Gran Ballo Xerjoff

Floral Fruity Gourmand

Gran Ballo is a 2013 piece from the Casamorati range with caramel, honey, white flowers and vanilla. The note profile is similar to Viva La Juicy By Juicy Couture. It is a delicate, okay blended gourmand which is not in your face. It is nice but a little bit ordinary for a niche category.

I think that the opening and heart are fine; however, I struggle with the dry-down on my skin. It quickly turns scratchy and somewhat synthetic. It may be the sweetness. Nevertheless, you can find it for a decent price these days. If you insist on wearing niche, it might be a good transition perfume for you. If you are someone who does not care, go and get Viva La Juicy. You will be just fine.

A sweet white floral subtle gourmand. If you do not have to go niche, buy Viva La Juicy instead.

1888 Xerjoff

Amber Floral
Perfumer: not listed

Xerjoff is an Italian niche perfumery known for good quality and performance but at a price. Xerjoff takes inspiration from Italian architecture, nature, human feelings and senses.

1888 Casamorati is unisex, leaning more masculine, strong and long lasting. The accords are spicy as hell. You get carnation, pepper, coriander and saffron as the head notes. The middle is floral with ylang-ylang, neroli and rose. The base has amber, sandalwood, birch and patchouli. The blending is exquisite, you cannot smell particular notes, just the overall accords.

It is deep, ambery, vintage. I get Shalimar vibes. 1888 is not going to be my personal favorite but it could be nice on an older lady or a man with a big personality. It is the one for cold fall or winter nights. It is sophisticated though. I cannot imagine going out drinking with mates and wearing 1888 Xerjoff. There is time and place for everything.

An exquisite spicy warm bomb with an older feel. Everything but easy to pull off.