XERJOFF
SYMPHONIUM PARFUM

2021

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

Orange
Mandarin

Chocolate
Cardamom

Vanilla
Laotian Oud
Thai Oud
Musk

‘A scent which intriguingly evokes mystery with rows of delectable notes beside a warm aura of extravagant woodiness. Symphonium unveils piquant Spanish mandarin and mouth-watering orange juice. Heart-melting and evocative like a poem, Symphonium sings like a chorus of divine voices. The appetizing citrus accord engages with Indian cardamom which introduces fresh air to the warm Belgian chocolate core. Intensely sweet and deliciously dark, its highly desirable aura is accompanied by voluptuous musk. A wealthy duet of premium oud woods from Thailand and Laos, and exquisite vanilla from Madagascar enhance the cryptic persona of Symphonium.’ – Xerjoff

The first hour of Symphonium was a love at first sniff for me. The combination of the orange and chocolate is stunning and, while done before, might be my favorite rendition of this style.

It’s a fun one, not as mature as the vaguely similarly styled Via Cavour 1, nor as bright, fruity as sugary as some designer fragrances that combine fruits and sweetness. Yet, I have to say that the drydown doesn’t quite live up to the bar that the opening has raised very high. It’s enjoyable, but you lose some of the chocolate and the ouds listed in the notes don’t really come through.
It goes from creamy to a more dry, sugary and light performing base, that honestly left me a bit disappointed and it’s the reason that I haven’t bought a bottle of Symphonium (yet). That may come across more negative than it is; overall it’s very good and the opening is just spectacular, making this one of my favorites from the house.