Amphorae 27 Xerjoff 2022 unisex 1

The Verdict

Xerjoff Amphorae 27 belongs to a rarefied tier of perfumery where pricing, exclusivity, and craftsmanship converge. Released in 2022 as part of Xerjoff's Amphorae collection of pure attar oils, this fragrance is designed for connoisseurs who appreciate traditional oil-based perfumery elevated with modern ingredients. The collection name itself references ancient Greek storage vessels used for precious goods, and the branding is entirely fitting.

Community reception has been sharply divided. Some reviewers describe it as a very rich and opulent fragrance, while others have found it less appealing, with comments about a strong alcohol-like quality in the opening and a synthetic edge. The animalic base notes featuring civet and ambergris prove to be the most polarizing element, with some finding them alluringly sensual and others finding them overwhelming.

What It Smells Like

The opening of Amphorae 27 arrives with an assertive blast of spices. Cloves, cardamom, cumin, and black pepper create a warm, almost aggressive introduction that immediately signals the fragrance's intent. Brazilian orange and Calabrian bergamot provide a brief citrus brightness, but the spices dominate the opening minutes.

As the heart develops, ylang-ylang emerges with its characteristic creamy, exotic sweetness, softened by Bulgarian rose. This floral interlude provides a moment of elegance before the base notes assert themselves. The dry down reveals the fragrance's true character: intense musky accents built on ambergris, civet, Singapore patchouli, and Madagascar vanilla. The effect is dark, sensual, and unapologetically animalic.

Nutmeg weaves through the composition as a bridge between the spicy top and the musky base, lending warmth and complexity throughout the fragrance's development.

When to Wear It

Amphorae 27 is an evening fragrance suited to cooler months. Its heavy, animalic character would be overwhelming in summer heat. This is a scent for special occasions, intimate dinners, and formal evening events where its boldness can be appreciated without becoming oppressive.

Given its attar oil format and potency, a very small application is sufficient. This is not a scent for the office or casual daytime wear.

Longevity & Projection

As a pure attar oil, Amphorae 27 delivers exceptional longevity. The concentrated format ensures the fragrance persists on skin for many hours, though its projection remains relatively intimate due to the oil base. This is a close-to-skin experience rather than a room-filling one, which suits its intensely personal character.

The Community Says

Community reactions are decisively split. Fragrantica reviewers describe it as both very rich and opulent and as reminiscent of less flattering comparisons. One reviewer noted the fragrance leans quite feminine despite its unisex branding, while another found an animalistic quality they described positively. The lack of extensive community discussion reflects both its extreme price point and limited availability.

Who Should Buy This

Amphorae 27 is strictly for serious collectors and fragrance enthusiasts with deep pockets and a taste for animalic compositions. At over 1,300 euros for 12ml, this is an investment piece that demands prior experience with attars and a known appreciation for civet, musk, and ambergris. Sampling before purchasing is essential but difficult given the limited availability.

The Bottom Line

Xerjoff Amphorae 27 is a masterfully crafted but deeply polarizing attar oil that rewards those who appreciate dark, animalic compositions with spice and floral complexity, while remaining firmly outside the comfort zone of most mainstream fragrance lovers.