Kampuchea Noir

Kampuchea Noir is a woody fragrance from Xerjoff, released in 2012 and composed by Chris Maurice. Everything points in one direction: wood, and specifically agarwood, the resin-soaked heartwood better known as oud.

The note list is deliberately minimal, just agarwood and woody notes, so this is best understood as a study of oud rather than a layered story with distinct stages. The name refers to Cambodia, a region associated with oud, and oud of that style is usually described as darker and more animalic than lighter, cleaner versions, with smoky, leathery and slightly sweet facets. The surrounding woody notes act as a frame, giving the material a drier, steadier structure and stopping it from feeling too sharp or medicinal as it settles on skin.

A concentrated oud profile like this tends to suit cooler months, evenings and people already familiar with the material. It is offered without gender framing, for anyone drawn to raw, single-minded woods.

Kampuchea Noir — unisex fragrance by Xerjoff (released 2012). Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Woody Notes. — Parfica open fragrance database