Kobe

Kobe is a woody amber for men from Xerjoff, released in 2009. Everyone who describes it agrees it is woody, floral, resinous, amber-like and citrusy at once, and about half add musky, which points to a full, layered composition rather than a single idea.

The notes are listed together. Bergamot, orange and petitgrain give a bright, slightly bitter citrus opening, and neroli with orange blossom adds a clean, honeyed floral layer. Brazilian rosewood brings a smooth, faintly rosy wood, and agarwood a darker, resinous depth. The base is where it settles: labdanum, benzoin and styrax together smell sweet, balsamic and lightly smoky, tonka bean adds a hay-like warmth, and ambergris with musk gives a salty, skin-like finish.

By character Kobe is a cool-weather and evening fragrance, warm and polished, suited to men who want an amber with citrus brightness on top and real woody structure underneath rather than a simple sweet amber.

Kobe — for men fragrance by Xerjoff (released 2009). Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Ambergris, Benzoin, Bergamot, Brazilian Rosewood, Labdanum, Musk, Neroli, Orange, Orange Blossom, Petitgrain, Styrax, Tonka Bean. — Parfica open fragrance database