Amphorae 17

The Verdict

Xerjoff Amphorae 17 is not a fragrance for the casual buyer. At 1500-1700 euros for 6ml of pure attar oil, it belongs firmly in the realm of collectors and connoisseurs. Part of Xerjoff's exclusive Amphorae collection, each attar is housed in a handcrafted amphora modeled on ancient vessels once used to store precious aromatics, topped with a semiprecious stone. The presentation alone communicates that this is as much a luxury object as it is a fragrance.

The composition itself is an amber-resinous meditation built on myrrh, incense, benzoin, sandalwood, and vanilla. Community reception has been mixed, with some praising its warm, contemplative character while others question whether the performance justifies the extraordinary price.

What It Smells Like

The opening presents violet leaves, amber, and davana, the latter contributing a distinctive fruity-herbal quality with subtle wine-like undertones. This transitions into a deeply resinous heart where myrrh, Omani incense, and Siam benzoin create a sacred, almost liturgical atmosphere. The incense is rich and contemplative rather than smoky or sharp.

The base brings Australian sandalwood, musk, Madagascar vanilla, and tonka bean together in a creamy, balsamic embrace. The overall effect is of warm, enveloping richness that feels ancient and meditative. Some reviewers describe it as having delightfully sweet nuances within its amber foundation, while others find the citrusy Mediterranean freshness described on Parfumo surprising for an attar of this profile.

When to Wear It

Amphorae 17 is a fall and winter fragrance suited for intimate, reflective, or special occasions. Its contemplative, resinous character works best in quiet settings where you can appreciate its nuances at close range. Evening wear is natural, though its subdued sillage means it functions more as a personal scent than a social statement. It could accompany meditation, personal ritual, or a quiet dinner with equal appropriateness.

Longevity & Projection

Despite being a concentrated attar oil, performance ratings are moderate. Community aggregate scores show longevity at approximately 6 out of 10 and sillage at about 5.7 out of 10. For a pure oil at this price point, these numbers may disappoint buyers expecting exceptional persistence. The intimate projection means this is a fragrance you wear for yourself rather than for others to notice from across the room.

The Community Says

Reviews reflect the niche nature of this offering. Positive responses praise the warm, resinous character and the quality of ingredients, describing it as a noble, compact composition. Critical voices question the value proposition, noting that performance does not always match expectations set by the attar oil format and luxury pricing. The overall sentiment suggests appreciation for craftsmanship tempered by practical concerns about longevity and cost per hour of wear.

Who Should Buy This

Amphorae 17 is for serious attar collectors and Xerjoff devotees who view fragrance ownership as extending beyond simple scent application. If you appreciate the ritual of applying precious oils, value the artistry of handcrafted flacons, and find deep satisfaction in amber-resinous compositions, this delivers a distinctive experience. For everyone else, more accessible amber fragrances exist at a fraction of the cost.

The Bottom Line

Xerjoff Amphorae 17 is a beautiful niche attar oil that delivers warm, contemplative amber-resinous richness in an exquisite presentation. Its value depends entirely on how much you prize exclusivity, craftsmanship, and the attar experience, as its performance metrics alone do not justify the investment for the average fragrance buyer.