a wearable work of art, and for the right person, it is worth every penny.