Xerjoff describes ‘More Than Words’ as “an intellectual and bohemian fragrance inspired by the world of writers and poets. A sweet and fruity prologue mingles with smoky and woody notes to create this sensual composition.”

 

I might indeed be under the influence of feeling like an “elegantly dishevelled French bohemian” as I’m about to do something drastic... I’m going to sell my newly bought 100ml unopened bottle of Xerjoff’s ‘More Than Words’ and I’m feeling so guilty.

My story starts on the 6th floor of Harrods. This floor ‘Salon De Parfums’ is dedicated to the best fragrances that life can experience. From the private ranges of Tom Ford, Armani, Chanel and Dior to the worlds most exclusive brands like Roja Dove (all hail), Clive Christian, Henry Jacques, Merchant of Venice, Sospiro, Jean Michel Duriez, Floriku and Xerjoff. Each house is set in a luxury hotel suite style room, set off the main white marble floored corridor, which drips with crystal chandeliers. It was here that I first sprayed Xerjoff's ‘More Than Words’ on my paper testing strip. 

My nostril were seduced by the beguiling notes of frankincense, labdanum, ambergris, fruity notes, woody notes, floral notes, oriental notes and agarwood. It did remind me of Armani Privé’s ‘Rose D’Arabie’ which I own and love, but there was something altogether more complex, concentrated and buzzing with erudite energy about it. I left the strip on my bedside table and that’s when the magic began.

My boyfriend commented on the sweet scent which was wafting from my side of the bed. I explained the legend of ‘More Than Words’ and highlighted that it was only one spray's worth and he said it was perfect.

That one-spray scent filled the bedroom for the next month. I was determined to get it, as the quality was exceptional with the longest sillage I’ve ever known. I researched 100ml bottles but could only find 50ml available to buy in the U.K (some 100ml bottles were available to buy from Europe). I even emailed Xerjoff to ask if they still did the 100ml bottles, but heard nothing.

Luckily, a week later, I went on a day trip to Amsterdam and found a wonderful fragrance shop that sold niche delicacies including Xerjoff. To my surprise (and the shop assistant) there was a 100ml bottle left! He explained that the 100ml wasn’t even available to buy on the website anymore and he confirmed my suspicions that they were phasing it out. So I bought the 100ml for €290, squirted 2 sprays from the tester on my neck, and left happy.

That’s before I ate a space cake and freaked out (a long, 5 hour story... come on, I’m in Amsterdam, allow it!) Unfortunately my drug fuelled bad experience was now linked to the smell of ‘More Than Words’. Days after, I can still smell the tester strip in my bedroom and I’m now reminded of my Fear And Loathing in Amsterdam experience. The vanilla note (which I detest but was making exceptions for) was now dominating and seeking to destroy me. At least with ‘Rose D’Arabie’, the vanilla note is undetectable and you get a less of a piercing sour fruit note and more of a tart juicy blackberry note.

So that’s why I’m now selling it.

‘More Than Words’ summery: The highest quality, longest lasting fragrance in history. Beautifully blended, an oud for oud haters (after the initial blast, it tones down to be an invisible but balancing oud) and perfectly unisex. Not too oud, not too sweet, not too fruity, a majestic and harmonious symphony of a fragrance blend... but the vanilla wants me dead.

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KEY NOTES - Olibanum, Labdanum, Ambergris, Fruity Notes, Woody Notes, Oriental notes, Agarwood, Floral Notes