Xerjoff 2012 Parfum

U ££££ Acquired

Gao

by Chris Maurice

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Xerjoff Gao is a Parfum launched in 2012, created by Chris Maurice. Gao opens with Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha, Saffron, and Juniper, settles into a heart of Resins and Gurjun Balsam, and dries down to a base of Amber, Oud, and Patchouli. Xerjoff's Gao carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

This one's a true love-it-or-hate-it beast. Some find it a masterpiece of modern oud, others a synthetic mess of nail polish remover and burnt rubber. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you're into intense, challenging woody scents, prepare to be rewarded after the initial shock.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Woody
  • Masculine
  • Confident
  • Fresh
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Gao 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.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

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

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Formal
Also Works:
Date

Gao's beast-mode projection and tenacity make it largely unsuitable for office or casual wear where subtlety is key. Its dark, opulent character and powerful presence are best suited to formal occasions or evening dates, demanding a commanding, confident wearer.

Ingredients and allergens

ALCOHOL DENAT., PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), AQUA (WATER), BHT, LIMONENE.

From a shop in the United Kingdom. Boxes sold in other countries can differ.

Another shop's list names different allergens.

Allergens named in this list

Lists change between batches and markets, so check the box of the bottle you have. "Parfum" covers substances the label does not name, and we highlight only the allergens we could match. If you have a diagnosed allergy, look for the name your clinic gave you on your own packaging.

About

Gao explodes with a challenging, medicinal oud, sharpened by bitter saffron that's been cranked up to eleven. Imagine hot resin and burnt rubber, then a gradual transition to a dark, dry woody heart. Patchouli and balsamic notes add a dense, resinous depth in the drydown, providing a smoky, almost gothic aroma that lingers for ages without ever sweetening up. It's an austere, uncompromising woody journey from start to finish.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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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 ·

Import charges may apply

These shops are outside the United States. How import charges work

1.7 fl oz (50 ml) 1 offer
Nicchia Luxury UK Delivers to the United States from Italy $186.31/fl oz Free delivery $315.00 Buy → Delivers to the United States from Italy

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