40 Knots by Xerjoff

It might seem crazy, but seconds after spraying, it reminded me of Viktor & Rolf’s Spicebomb Extreme without even declaring vanilla. As it dries, it becomes more powdery and woody, like pencil shavings, yet with a very marked stately character. I struggle to find marine nuances (as many claim), but I do notice something slightly salty. A fine fragrance of great quality, though not for every wallet.

This is my top 2 from Xerjoff, even more so than Naxos. It’s an exotic and rare scent that I love immensely. It opens with green notes I can’t quite pinpoint, woods, lots of salt, and an unknown flower. It inspires luxury, maturity, and commands respect through tranquility. It doesn’t shout like Naxos, but it makes a huge impression. Smells expensive and powerful, as if you belong to a wealthy, sophisticated family. Dries sweetly, like soft honey. EXCELLENT: 10/10 scent, 10/10 longevity, 8/10 sillage. Absolutely beastly. I’d repurchase when it runs out.

I’ve been hunting for this fragrance for some time, as salty marine scents usually suit me well (I own L’Éclat d’Issey and Black Sea), but I’m glad I tried a 2ml decant of Niche first. It is nothing like what I expected. I don’t detect any marine notes… the salt only appears after 15 minutes, but this is 80% wood. I made the mistake of buying Alexandría II blindly due to the hype, and it was a huge error. That woody scent, in the opening and for most of its life, bears a striking resemblance to Alexandría II (both from 2012); they seem like variants of the same perfume. The quality of the ingredients is evident, yet they evoke old perfumes that border on being musty. The key lies in the woods. I have woody fragrances in my collection, but I admit I don’t like how Xerjoff handles the wood aspect (for some it’s a virtue, for others… sniff sniff). It has good longevity and projection, but it is a very niche scent; I see no compliments and it doesn’t appeal to most people given the price. The presentation is extraordinary, as with all Xerjoff. In summary: if you like Alexandría II, you will like this, and vice versa. Do not buy blindly. My ratings: Scent 6, Longevity 8, Projection 8, Presentation 10, Overall 8.

I am wearing it now and yes, it feels like a Xerjoff fragrance. It is a rich and special aroma. Elegant yet suitable for daily wear, dates, or the club. I agree that it has little to do with the listed notes. I don’t smell it as very marine, but rather floral with a woody base, which gives it that ‘elegance’. It is recommended to try it before buying because it does not resemble the reviews. It has Xerjoff quality: good longevity, projection, and you can tell it is niche. What I liked most: its versatility.

Bigfan, I tried it today at El Corte Inglés and yes, it is true that the most noticeable aspect is those heavy, full-bodied woods.

Honestly, it’s a pleasant, quality, and very versatile scent, perfect for a Mediterranean spring or autumn. It’s fresh and woody, with that current Italian style that has no rival. It evokes the coast, not the sea; the marine note is subtle and only noticeable at first. It could be a great perfume, but it’s not an olfactory bomb. It won’t last three days with a single spray, but about eight hours with five or six, with moderate projection. I always recommend testing niche on skin before buying and not trusting decants from brands like Xerjoff unless bought directly. I tested it in a boutique and then the decant: I doubted it at first, but the problem was the sample. The 40knots I bought smells exactly like the store tester, not like the decant.

I hate it, full stop. I have a decant I’m going to give away. I can’t detect any of the declared notes; to me it smells of musk and talc, salty but without the refinement of Creed’s Illesime Imperial. If anyone likes it, use it at their own risk.

Personally, I don’t recognise most of the declared notes. Perhaps I don’t have the developed or refined sense of smell they claim. The opening smells of rose and talc, a known scent, which then moves to woody tones and something smoky or incense-like. I don’t see it as fresh, modern, or youthful. It’s similar to the evolution of Alexandria II, as has been said. Clearly, it’s not for me.

It reminds me of vintage perfumes, soapy and very woody. I don’t think it’s worth the exorbitant price at all. After an hour of drying, it constantly smells both ancient and modern, finishing with subtle woods that fade away. I perceive it as very synthetic. The longevity is good. If someone is looking for a similarity to Alexandria II, in my case, I don’t find it at all.

Marine from where? Terrible perfume. I can’t find any sense or balance in it.

The first impression was good. It opens with certain marine touches before drying down to something sweet, not strident. The guiding thread is a light wood always present. Longevity is around nine hours on skin and projection wasn’t very large, although there were few sprays. The only disappointment is the price; it should cost 40% less. But on the other hand, it seems that in life these days, what matters is showing off.

A single spray lasted from Friday until today, Monday at 12:25, and will surely last all day. That is three days, four showers with soap, creams… incredible, it simply won’t leave the body.

It’s very versatile, but watch your hand: if you over-spray, it smells weak. The opening doesn’t grab me, but once it settles, it has won me over. It smells serious, elegant, and classy, suited to older people. The performance is beastly: over ten hours with a heavy trail, especially if worn during the day.

40 Knots is a versatile woody fragrance suitable for almost any season and time of day. It is not a refreshing aquatic scent, but rather the smell of someone polishing the wood of a beached boat with quality wax. It yields 10-12 hours easily. It is unisex-masculine for those over 30. If you seek the sea, try Aqua di Sale; if you want something fun for the beach, try Torino 21 or Nio. If you are looking for something elegant and versatile, 40 Knots is the option.

40 Knots unfolds in three phases: woody notes with a salty touch, then pure woods, and finally cedar. It’s straightforward and pricey, yet I absolutely loved it. Well-executed; it smells like light yacht wood with a backdrop of Mediterranean sky. I’d love for the marine aspect to last longer and for it to feel less like Naxos. It’s a fragrance you put on and know you’ll look good in. Suitable for everything, classy, long-lasting, and never over the top. You won’t get bored of it. Pros: Versatility, performance. Cons: Simplicity, price. Scent: 7.8, Longevity: 8.4, Projection: 7.5, Emotional Impact: No, Originality: 6. Price: €290/100ml. Recommended depending on your budget.