Ermenegildo Zegna 2021 EDP

M ££ Acquired

XXX Charcoal

by Alexis Grugeon

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Ermenegildo Zegna XXX Charcoal is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2021, created by Alexis Grugeon. Ermenegildo Zegna's XXX Charcoal carries an Acquired verdict, an elemental-led wear.

This is a proper 'love it or hate it' scent that takes a niche idea and brings it to the mainstream. Zegna Charcoal is weird, intriguing, and definitely not for everyone, but if you're after something unique, it delivers.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Edgy
  • Mysterious
  • Bold
  • Modern
  • Sophisticated
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XXX Charcoal Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Casual Formal

Its unique and bold character, coupled with moderate projection, makes it an interesting choice for dates and evening wear where you want to stand out. It's a bit too unconventional and dark for a typical office or sporty setting, but could work for casual nights out.

About

Zegna Charcoal hits you immediately with a striking mineral, metallic accord, evoking the scent of a dusty art studio or cold, damp earth. Black pepper adds a sharp, spicy kick, while saffron and elemi introduce a warm, resinous, almost leathery depth. The underlying graphite note persists throughout, giving it a distinctive inky, pencil-shavings quality, softened by a subtle woody base.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.