Alexandria II Anniversary

To give you an idea of what this fragrance smells like, I’ll try to compare it with Alexandria II and also their oud accords. Take Alexandria II, remove that apple-like and slightly fresh opening, add cumin instead, intensify its civet-like warmth and cardamom feel, and reduce the lavender dose. Although Alexandria II also contains cardamom, its dose is much lower than in the Anniversary version. Other aspects of Alexandria II’s opening are still present, such as rosewood (but in much lower dosage in the Anniversary edition), and oud (the Anniversary edition uses Borneo oud, which smells more like toasted wood—as if the oud were slightly burned. Along with that toasted note, you also get hints of dry hay. The same oud was used in Bortnikoff’s Oud Maximus. In contrast, the oud in the regular Alexandria II smells more woody-musky, with faint acetone-gasoline nuances, and to me, less animalic than the Anniversary version). Also present are lavender and a sweet dark note. So what’s the difference? The Anniversary opens warmer and more animalic, with a slight spicy character from cardamom and cumin. The added cumin, stronger civet, and different oud type give it a more animalic and warm feel. If Alexandria II opens woody, aromatic (more lavender), slightly fruity (apple), sweet, and musky—then the Anniversary is more animalic, oud-heavy, spicy, warm, musky, and sweet. Personally, I much prefer the opening of the Anniversary version because it feels warmer, more animalic, and the oud suits my taste better. Its opening also somewhat reminds me of Xerjoff Luxor. (Overall around 60% similarity to the regular version, in my opinion comparing anniversary to alexandria ii). After about three hours, Alexandria II and the Anniversary become very similar: that same velvety musky feel with vanilla, lavender, patchouli, and sandalwood. However, the same issue I had with Alexandria II remains: although the oud concentration seems higher in the Anniversary, it’s still too low for the price. Within three hours the oud practically disappears, and after that I have to press my nose to my skin to detect any trace. Honestly, before you can fully enjoy the oud note, it has already evaporated, What remains is mostly sandalwood, patchouli, some synthetic musky accords, and synthetic vanilla. Still, the blend is addictive and pleasant, with high-quality ingredients. Xerjoff also added iris in the heart, and if I really force myself, maybe I can imagine a faint earthy orris nuance at the start—but it vanishes quickly, just like the oud. In the heart, the animalic impression is still there (thanks to the different oud, stronger civet, and cumin), though weaker than in the opening (around 70% similarity to the regular version in the heart). In the drydown, you get that velvety, woody base (sandalwood plus a synthetic sandalwood accord to enhance the velvet feel), musky accords, vanilla, tonka, patchouli, and cypriol (both reinforcing the oud character). It’s very similar to the regular version, maybe slightly less fresh/aromatic (due to less lavender, a bit more animalic tone, or less ambroxan). I also detect a faint green-grassy touch in very low dosage (similar to Alexandria III). (Over 80% similarity to the regular version in the drydown). Longevity of both versions is outstanding—just one spray lasts up to three days on my skin faintly, with excellent projection during the first 8–12 hours. So realistically, you’d never be able to finish more than 10ml of this fragrance in your lifetime, especially if you own many perfumes. In terms of mass appeal, I’ve never shown the regular version to anyone who didn’t fall in love with it. Surprisingly, even this more animalic Anniversary version is still very mass-appealing and safe, everyone I’ve shown it to loved it, which I honestly didn’t expect. It shows Xerjoff clearly tests their fragrances extensively before release to ensure wide appeal and sales. If you liked the regular Alexandria II, don’t miss the chance to try this one. The oud here—though limited in dose—is very high-quality and valuable, comparable to artisanal and rare perfumes. And considering reformulations might reduce it even further (as happened with Alexandria II and ceylon), I’d recommend testing it before it’s too late.

I’ve had this in my collection for almost a year and kept postponing the review because it honestly left me a little speechless, too awe-inspiring to rush. This is the one I’ll remember Xerjoff by. In my opinion, it is the house’s statement piece and the best scent in their lineup. It is incredibly complex and unapologetically sophisticated. Worn in the wrong setting, it can read as loud or in poor taste, but in the right moment it is backup-bottle worthy. It feels opulent, fresh, and heavy at the same time. A gentle soapiness from the lavender runs through it, and the whole structure comes across as masculine yet beautiful. One spray goes a long way. Do not spray on clothes. This stuff is strong. The profile opens with Bulgarian rose, cumin, cardamom, and lavender, then moves into a dense heart built around Bornean Tarakan oud with orris, wormwood, clary sage, mint, cypriol, amber, and a measured animalic touch of civet. It settles into sandalwood, vanilla, and musk. The oud reads polished rather than barnyard. I own 400+ perfumes, and many echo each other. Alexandria II Anniversary is the outlier, original and unmatched. There is an addictive quality here that keeps me sniffing my wrist. It is classy yet modern, and I can’t think of anything quite like it. I haven’t tried the original Alexandria II, so I can’t speak to how this compares. Performance is formidable and the character is grand, which is why I see it as late-autumn and winter wear, best for formal or night settings and for noses that already enjoy challenging ouds. Not an entry-level niche choice; this sits at the bold end, made for connoisseurs. It feels like a love letter to perfume lovers all over the world. 🤍

Unlike other people stating here that it is more a winter fragrance I went out and wore it on a warm summer day to test this masterpiece, here is my review based on my experience. Wearing Alexandria Anniversary in the summer heat feels like conducting an orchestra of scents where oud takes center stage, projecting its bold and regal presence with unmatched elegance. The warmth amplifies its richness, unveiling a sweetness that dances effortlessly between luxurious depth and a vibrant, sunlit joy. The sillage is absolutely enormous in the warmth of the sun making heads turn when you walk by. As the day unfolds, the fragrance transforms, like a golden sunset blending vivid hues of sweetness and smoky sophistication. It wraps you in an aura that commands attention, leaving a trail of opulence and refined charm. Each note seems to play its role flawlessly, creating a harmony that feels both timeless and modern. Alexandria Anniversary is more than a fragrance, it’s an experience, a statement piece that bridges the gap between the grandeur of tradition and the playful spirit of summer. A truly unforgettable masterpiece for those who dare to stand out and leave an impression. The numbers for performance speak for themselves, it sticks to your skin like a mosquito on a warm summer day and will not leave your side for atleast a day. The projection will make people in the next house over wonder what suddenly smells so good in their house. In conclusion I'd say this is a gorgeous summer scent if you want to be bold and are not afraid of being "loud". For me it's a safe blind buy but civet is not for everyone I've heard so as always test before you buy the full bottle. 10/10

Let me start by saying this is soooo not in my wheelhouse.. if you click on my profile and check my faves, you'll understand... That having been said, I am absolutely blown away by this BEAUTIFUL perfume.... I'm not an oud afficionado but I've never experienced oud quite like this one... And I LOVE animalic fragrances and believe me when I tell you this is ANIMALIC... But not in a "rude" way... And the vanilla in this reeks of quality and somehow has ZERO sweetness (in a good way) but yet adds this mesmerizing beauty to the drydown (which happens sometime tomorrow, in case you're wondering about performance).... It's aromatic/fresh/herbal... It's animalic and funky and slightly medicinal.... It's powdery from orris.... Smooth and almost creamy from sandalwood and vanilla... Even reading my own description doesn't explain this at all... You've GOT to get a sample or decant or find a way to try it on... This has to be the least blind-buy safe fragrance I’ve ever experienced... Wearing this is like taking a journey... Honestly it's absolutely unlike any other fragrance I've ever tried and I'm enjoying every trip I take, and NO TWO WEARINGS have been identical, but in the best way you can imagine...!! I urge ANYONE to try this JUST IN CASE you didn't know you needed it... I LOVE this perfume.

I'm a huge fan of the original Alexandria II (The fragrance that bears my name!), but this anniversary edition takes it to a new level. I love it so much I sold my bottle of the original just to replace it with the Anniversary. Yes, I do find there to be a significant difference between the two. Anniversary is a bit more animalic, but there's also something lingering in the background, almost something slightly refreshing, almost aquatic, probably from the sage and mint. There's a more niche and exotic edge to the Anniversary edition. It's more refined and less stuffy than the original (despite having a pretty prominent civet note). I honestly find this to be unisex, not sure why more ladies aren't rocking this. It's probably worth noting this type of fragrance isn't for everyone, perhaps more for those who are looking to be taken on a journey in their fragrance application.