Introduction: Why Naxos by Xerjoff Stands Out
At Liquo, the boutique niche perfumery where I work, I have smelled countless perfumes, yet Naxos by Xerjoff always stands out. It was the favorite masculine fragrance of my colleague Flo, who loved to recommend it to men because she enjoyed smelling it on them. That says a lot: when a fragrance is as enjoyable for others as it is for the wearer, it has real power.
Naxos is an elegant blend of honey and tobacco, supported by bright citrus, floral lavender, and creamy vanilla. It has the boldness of a gourmand fragrance, the richness of a tobacco scent, and the refinement that only Xerjoff seems to achieve.
This review will take you through everything: the notes, performance, when to wear it, how it compares to other fragrances, and whether it is worth buying.
Quick Summary
For those who just want the highlights of this Naxos by Xerjoff review:
- Fragrance Family: Fresh, Oriental, Gourmand
- Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender, Incense from Oman
- Heart Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Honey, Cinnamon, Cashmere
- Base Notes: Vanilla, Tobacco Leaf, Tonka Bean
- Performance: Strong projection and sillage, 10–12 hours of longevity
- Best Time to Wear: Fall and winter evenings, special occasions
- Price: Luxury niche, typically $250–$350 for 100ml
- Why Buy: Elegant honey and tobacco blend, incredible performance, luxury feel
👉 Is Naxos by Xerjoff worth it?
Yes, if you want a fragrance that makes a statement, lasts all day, and feels luxurious in both scent and presentation.
Xerjoff and the 1861 Collection
Xerjoff is an Italian luxury perfume house founded in 2007. The brand is known for its attention to detail, high-quality raw materials, and bottles that feel like collectible objects. Every fragrance they release is built around a story.
Naxos by Xerjoff belongs to the 1861 collection, created to celebrate the unification of Italy. Each fragrance in this line represents a different facet of Italian culture and heritage. Naxos pays tribute to Sicily, an island with incredible natural beauty and a layered history shaped by many civilizations.
Xerjoff’s own description of Naxos sets the tone:
“An indulgent olfactory tribute to the island of Sicily. A rich, ornate fragrance that encapsulates the heat of the sun, the beautiful diversity of Sicily’s extraordinary architecture and the feeling one experiences when looking out at the island’s impossibly blue waters.”
This storytelling matches the experience of smelling Naxos: sun-warmed citrus, ornate sweetness, and a deep, lasting elegance.
Notes and Composition of Naxos by Xerjoff
The official note pyramid of Naxos is:
- Top Notes: Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender, Incense from Oman
- Heart Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Honey, Cinnamon, Cashmere
- Base Notes: Vanilla, Tobacco Leaf, Tonka Bean
The fragrance profile is officially described as Fresh, Oriental, and Gourmand.
This mix creates a scent that feels rich and sweet but also balanced and elegant. Let’s break it down stage by stage.
How Naxos by Xerjoff Smells
The Opening: Citrus and Lavender
From the first spray, you notice the lemon and bergamot. The lemon adds juiciness, while the bergamot contributes a slightly bitter, sour quality. Together, they brighten the opening.
Lavender then comes forward. Unlike in many masculine fragrances where lavender feels sharp, here it is more floral and smooth, giving an elegant, almost soft edge. The addition of Omani incense adds subtle depth and smokiness.
This opening is brief but important. It makes Naxos feel clean, elegant, and refined before the sweetness takes over.
The Heart: Honey and Tobacco
As the citrus fades, the heart of Naxos by Xerjoff reveals itself. This is where the fragrance truly shines.
- Honey: Rich, golden, and smooth. It is sweet but never cloying.
- Tobacco Leaf: Elegant, sweet, and usable. It does not feel harsh or heavy. Instead, it blends seamlessly with the honey.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, keeping the sweetness interesting.
- Jasmine Sambac and Cashmere: Add depth, texture, and a floral lift.
This honey-tobacco accord is what makes Naxos unforgettable. At Liquo, this was the stage that made Flo recommend it so often. It is bold, elegant, and a true compliment-getter.
The Dry Down: Vanilla and Tonka
After hours of wear, vanilla and tonka bean become dominant. The tobacco remains, but it feels smoother, wrapped in creaminess.
At around 12 hours, Naxos becomes a vanilla-heavy skin scent. On clothes, however, it lasts even longer, sometimes until the next day.
The dry down makes Naxos addictive. It is warm, comforting, and luxurious.
Performance of Naxos by Xerjoff
Performance is one of Naxos’ strongest features.
- Longevity: 10 to 12 hours on skin, often more. On clothes, it can last until the next day.
- Projection: Strong for the first 2 to 3 hours, then moderate.
- Sillage: Leaves a clear trail that others will notice.
This is not a subtle fragrance. It is meant to be noticed, and it succeeds.
Read this guide to understand more about sillage, and this one for longevity!
When and Where to Wear Naxos by Xerjoff
Naxos is a seasonal and situational fragrance. It works best in cool to cold weather.
- Best seasons: Fall, winter, and cool spring evenings.
- Best occasions: Date nights, formal dinners, parties, and events where you want to stand out.
- Less ideal: Hot summer days or offices where you need something subtle.
This is a fragrance for making an impression. It is not your everyday gym or work scent, but when you want presence and elegance, it is perfect.
Comparisons and Alternatives
Many people compare Naxos by Xerjoff to other honey-tobacco or sweet tobacco fragrances. Here are some worth mentioning:
- Why it’s compared: Both Herod and Naxos are tobacco-based fragrances with strong performance.
- Difference: Herod is spicier and darker, with more emphasis on cinnamon and incense. Naxos feels smoother and sweeter with its honey-vanilla blend.
- Verdict: If you prefer drier, spicier tobacco, Herod may suit you better.
- Why it’s compared: Oajan, like Naxos, is a rich gourmand with honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth.
- Difference: Oajan leans more into cinnamon, amber, and a syrupy sweetness, while Naxos has a fresher citrus-lavender opening and a more elegant balance of honey and tobacco.
- Verdict: Oajan is the heavier, more opulent choice, while Naxos feels more versatile and wearable.
Compared to these, Naxos feels more luxurious, balanced, and versatile within its category.
Bottle and Presentation
The bottle of Naxos by Xerjoff is part of the 1861 collection. It features a golden cap, elegant lines, and high-quality details. It feels weighty and luxurious in hand.
The packaging is designed to reflect Xerjoff’s philosophy: perfume as both scent and art. Owning the bottle feels special, like having a collector’s piece.
Pros and Cons of Naxos by Xerjoff
Pros:
- Outstanding performance.
- Unique honey-tobacco accord.
- Luxurious feel and presentation.
- A fragrance that gets noticed and complimented.
Cons:
- Price is high.
- Can be too sweet for some.
- Not ideal in hot weather.
Is Naxos by Xerjoff Worth Buying?
Yes, if you love bold, luxurious fragrances with honey and tobacco, Naxos by Xerjoff is worth every cent. It offers excellent longevity, a unique signature scent, and a level of craftsmanship that sets it apart.
At Liquo, we often recommended it for men who wanted something memorable and elegant. And with good reason: it works, and it leaves an impression.
👉 If you are ready to add this fragrance to your collection, you can buy it here:
FAQ About Naxos by Xerjoff
Is Naxos by Xerjoff unisex?
Yes. While it leans masculine, many women wear it for its honey-vanilla sweetness.
How long does Naxos last?
It lasts 10 to 12 hours on skin and even longer on clothes.
Does Naxos get compliments?
Yes. It is one of Xerjoff’s most complimented fragrances.
Is Naxos discontinued?
No, it is still available as part of the 1861 collection.
When is the best time to wear Naxos?
In cooler months and evenings when you want to stand out.
How much does Naxos cost?
Around $250 to $350 for a 100ml bottle, depending on the retailer.
Discover More on Scent Chronicles
If you enjoyed this Naxos by Xerjoff review, you may also like:
- Best Tobacco Fragrances for Men
- Xerjoff Perfumes Guide
- What is Niche Perfumery?
- Best Vanilla Perfumes for Cold Weather
- Herod by Parfums de Marly Review
👉 Keep exploring Scent Chronicles for more fragrance reviews, guides, and tips.
I may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend fragrances I’ve tested or genuinely believe in.
About Rodrigo Hernández
Fragrance consultant at Liquo (Santiago, Chile). I test designer and niche releases weekly, keep personal wear logs, and cross-check notes and performance in different climates. Opinions are my own; no brand pays for favorable coverage.
Contact: contact@scentchronicles.com
