XJ 1861 Renaissance

Just when I thought I had the brand all figured out—overdressed show ponies in gilded bottles—this one shows up and flips the table like it’s had enough of the usual amber-laced drama. Let me just say this: easily my favorite fragrance I’ve tried from them, and that’s coming from someone who’s sampled their lineup with a healthy mix of curiosity and skepticism. From the first spray, this thing is like cracking open the gates of a sun-drenched Italian orchard at 9 AM. You’re hit with this sparkling citrus medley—bergamot, lemon, orange, a whisper of petitgrain—that’s juicy without being sticky, bright without being screechy. But the real star of the show, and I mean the one that keeps me coming back like a borderline addict, is that mint. My god. It’s not toothpastey, not menthol bomb, not “I just chewed five sticks of spearmint gum.” No. This is fresh garden mint—crushed under the heel kind of mint—blended so seamlessly with the citruses that it doesn’t pop in and out like a gimmick; it lingers, like a breeze through a Roman villa. I keep smelling my shirt hours later just to catch it again. As it dries down, you start to get the cleaner, slightly floral-herbal heart—rosemary and rose—though don’t worry, it doesn’t go soapy or old-school barbershop. There's a kind of leafy freshness to it, grounded with soft woods and a smidge of amber and musk in the base, but the whole composition stays light, crisp, and elegant all the way through. This isn’t a scent that tries to seduce you with base-heavy theatrics—it charms you from the top and never lets go. Performance? Way better than I expected for something this bright. I get a solid 7-8 hours on skin, longer on fabric, with a breezy, noticeable sillage that’s never cloying. It's the kind of fragrance that makes people lean in rather than back up. Super versatile too—spring/summer must-have, but honestly, it’s so smooth and put-together that I could see it working year-round as a signature. If the rest of the brand’s lineup is luxury in velvet loafers, this one is linen shirts, tanned skin, and a Vespa ride along the Amalfi Coast. Effortless, magnetic, and somehow refined without ever trying too hard. And yeah—that mint. Can we talk about how rare it is to find a mint note that doesn’t hijack the composition or vanish in ten minutes? This one stays with you, rides the entire journey, and gives the whole scent its magic. Chef’s kiss. If you’ve tried this one, you already know. If you haven’t—you’re missing out on one of the freshest, classiest things the brand has ever done.

The pros: -It's got an insanely realistic tart mandarin opening, nothing fake/synthetic/candied about it. It's also rindy but not TDH/Perseus rindy. -The clever use of mint makes it feel very cool and refreshing even in the hottest summer days, without actually projecting something minty. The blend becomes slightly green as it dries, but it's mostly just cool and citrusy. -The base is light, it just becomes more discreet and musky as time goes by, no dark woods or heavy stuff to change its character when it becomes a skin scent. Still fresh. -Can be oversprayed, it might be a bit much but it will not offend or smell weird. -Lasts a long time for something so light and "clean" *coughs in Afternoon Swim* The cons: -The mandarin is so safe and front stage, it could become boring. -If you're not familiar with that very specific Mediterranean mandarin smell, you could smell it as "weird synthetic lemon" -Better appreciated if you haven't smelled it for some time, loses its appeal from overexposure. -Doesn't have a 30l/50ml size so you cannot get a small bottle for less money and use it sparsely as a Summer treat. -Even though it lasts, it stops projecting quite soon, you wear this mostly for confidence and personal enjoyment. I love this and consider it a top5 Xerjoff creation. An overdose version or anniversary edition would be awesome, but they will probably add something that ruins its wonderful simplicity.

When it comes to Bergamot, hardly there are any Houses which can beat Xerjoff. This one is abstract perfumery at its best. Like an Impressionist Painting, it creates the overall image of a Lemon Tree at its full Bloom. It starts with Zesty, sweet, juicy and green, but never earthy citruses, like smelling lemon leaves and lemons together, in a super clean white surrounding. The tartness never over exposes itself, but remains very creamy. The mint develops after 15 minutes, giving the structure a freeziness. The tartness and sweetness turns into bitter citrus, but still is very fresh. The mint overtakes the citruses. The mint is not like mouth freshener but is very natural smelling. At Dry Down the amber kicks itself in, giving an ambery sweetness. The citruses return very dry, almost powdery here. It ends keeping a lingering musk behind. I find this perfume very difficult to describe. It doesnot reminds me of anything, which really co exists in Mother Nature, but it is like the best ingredients of Mother Nature creating a totally beautiful abstract form. The only thing I can describe about it, is, it’s “NATURALLY GORGEOUS”. Sillage: Moderate Longevity on My Skin: Approx 12 Hours Longevity on Fabric: Almost 1 Day Occasion: Very Versatile, Wear it anywhere. It is sure to comfort your mind. Personally I find it Immensely Romantic, almost like a bold (masculine?) Poetry. Rating: 9.5/10

A beautiful scent, has an intense citrus opening that just smells delicious and amazing, reminiscent of limoncello. The dry down is beautiful as well, smells like woods and light florals, but not feminine leaning. The dry down smells like an expensive hotel lobby, the rose is really beautifully well done in this fragrance, the orange stays around slightly and keeps this fragrance’s citrus character. The best description is that this smells like you are carrying a basket of lemons and some oranges in a forest. This scent is very unique, separates itself from designers and even niche scents. This fragrance is made for hot weather, it could perform in spring but the citrus likely wouldn’t survive long in colder months. What’s disappointing about this fragrance is the silage isn’t really great, I love it so much I want it to project louder but it really doesn’t much, likely won’t smell it unless close, likely very close. If you are okay with an average performance then go for it, but if you want strong performance, don’t buy. I recommend over spraying. In conclusion, if you want a unique summer fragrance go for it, but if performance is a concern, hold your money. Definitely one of my favorite scents I own currently.

Old reliable - very consistent in profile. I haven't heard someone say this smells off on their skin and super different from paper. Safe masculine fragrance for year-round approach, but probably not what I'd gravitate to in the evenings or even pretty cold days. It's got enough push for cooler days, but snow weather just ain't where this shines. Green, minty, aromatic, and pretty citrus. This isn't one with that mainly musk-woodsy drydown - being very linear once the citrus settles, this is very vivid and green throughout the wearing experience. Smells elegant, has performance, good versatility, and not very typical with this scent profile. Heard some say they detect a very powdery nuance to it, which I understand, but nothing powdery as some iris/violet forward fragrances. Could be how the aromatics and floral aspects blend together for this clean aura This walks Torino21 to death. The latter being so hyped, but not delivering the wearable mint/citrus it should - Renaissance is the answer to this. This is my favorite of the 1861 line, followed by Naxos. Also, my favorite line from Xerjoff. Price point is fantastic from discounters, and definitely one I know the bottle will get finished.

What I like about Renaissance is that it seemingly pairs the power, the cleanliness and the coldness of a modern citrus scent with a bitter, vegetal backbone that reminds me of green chypres from the 70’s. It’s not to say this smells vintage, it’s quite classy and mature, but it’s simpler, more streamlined than something that was actually made in the 70’s, and it’s not powdery at all. It also reveals a gentle vanilla in the late drydown, which is a pleasant surprise given how icy it is in the opening. I see this being brought up frequently as a great summer scent, but that’s not all there is to it. Don’t get me wrong, this is a no brainer if you want something classy for a summer vacation in southern Italy, but it has a serious, authoritative edge which could make it a fantastic office scent (as long as you don’t overspray), and and it’s more than powerful enough to pierce through colder weather, that’s when it reveals more of its floral, green facets. I actually think it wears beautifully on a rainy day. This is unquestionably my favorite release from this line, and one of the best releases from this house.

Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual outings and more formal occasions, allowing you to wear it confidently throughout the day. The initial burst of freshness is invigorating and truly sets the tone, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy an energetic start. As the fragrance develops, the mint notes blend seamlessly with the citrus, creating a harmonious balance that feels both uplifting and sophisticated. The subtle woodiness that emerges in the dry down adds an intriguing depth, grounding the fragrance and preventing it from being overly sweet or sharp. One of the best aspects of this scent is its ability to adapt to your body chemistry, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're heading to the gym or a business meeting, it manages to remain both refreshing and refined. Layering it with a light moisturizer can enhance its longevity and sillage, ensuring you leave a memorable impression without being overpowering. Overall, this fragrance is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to energize their daily routine and embrace a bold, refreshing scent that stands out in a crowd.

Instant love for me, as a huge citrus fragrance enthusiast. I had to get a full bottle. Everything Xerjoff puts out is of the highest quality. I think it's most closely related to Creed Pure White, except this is lighter, more unisex than Pure White being a little masculine, and in my opinion Renaissance is superior. Like Pure White, this smells like what I imagine the soap in Heaven will smell like! I don't mind over-spraying it a little, since it is very difficult to make this one get cloying for yourself and others. I am very impressed at the longevity of it, getting a full workday and then some of performance personally. And this is before my bottle macerates! My first day wearing it, I got a compliment from a stranger, which rarely happens to me. This is a quintessential Italian citrus. It mentally transports me to getting a lemon sorbet in Capri, Italy while wearing a crisp linen shirt from Kiton. Such a classy and classic scent! I don't ever want to be without it in my collection. Highly recommend and blind buy safe if you like lemony citrus scents.

This one really grew on me. At first I wrote it off as a simple leafy lemon freshie; but it’s so much more than that. There are some light florals and a wonderful dry cedar in the dry down with a rare fullness that must be coming from the amber and just a touch of earthy pachouli. It smells like someone reformulated Aqua Di Gio using high quality oils. This is a fragrance that makes me think...I just want to smell like this all the time and while it checks the summer citrus box easily, it’s so full and rich I think you could wear this year round as a signature scent. I think this is a masterpiece. I bought a 3 oz bottle for 129.00. I will be buying two more. This is a lifer. I recently bought a sample of Amouage’s Enclave and it kept reminding me of something I had smelled before...it’s Xerjoff’s Renaissance. It’s the dry down...they both do that “I’m a freshie...ugh...I’m an Amber magic trick. Enclave has more mint in the opening and a slight cinnamon bite, but ultimately they both end up in the same rich ambery sand box..

This one has really grown on me. When I first got it, I was just kind of meh. But the more I wear it, the more amazed I am by it. It smells so authentic and realistic, it actually makes my heart happy. Clean and fresh citrus opening immediately takes me to a spring day on the shore. It's not a rindy citrus, but it briefly reminds me of how my hands smell after peeling a tangerine or clementine. The petitgrain adds a leafy green facet to the citrus, but it's not as green as Nio. The mint is there, but not overdone like Torino 21. It just adds a brightness that sorta throws the citrus forward. The subtle florals in the heart are far from feminine, but this is definitely a unisex fragrance. Somebody else described this as the original Acqua Di Gio redone with much higher quality oils and I kinda get that, but there's certainly no salty marine accord here. I'd say it's vibe is closer to the original CK One, but with much, much higher quality oils. I still like Nio better, but this is right up there with it.

I rarely write reviews. But this is so good for summer, especially for tropical regions and Southeast Asia's hot and humid summers. The citruses in the opening are as natural as you get from freshly squeezed fruits, and the petitgrain makes it green and more refreshing. And that backdrop of the mint note, which I can smell all through the dry down, is one of the best mint scents in the game. This is in the top 3 of my high-heat fragrances along with G&B's Bohemian Lime and Xerjoff's own Torino 21. I bought this together with Nio. While Nio’s narrative about “capturing the moment when heaven meets earth” is so enchanting, and Nio’s scent profile is mesmerizing, there is no olfactory element in which Renaissance falls short compared to Nio. If anything else, I'd say Renaissance is a better performer of the two. Then there is the price tag; Nio costs about twice the price per ml as Renaissance. I'd choose Renaissance over Nio all day of the week. Especially since I also owned Torino 21.

"The Undisputed King of Fragrances" Xerjoff Renaissance opens with a dazzling burst of citrus—a vibrant blend of Italian bergamot and lemon, elevated by a refreshing touch of mint. This lively and invigorating opening transitions gracefully into a refined floral heart, before settling into a warm, enveloping base of woods, amber, and musk. It’s a perfect balance of freshness and depth, making this fragrance utterly captivating. This scent isn’t for everyone. It’s crafted for the bold, confident man with a charismatic presence and unwavering determination. Every time I wear it, a sly smile crosses my face, as if to say, “This fragrance outshines them all.” Among all the high-quality fragrances I’ve tried, Renaissance reigns supreme. It’s made me forget every other scent and stands as the final addition to my collection because, honestly, it’s the GOAT. Rating: 10/10 – A masterpiece of perfumery, unmatched and unforgettable.

The Uncrowned King. Renaissance doesn’t ask for attention — it commands it. It opens like a blade of sunlight: sharp, bright, and cold, as if you’ve just buried your face in a freshly cut lemon. Most would stop there... but the magic begins when you wait. Under the heat, it transforms. The citrus melts into a soft sweetness, dancing between minty freshness and floral elegance, before landing on a warm bed of amber, wood, and musk. To me, it feels like falling asleep in an angel’s arms while being carried gently from sky to earth — pure serenity wrapped in bold presence. This is not just a fragrance. It’s a message. It’s made for the man who knows who he is - confident, magnetic, unshakable. Every time I wear it, I smirk... because I know nothing else even comes close. Out of everything I’ve owned, this is the final boss. My signature. My last buy. The one. Rating: 10/10. A flawless masterpiece.

Where do I even start on this gem of a fragrance. The photorealistic tangerine is actually insane, not sure what kind of witchcraft they did to manage to capture that scent. The citrus blended with mint genuinely smells like you're 3 tangerines deep in a movie, you grab the controller to turn down the volume, and you you get a whiff of your tangerine soaked fingers, I'm talking rind, that little juice that squirts out of the peel and everything. Love this shit. The drydown is creamy and clean smelling I genuinely love smelling this, the performance is great too, sprayed it on before bed still smelling like a creamy musky slightly citrus layer of second skin, I think the magic is in the amber cause it actually smells godly. Full bottle worthy to me, specially on discounter prices. Minty and ambery citrusy musk. Masterpiece. 10/10

Finally, the perfect grab and go citrus fragrance from Xerjoff. This one is so beautiful and simple, opening with a very bright and uplifting lemon, a hint of mint that adds a nice bit of freshness, with an underlying musk that keeps thinks just a tiny bit sweet. This thing is an easy wear, just grab it, throw it on, and be pleased for the rest of your day. It isn't complex or anything special, but it really is just beautiful because of how easy it is to wear in the summer months. This could be vacation, office, beach, dinner, or anything of the sort as long as it's worn in warmer months. This is also a very safe blind buy for citrus-lovers. It does NOT smell of cleaning products, lemon candy, anything like that...just an uplifting and refreshing mint lemonade that puts a smile on your face when you catch a sniff. Overall: 8/10

Don't even know where to begin The fragrance begins with possibly the greatest citrus opening I have witnessed. Pure mandarin and lemon citruses blended perfectly to create a mixture of a sweet and soothing blend After about 30 minutes the mint and floral accords become visible and although an amazing scent can sometimes become thick and sickening for some although I personally enjoy it. At a 3-4 hour mark all previous scents are incorporated together with the extra additions of ambary and woody notes. In conclusion which make an excellent combination which in thought can be compared to the unification of Italy, amazing nations that formed into one great nation. I bought this as a blindbuy and it thankfully paid off. The presentation included is astonishing. 9.5/10

Yeah man, as far at Xerjoff goes, this is Top Tier stuff. If you want a beaut orangey/citrus blast from the top to the dry down, highly recommend this. Shits all over the completely overrated Torino 21 and Nio for me. This actually smells like the money you pay for it, although it's still overpriced, like the whole brand. Grey market or second hand is where its at for these. Find someone clearing out a massive collection with 90% of a bottle left with a nice fraction off the price. Don't buy this brand new for top dollar. Not discrediting it as a class product, just don't overpay for it. As much as I like it, I wouldn't fork out over 100/110 for this, go grab yourself that bottle starved of love! K Bye.

Stellar citrus opening! The one thing Im not happy about is this fragrance destroyed a lot of fragrances I own. Once u smell something of this quality it shows how poor some frags are. it has now raised the bar of what I expect from a fragrance. In the mid Im getting something deep and kinda sweet ....I think its the amber? I do get a slight rose as well. i think Im gonna have to pull the trigger on this regardless. Its gotten thru the pretest but I need to test this out the bottle for a few wearings before I will really know if I love it. look forward to checking more from this house Bought a full bottle, wear it almost everyday, luv it!

This has become my favourite frag to where. I bought it as it was just coming into the UK Heatwaves and I needed a more bearable scent for the heat but a way to really pop out. The opening of That explosion of Lemon is so addictive and the mint under just noticeable enough, after it dries it's almost like a fresh laundry smell but if you washed your clothes on holy water with all natural oils to soak in and left it in the sun on the balcony of a Venetian palazzo to dry; just smells incredibly rich. as a 17 year old working fairly small shifts I probably shouldn't spend this much but Christ was it worth it.

The longest lasting citrus fragrance I’ve come to know. This is my go to summertime fragrance. 4 sprays and it last me the entire work day and more. Had to get use to the power of this fragrance. First time wearing it I went 8 sprays!!! LMAO Big mistake, I woke up smelling like it the next day. I would imagine this is what lemons smell like in Italy. Intoxicating, addictive and I don’t even like citrus frags. Great value as well. Not many quality fragrances at this price point (25% perfume oil) and the packaging is amazing! I love it way more than Nio, which I returned. 10 out of 10