City of Gold – Inspired by Alexandria II Xerjoff

A clean-shaved lavender ogre leaves the barbershop. He returns home whistling. Then something extraordinary happens and you cannot stop smelling it.

Inn-o-scents presents Alexandria II an inspired tribute to Xerjoff’s most celebrated masterpiece, one of the top three creations the house has ever produced. According to Xerjoff founder Sergio Momo, the difference between Alexandria and Alexandria II lies purely in the age of the oud while the original uses 25-year-aged oud, Alexandria II uses a 5-year-aged Laotian oud that gives it a brighter, slightly fresher character while maintaining extraordinary depth. Initially available as only 120 bottles sold exclusively at Fortnum & Mason London before joining the regular collection in 2017.

Alexandria II has never needed trends to stay relevant. Years after it first appeared, it remains one of the finest rose-oud fragrances in perfumery. There is something timeless about it. The combination of rose and oud feels powerful and luxurious, yet beautifully polished.

The Fragrance Journey:

Opening — The Library of Alexandria:

Alexandria II starts off with some fresh apple, manly lavender along with some warm cinnamon and invigorating rosewood but don’t let the fresh entrance fool you, as the fragrance is very deep and sophisticated. A lavender-heavy opening that is clean, sharp and aromatic the apple adding a fruity pungency that brightens the entire composition. Cinnamon adds dusty warmth while palisander rosewood brings a woody, slightly sweet sophistication. The fragrance has this quality of being ever-changing you can almost get a sense of what it is about, then it quickly morphs into another scent, leaving you puzzled and wanting one more spray.

Heart — The Rose and the Philosopher:

The heart notes include the nose-tickling Bulgarian rose, the delicate lily of the valley and manly cedarwood even though the Laotian oud is officially listed in the base notes, it can already be smelled in the heart. Oud, spices, roses from Constantinople and fine soaps intertwine like the whispers of forgotten ages. The rose here feels powerful and luxurious yet beautifully polished a rose that knows its own strength and wears it with quiet confidence. Cedar keeps the composition firmly masculine while lily of the valley adds a soft, soapy grace.

Base — The Oud Legacy:

The base is pretty woody and sweet at the same time. The gorgeous vanilla, powdery captivating sandalwood along with the now fully declared Laotian oud and amber create one of the most seamlessly beautiful oriental base accords in niche perfumery. A moderate projection EDP which leans in the woody-spice direction with a light presence of agarwood in the midst of a storm of cinnamon, nice rosewood and slight sweetness from vanilla. Alexandria II wins hearts. It is the kind of fragrance people remember after you have left and the performance is more than capable of making that happen.

Why Choose Inn-o-scents’ Version?

• I wore this scent during my doctoral examination it is not a fragrance for every day, but a companion to moments of epic gravity. A perfume that seals the instant into memory.
• This is Xerjoff’s masterpiece and a true near-perfect example of fine perfumery trends will come and go, this one will always be relevant.
• Perfect for autumn and winter, formal occasions, special events, evenings, and those who appreciate timeless rose-oud compositions.
• Xerjoff Oud Stars luxury at a fraction of the original price

It invites us to a conversation with the philosopher Hypatia, somewhere among the parchments of the Library of Alexandria. Oud, spices, roses from Constantinople, and fine soaps intertwining like the whispers of forgotten ages.

Inn-o-scents Alexandria II inspired by Xerjoff Oud Stars. Oriental woody rose-oud with apple, lavender, cinnamon, Bulgarian rose, cedar, 5-year Laotian oud, sandalwood and vanilla. Originally 120 bottles at Fortnum & Mason. Best price in Pakistan. Order now.