Xerjoff Decas Review: The Insider's Guide to Italy's Most Celebrated Scent

Listen closely, because what I'm about to share isn't something you'll find in a department store press release. For years, my contacts at Xerjoff have been hinting at something special to commemorate the XJ 1861 collection, their olfactory love letter to the unification of Italy. When Decas finally launched in 2021, it wasn't with a massive, loud campaign. Instead, it was a quiet, confident release, sent to a select few of us who understand the language of true luxury. Decas, meaning 'ten' in Greek, was created to celebrate a decade of this iconic collection, and it arrived not as an iteration, but as a culmination—a vibrant, joyful scent that bottles the very soul of Italian optimism.

In the sprawling, often intimidating world of Xerjoff, Decas holds a unique position. It doesn't have the animalic growl of the Oud Stars or the operatic drama of the Casamorati line. Instead, it bridges the gap between effervescent freshness and profound, resinous depth. This is the fragrance for the connoisseur who has moved beyond simple 'freshies' but isn't ready to commit to a heavy, winter-only amber. My sources tell me this was a deliberate choice; the house wanted to create a celebratory scent that felt both timeless and incredibly modern. It's a statement of sophistication that doesn't need to shout, and it has quickly become a quiet favorite among industry insiders and discerning buyers who are always searching for that next, perfect signature.

The inspiration is pure, unadulterated joy. Imagine standing on a cliffside in Calabria, the sun warming your skin as you peel a perfectly ripe mandarin orange. The air is thick with the scent of distant white florals and the sweet, warm aroma drifting from a nearby pasticceria. This is the feeling Xerjoff aimed to capture. It's not just a scent; it's an emotion. It’s the spirit of a decade of Italian artistry, a tribute to the nation's history and its vibrant future. Every note is a brushstroke in a masterpiece painting of a perfect Italian afternoon, a concept that could easily feel cliché in lesser hands but is executed here with breathtaking elegance.

Within the fragrance community, Decas has cultivated a reputation as 'sunshine in a bottle.' While Naxos often takes the spotlight for its honeyed tobacco, those in the know often whisper that Decas is the collection's true masterpiece. It's a scent that generates an incredible number of compliments precisely because it's so unique yet universally pleasant. It’s a cultural touchstone for a new wave of luxury consumers who value complexity, quality, and a story. This isn't just a purchase; it's an initiation into a more nuanced world of perfumery. And trust me, you want to be a part of it.