Alexandria II is one of the most celebrated fragrances Xerjoff makes, and one of the most expensive to buy without trying. It was launched in 2012, composed by Chris Maurice, and Fragrantica files it as an oriental woody fragrance for women and men. It belongs to the Oud Stars collection, Xerjoff's line built around agarwood.

The notes

  • Opens: palisander rosewood, lavender, cinnamon, apple
  • Heart: rose, cedar, lily of the valley
  • Dries down: agarwood (oud), sandalwood, amber, vanilla, musk

How it wears

The opening is brighter than the word "oud" leads people to expect. Apple and lavender come first, warmed by cinnamon and given a dry, polished edge by rosewood. Then the rose arrives, with cedar beside it and lily of the valley keeping the heart clean rather than jammy.

The base is where the name comes from: oud, but smoothed with sandalwood, amber and vanilla, so it reads as rich and rounded rather than smoky or animalic. That balance is why Alexandria II is so often recommended to people who think they do not like oud. It is dense and long-lasting, and a little goes a long way.

When to wear it

  • Best: autumn and winter, evenings, weddings and occasions where you want to be noticed.
  • Egyptian summer: evenings only, one or two sprays. In the midday heat the oud and amber become heavy.
  • If you like: Xerjoff Naxos, or the richer fragrances in our guide to oud, Alexandria II is the natural next step.

Why a decant makes sense here

A full bottle of Alexandria II is a serious purchase, and oud is personal: on some skin it turns sweet and creamy, on other skin drier and woodier. A 4 ML decant lets you wear it for a week and see which you get. A 10 ML lasts most people a season of evenings.

Questions

What does Xerjoff Alexandria II smell like?

Apple, lavender, cinnamon and rosewood at first, then rose and cedar, drying down to oud, sandalwood, amber and vanilla. Warm, rich and smooth.

Is Alexandria II for men or women?

Both. It is a shared fragrance.

Is it a strong oud?

The oud is clearly there, but softened by sandalwood, amber and vanilla. It is a polished oud, not a smoky or barnyard one.

Is the decant original?

Yes. It is poured in Cairo from an original Xerjoff bottle when you order.