XXX Charcoal

This has a very close similarity to Supreme Leather by Ralph Lauren (not exactly like it); the Saffron and Elemi on the opening is what grants it the comparison. That dry graphite and black pepper being complimented by the saffron and elemi is really nice 🤌🏼 there’s this woody Oud-ish note that’s right in the middle of everything; it’s not a harsh or strong Oud but a nice lingering soft blender of the sharp and warm from the other notes. Niche quality no doubt! This is for sure a warm/fresh spicy, fall/winter fragrance! I’ll edit this post in a day or two with my oof-rating system 🫡 so far it’s a solid 10 in my book. ⚠️EDIT 03/10/23: (my ratings)⚠️ Scent: 10 oofs -In my honest opinion; it smells like it should only be worn by someone who dresses and looks sharp. Dressed in black and gray in both casual and business attire. No slacking, no bullshit. All business but still friendly and approachable. That visual and description I just gave came to my mind from the smell of sharp metallics and “woods”, softened by the saffron and resinous elemi. I’m not too sure what that new molecule used smells like but I’m assuming it’s what gives it the distinct Oud-ish middle. Overall, the scent intimidates but in a none aggressive way. Longevity: 6 oofs -it didn’t last too long maybe 5-6 hours on my skin but I did go to the gym in between so it’s somewhat okay. It did last 8ish hours on clothes though. Sillage: 6 oofs -it didn’t radiate off my skin as much as I wanted, it’s probably my skin, idk. Its sillage is okay if you want something not-so abrasive.

XXX CHARCOAL will garner comments from few. It is an interesting scent. A metallic, cool and damp soil, mineral, inky smell. Synthetic but at the same time natural and earthy/musky. Backed by a strong black peppery floral note. There’s a crisp clean airiness to it all. The fragrance is the same from beginning to end. There’s nothing that develops over time. It quickly becomes a skin scent that stays for 4-5 hours, then undetectable. I find the scent familiar, and somewhat comforting. It reminds me of an old, well used fine arts classroom/studio. Metal cans and bins holding years worth of charcoal, graphite pencils, oil pastels. Stacks of papers, boxes of mat board. Rolls of canvas, well used art palettes and brushes. Rulers, x-acto knives, and other metal tools scattered about. Shelves overflowing with bottles of inks, tubes of paints, cans of glues and pastes. Raw untreated concrete floors. Stools, tables, easels made of metal and pressed wood. A stained utility sink with a damp rag hanging over the side.

What I get is simple saffron-y/pepper-y incense in the top, smoky cedar in the heart and a soft (non-lemony) elemi in the base. Moderate performance on my skin. Nothing thrilling or unique, but very well done. Not bottle worthy at full retail price imho, but when it'll show up at online discounters, this one will probably become a serious competitor in the woody incense dept. Good job, Zegna!

A remarkable blend of pepper, saffron, graphite, and ozonic minerals that evoke the thermodynamic energy of anthracite. Charcoal captures the very essence of coal, smoldering metals, and artificial smoke. It strikes me as a sophisticated, avant-garde elixir that showcases Zegna’s artistic craftsmanship and true potential when utilizing refined synthetics and molecules.

I have been testing this, as it was the 1 that stood out from the 3 perfumes in the collection. I'm falling in love with it and I think I will get a full bottle over the next few days. It is a very unique scent and there's a sweet element that's a cool contrast to the main notes and the name.