Nishane Afrika Olifant vs Xerjoff Gao - fragrance first impressions

[@mpukas]

I have both. I Blind bought Afrika Oliphant for the note listing of heavy animalics, leather and oud, and based on positive and negative reviews. I loved it at first, now I just like it. It feels kinda brown and furry to my nose now, without a prominent natural oud note. I have most of the Xerjoff Oud Stars. I sampled them all, loved them all, and had to have them. I don't regret it, I still do like them. They are all very different, some louder and more challenging than others. I really like Gao for it's sour oud note. No, it's not a crowd pleaser. You mentioned Luxor. It's one of my favorites in my collection. Puts a smile on my face every time. Chris Maurice aka Christian Carbonnel is the perfumer for Oud Stars, and many other Xerjoff's. And, FWIW, Kajal Sawlaj (allegedly according to Fragrantica). The Oud Stars are not like the typical Xerjoff perfumes. What I appreciate about Chris's work with oud is each one is different and distinct. Obviously they have the Xerjoff Oud dna, but each is a different take on oud. He uses natural and synthetic materials very well together so that each natural note is identifiable, yet many of them have tremendous throw. Like Gao does.

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks for the comment! I agree, Afrika Olifant loses it's magic after a couple wears. It's a beautiful amber but it didn't scratch that animalic itch for me as much as I was hoping. I definitely need to try Luxor, everyone seems to be recommending that one as the ultimate "stinky" Xerjoff.

[@WhatsThatSmell]

I knew this would be good from the thumbnail! Gao certainly felt a bit challenging at first - to me I think it was the saffron - but it dries down to a deep woody scent. Thank you for another of these so soon, you’re on a roll 😉

[@SeldomlyOften]

I actually didn’t mind either of them, the thumb is mostly for show 😅 Thanks for sharing he continued support ❤️

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Fascinating review, I happened upon your channel when I noticed Afrika Olifant, which grabbed my attention. I have Afrika Olifant and love it, however, I don't really find it animalic at all. The Nishane fragrance that is truly challenging, for me, is Unutamam. It's really a statement of perfume art. The opening is quite pungent but as it develops it becomes very interesting. Warming, it is really really strong, it is only sold in a 30 ml size. I don't know where I'd wear it, except at home, but I've grown to love it. It's definitely worth picking up a sample, absolutely not blind buyable!

[@SeldomlyOften]

Unataman is high on my buy list, I’ve heard great things 😎 Thanks for the comment!

[@ohfour-seven6228]

@@SeldomlyOften 👍

[@JaneTheJubilant]

Two such interesting fragrances! Thanks Daniel, hope you’ve had a good weekend 😋

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks so much! Weekend was swell 🙂

[@jvmesrayo]

would love to hear ur thoughts on tuscan leather or pdm godolphin. probably one of those that would be down your alley

[@SeldomlyOften]

Tuscan Leather I owned and sold a while back. It was great but to me Ombré Nomade is a just a better version of that. Never tried Godolphin, I need to get some PDM samples…

[@jvmesrayo]

@@SeldomlyOften yea, ombré is great but (surprisingly so) i find tuscan more wearable 😭. Godolphin just smells like tuscan leather but even more wearable and smoothly blended, all truly some great fragrances

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@jvmesrayo I’m getting a sample of Godolphin soon 😬

[@cedriccoulter]

Great to see more impressions dude!

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks for the comment!

[@sp1nettaj4de]

Really enjoy your informative reviews, a breath of fresh air, keep up the good work👍

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks, I really appreciate it ❤️

[@assumptaai]

2x civet, in! Only one of my friends fb'd this+he's overseas but will decant for me when he's back. I came here for Olifant but you had me at burn-out on asphalt/choking rubber so i might have to revisit Xerjoff&sample Gao for this. Prob not for public space wear, at least not in normie spaces, it's luxury sales special ops ie more private wear. Not the normal type of office haha. Thanks! PS i like your energy in this review. Luxor is still worth a sample if you haven't

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@assumptaai Luxor still on the list going strong 💪. For more weird stuff check out Franck Boclet, have a video on two bomb scents also 😂

[@janm778]

I love Gao, but since 24h after application (to clothes), when it changes completely to absolute heaven.

[@SeldomlyOften]

Yeah the drydown for these heavy frags are usually really good. Still can’t wait 24h for the best part 🙂

[@Thepeug]

I use nasal snuff tobacco, and your description of Gao reminds me of an extremely coarse, moist, barnyard South African snuff called NTSU Black. I love it, and it's weirdly addictive, but I completely understand those who find it smells like manure, urine and hay.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@Thepeug do you mean Gao or Olifant? Gao is the bitter pungent one. Nonetheless, interesting info! Always love hearing these stories 😊

[@Thepeug]

@@SeldomlyOften oops, I meant that it reminds me of Olifant. As a Formula 1 fan, the Gao also sounds intriguing, but I’m not sure I’d want to smell like burnt rubber all day.

[@eg042680]

Have you tried Golden Green by Xerjoff?

[@SeldomlyOften]

Yes, I tried all the “goldens”. They are good but not what I was expecting. The coffee is barely there and they are a lot fresher than I thought. I like them!

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

thank for an entertaining first impressions video, Daniel :D If you're eager to try more challenging perfumes from Xerjoff, I would recommend Ilm, although I know some people find it rather interesting, if not pleasant, while to me it's plain camel poop. Have you ever checked on Toskovat's perfumes? I reckon it's rather uncommon to find accords of blood, gunpowder, money, concrete and plastic bags in fragrances. Also, I was personally set back by Anomalia Paris when it comes to wearing unwearable scents. I am looking forward to be watching your next video! Cheers!

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks for the recommendations! I am looking for interesting scents but not stuff that is designed to actually smell bad 😅 I’ll do some digging 😎

[@henrydyrdek8827]

I love GAO from begging to end. I don’t know how a lot of people don’t like it. I do love smoky scents though. If you want to try the smokiest fragrance you need to try Tonnerre by Beaufort London.

[@SeldomlyOften]

I’m ok with smoky, it’s just the acrid chocking nature of this that gets me 😅

[@Justsamshaikh]

Very interesting reviews and insights. Please delve into the brand named Jovoy. Specifically two perfumes, Psychedelic and Private Label. Two completely different things and your opinion on them would be really interesting. Best of luck on your KZbin journey 🎉

[@SeldomlyOften]

I already have Jovoy well on my radar with those 2 on my list. It’s just a little difficult to find where I live 👍

[@naseerfawzi2201]

if you want smoke? but warble, really edgy really daring , night dark suite cold weather fragrance, please try the orto parisi CUOIUM, i'm waring it now, i'm enjoying every second of it, please try it.

[@SeldomlyOften]

I have a sample lined up for a first impression comparison coming soon. I smelled it before and I really like it :)

[@naseerfawzi2201]

@@SeldomlyOften eagerly waiting for this episode, man i love your videos, keep on the good work please.

[@orosz4001]

Watching you point that Gao @ your nice watch band gave me anxiety! It may smell for weeks! Muscs Koublai Khan / Salome coming up? Great vid.

[@SeldomlyOften]

I have a sample of Salome and love it. I don’t find it challenging at all. I’ll try to slot it in somewhere 🙂

[@erezimenamukoro75]

Really excellent review. Personally, i have nishane afrika olifant and i must confess i find it hard to pull off. Its part of my ultra niche fragrances (Gucci Guilty Absolute, Valentino Uomo Noir Absolu Oud Essence, Amouage Fate, Nishane Afrika Olifant, Mancera Black to Black). Like you said, fragrances like these are not for everyone. But great video!

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@erezimenamukoro75 yes, these are not easy to wear but I don’t think they are meant to be daily scents to be honest. With more challenging stuff I like to start in the house and graduate outside with small doses.

[@oliverriezebos]

I’m sry but you don’t know anything bout what you’re talking bout. Mancera “ultra niche”… lol. Wait till you try some real artistic stuff and come back

[@Grautonparfums]

Do you know if the decant of Gao is from a more recent bottle? Because if it is, imagine the older batches (a few years ago) amped up to 13. But maybe you already smelled an older batch. I found Afrika Olifant to sweet for my taste. The animalic side was nice but not challenging for me. Have you tried Dior's Leather Oud? That could be up your alley.

[@SeldomlyOften]

No idea about the batch of the Gao sample. If it sounds appealing I really do recommend trying Tauer’s L’OUDH, it’s a better version of Gao in my opinion. Yes, Afrika Olifant is not too crazy and really smooth. I’ll check out the Dior when I have a chance 👍

[@CasperParfums]

Afrika Olifant is safe in my opinion, I’ve never smelled Xerjoff Gao, gotta try it. Great review

[@SeldomlyOften]

I ended up getting a bottle, it’s pretty great. The opening is a little funky but it doesn’t last long 🙂

[@CasperParfums]

@@SeldomlyOften Where are you located? Would you be against me sending you an animalic chypre overdosed on civet and peach notes?

[@bryanryan4504]

I own gao and I never wear it. It smells like walking into a foreign Asian souvenir shop owned by some mom and pop. It is not wearable and it is very avant garde however I am very happy to own it. From oud stars the best imo are malesia, luxor, alexandria orientale, zanzibar, and Ceylon

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@bryanryan4504 thanks for the comment, I have some more Oud Stars that I definitely want to check out. I really like Fars for example 😉

[@franceiroca]

And by the way, If you want to try challenging quality fragrances I urge you to try Frederic Malle the Night & Parfum d'empire Ruade. The best interpretations of oud on the market. Not occidental oud. Those ar challenging but very well executed.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@franceiroca thanks for the recommendations! I’ll check these out 🙂

[@theyoungkadi5720]

I really like The Night but i think Spirit of Dubai Oud is better

[@shamalsubhee129]

GAO is exquisite.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@shamalsubhee129 I need to revisit it, I was not terribly fond of the bitter smoke. If you like Gao you should try Tauer L’OUDH

[@MrLanarana]

Ho Afrika Olifant, e mi piace e non lo trovo affatto così 'animalico' ...mentre mia moglie lo trova troppo pungente e scherzosamente dice allontana quel culetto di scimmietta da me 😅 Credo sia un esempio di come certe note colpiscano più di altre a livello personale

[@SeldomlyOften]

Verissimo! ma c'è anche una fortissima componente di abitudine alle note animaliche. Personalmente, mi sono abituato presto a quel tipo di odore ma ho sempre un pò di riserva ad indossare cose del genere quando sono a contatto con "esterni" 😅

[@MrLanarana]

​​@@SeldomlyOftenammetto che l'ho sempre usato fuori all'aperto, non ho mai osato usarlo per una cena 😅 anche se la gente usa quei profumi bombazza con ambrocenide (megamare/annone style) che mi danno la nausea veramente, ma non gli ho mai detto di allontanarsi...mi sa che a sti tizi un giorno a cena faccio layering con afrika olifant e Cuoium per vendetta😂

[@SeldomlyOften]

@ mai sentito qualcuno indossare Megamare ma vabe, qua è diverso… cmq nell’aria gli animalici si diffondono molto.

[@igorkokozov4862]

Try Boadicea complex….

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks I’ll look into it!

[@justaddlight]

Scents for blind sniffing with women. 🤣 Nine designers, then THESE. 🐘 With closeups of facial expressions. 😂 Call it "perfume perspectives." 👍 Can't wait to hear about your wearing experiences with the Nishane. Always appreciate your takes!

[@SeldomlyOften]

Thanks for all the comments! I would be really curious about unbiased opinions on stuff like this. What do people genuinely think?

[@justaddlight]

@@SeldomlyOften Each individual will undoubtedly have their own take, but as a whole, I'd be very surprised if the average non perfume enthusiast even knew such compositions existed. From my experience, the first question is usually, "why would anyone want to smell like this??" 😂 My answer....😐 "because interesting is seldom boring." ☺

[@deluxelex9056]

I find Xerjoff Zafar more challenging than Gao since Zafar opens with a strong barnyard oud.

[@SeldomlyOften]

Will try it out when I get a chance!

[@lgeiger]

Secretions Magnifiques by Etat Libre d'Orange is easily the most obnixious fragrance.

[@SeldomlyOften]

I have to test that but from what I’ve seen, I feel that it’s kind of trying to be intentionally gross without being wearable and good.

[@karamullahkadwani]

😂😂😂 try Sombre by Strangers Parfumerie Ultimately repulsive, you are welcome Unconventional

[@SeldomlyOften]

@karamullahkadwani659 never even heard of it. I’ll have to look into it 😄

[@baba_s_kosoy]

AfrikaOlifant is uncomprehendable for me, such a loss (( to me it smells like circus backyard, unwashed elefant butt with poop stuck to his feet. although i’m a huge fan of animalic, this first strike i cannot bear (( i can get close since 2-3 hours after applying. the drydown is warm and comfy leather, but the main part lasts too long 😭

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@baba_s_kosoy I ended up getting a bottle but didn’t wear it much; as you say the opening is pretty rough and I’m not really ready to be smelling like poop in public 😂

[@baba_s_kosoy]

talking about Xerjoffs, i have my favourites from OudStars - Luxor, Mamluk and Ceylon. all super smooth and wearable. I secretly consider buying backup bottle of Luxor cuz it’s my love of all time. Xerjoff’s Kemi didn’t horrify me at all, i have ‘ilm and Kemi itself in decants - all too gourmand, milky and sweet, too comfy and therefore boring for me. this cheesy idea (tete-de-moine or gruyere) was clearly embodied in Ceylon, so nothing new in Kemi(( Zafar has that weird sour metallic flavor like rotten brown apple, interesting and more musky, than oudy. in general, i thing the OudStars is so much more artistic and risky, challenging and daring, than the rest of the Xerjoffs. definetely takes some background to enjoy it. thank you for emotions!

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@baba_s_kosoy thanks for the overview! I actually have a ton of new samples that I’m waiting to smell.

[@felicecinque]

"poop, hay, animal breath. I kinda like it"

[@SeldomlyOften]

Haha yeah, watching it back the first time while editing I LOL’d at that 🤣

[@franceiroca]

I don't tried Nishane, but I know a lot of Xerjoff : this brand is overhyped! Their fragrances are very synthetic & artificial and completely overpriced regarding the quality/retail price ratio. Honestly a house like Xerjoff that release so much references each year cannot be good.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@franceiroca Xerjoff is definitely a commercial brand but I will admit that they are good at creating full smelling, long lasting fragrances. Are they overhyped and overpriced? Sure 👍

[@franceiroca]

@@SeldomlyOften That's basically the problem : nowadays the prices hiked up so much, people WANT performances to having the feeling that it's money worthy. And that's why so much perfumes are similar because they are based and nuclear amber woods to boost performances, and to everyone being able to smell you from 200m... but a screaming perfume is usually not very well balanced.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@franceiroca yes, 2 of my recent favorites are from Les Indemodables, those smell so high quality and have no extra boosting artificialness

[@dieselboy77]

Kemi by Xerjoff is trully horrifying !!! Sweet notes mixed with oud that smells like dhiarea !

[@SeldomlyOften]

Wow, you are not really selling it to me 😅

[@dieselboy77]

@@SeldomlyOften haha , yeah that’s one of those artistic perfumes that usually worn by people who loves weird stuff just like secretion magnifique

[@ra.j7210]

Totally up my ally😂

[@franceiroca]

And I remember You saying in another video how Xerjoff have boring dry downs. You cannot be more true! Basically they are contracted on a really similar formulas based strongly on amber woods and also sickly sweet. Xerjoff have an agressive marketing and base their sales on the bottle lets be honest : Xerjoff released 41 references between 2021 et 2023 that's crazy this have cannot be creative. A lot of their fragrances are redundant. Not bashing, but for the persons who really love good perfumery, Xerjoff is not a worthy brand. And in my opinion, you seems to not falling into Xerjoff marketing! Don't lose moire time trying Xerjoff ;-) Some good brands I love, very qualitative and moreover : fairly priced!!! Voyages Imaginaires, Parfums d'empire, Meo Fusciuni, Naomi Goodsir, Une nuit nomade.

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@franceiroca agree, moreover, many of those perfumes don’t even have a perfumer name attached to them. Makes the house seem ever more greedy and commercial. Thanks again for the recommendations 🙂

[@Tom-dm9oh]

ever wonder why your dog likes to roll around on that dead thing in the woods ? maybe we have something in common with them ...lol

[@SeldomlyOften]

@@Tom-dm9oh 🤣😂 Never thought about that, they might just want apply some of nature’s finest fragrances 😂