Xerjoff 2012 Parfum

U £££££ Acquired

Zafar

by Chris Maurice

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Xerjoff Zafar is a Parfum launched in 2012, created by Chris Maurice. Zafar opens with Bergamot and Saffron, settles into a heart of Oud, Rose, and Tobacco, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, and Sandalwood. Xerjoff's Zafar carries an Acquired verdict, a musk-led wear.

Zafar is a polarising beast. For the uninitiated, the opening is a pure barnyard assault of funky oud. But for the confident oud-lovers who brave the strong start, a sophisticated, woody, and musky drydown awaits.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Confident
  • Edgy
  • Luxurious
  • Mysterious
£140.10 at Perfume Click 50ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Zafar Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Saffron70%
Bergamot30%
Heartas listed
Oud42%
Tobacco42%
Rose16%
Baseas listed
Sandalwood38%
Amber37%
Musk24%

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 autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Also Works:
Formal

The initial challenging, barnyard oud makes Zafar unsuitable for office or casual wear where you might offend. It's best reserved for formal occasions or specific date nights where its unique character can be appreciated, though many users suggest waiting until the drydown to go out.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Zafar kicks off with an intense, raw oud, full of animalic richness and a cheesy edge that really gets the nose working. This bold start mellows to reveal a woody heart, where fresh spice and a soft, fruity hint of apple emerge. The long drydown embraces you in a warm, musky embrace, underpinned by subtle smoky nuances that add depth without overpowering.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Zafar Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Zafar Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 2 October

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