Louis XV 1722 Rose De Venoge

God, this is my second rave review in as many days, which I've never done in my life (I've bought several hundred fragrance samples and tried another couple hundred samples in stores and less than 10 are FBW imo--this is definitely one), but this decant I just got in the mail today from Xerjoff is leaving me no other choice. This is unreal. I'm totally blown away. Absolutely exquisite with more projection and longevity than I expected. I could still smell it clearly after a shower. I'm a writer and I usually don't lack for words, but all I can say right now is that I can't believe how good it is. More complex and masculine than I expected (although to be clear it is definitely unisex, but I expected it to lean slightly feminine and it leans slightly masculine to my nose). I'll come back and write more when I'm more articulate, but for now, I'll just say that if the note breakdown appeals to you, this might be the most blind buy safe fragrance I've ever smelled. I can't imagine someone to whom the scent profile appealed not absolutely loving it. Of course, no one should blind buy a niche fragrance. The only place I found to sample is from the Xerjoff website as part of their custom sample package. I'm dumbstruck by its beauty. Not the most versatile fragrance, but for warm weather, daytime leisure wear, it's easily an instant classic.

We have all grown to love Xerjoff- it personifies "niche". But this one falls short. Don't get me wrong: it's a very pretty, effeminate, musky rose perfume. But at $325 for a 50mL, you need to really wow me. Presentation is gorgeous, of course. The scent is pretty good- I'd say a 7.5/10. It smells very similar to Mémoire de Roses L'Artisan Parfumeur, but 1722 has an odd metallic opening that does not really belong. After the initial weird opening, it does become beautiful- for a very short time. There is very little scent trail after 5 sprays, and I could barely smell it after 6 hours. I think if you feel the need for a dusty rose, BDK's Impadia is AMAZING and Delina- well, you already know that one. But Mémoire de Roses L'Artisan Parfumeur is a much better scent, and has more longevity. It is also $100 less, and you get 100mL.

Going into this blind, I was expecting a bit more "sparkle" from Xerjoff’s Louis XV Rose, but it’s a charming composition regardless. It opens with a crisp, bright pear, accented by just enough berry to give it a delicate sweetness. As that fruitiness recedes, the fragrance settles into a clean, soapy rose supported by a soft, powdery musk. It’s the quintessential spring scent—polished and fresh—though it’s a shame the longevity doesn’t quite hold up on my skin.

This is an amazing fragrance. The opening is wonderfully bright with a cheerful sweetness that lingers so politely in the air, drying down to a beautiful rose and musk. The heart is gently supported by cedarwood for substance with vanilla and geranium for depth, giving it an almost edible quality even if it isn't a gourmand. It reminds me of a turkish delight, it's beautiful and I love it very VERY much.

I didn't like this at all when I first tried it. I found it to be very synthetic, stuffy, and just overall off putting. Well I'm glad I let it sit for a few months because now it's an absolute love for me! It's the fluffiest cloud of rose and the amyris base makes its presence known. For those who didn't like it on first try, circle back to it later..you might be very surprised like I was.