XERJOFF
IOMMI (MONKEY SPECIAL)

2021

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

Rum
Passionfruit
Bergamot
Geranium

Cinnamon
Leather
Patchouli
Bulgarian Rose

Caramel
Vanilla
Sandalwood
Labdanum
Musk
Tonka Bean
Ambergris

‘This Xerjoff Blends Rock Edition sees Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist, Tony Iommi, unify his monolithic riffs with Xerjoff’s esteemed expertise to create the first multisensorial interaction primarily between music and perfume in an unexpected and unique olfactory venture. The Tony Iommi Monkey Special by Xerjoff Blends is what rock ‘n’ roll in the late ’60s was for Iommi. Xerjoff pays homage to Tony’s Italian roots with tantalising top notes of bergamot from Reggio Calabria, rum, Bulgarian Geranium and passionfruit, opening to cinnamon, Bulgarian rose and patchouli at the heart. Australian sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, Tonka bean, caramel and musk are at the base, rounding off this olfactory journey in a luxuriously sleek and gothic bottle.’ – Xerjoff

Iommi is a lot. From the conversations I’ve had about it, it’s clear that people get different things from it. Basically all the listed notes come through for me, making it one of the most busy fragrance compositions on my skin. Yet, it somehow works.

I’d say it’s a earthy, spicy, but caramelized leather at its core. However it starts out with the combination of boozy and fruity for me; the listed passionfruit is quite prominent, but not as a fresh juicy one, more so a syrup infused with the rum.

The cinnamon and rose are also very prominent to me, although they fade in and out throughout the wear. The leathery vibe is there from the start, but it takes over the composition fully later. I’m not big on heavy leather scents and it can be a bit harsh initially, but the combination with the sweetness and the other notes keep it wearable and it gets better and better as it dries.

I heard that the original idea for this scent was centered around patchouli. On my first wearing(s), I didn’t find the patchouli all that overpowering, but once I got used to the fragrance, I would agree that it’s quite earthy throughout.

Iommi is unique, strong and complex. I’d place it in the same category as a Nishane Nefs (not as far as scent, but I can see it having the same target audience).

To be honest, I had low expectations as I haven’t been the biggest fan of some recent Xerjoff releases and this collaboration (with guitarist Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath) felt random, but I was wrong.

I’d say that Iommi is one of the best Xerjoff releases in the 2020-2024 time frame. I did fully love it initially, bought a bottle, even placed it in my top 50 ranking in 2023, but I ended up selling it after about a year. As mentioned, this is a lot. It’s a lot to wear and it can be a bit demanding on the wearer. I don’t think I fell out of love with it; I still appreciate it for what it is. But I did get over the initial hype and found that I didn’t feel like wearing it much.