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What does Gao smell like?

Gao is an unapologetic exploration of resins and spice, characterized by a medicinal intensity that demands attention. The experience begins with a double dose of Persian and Spanish saffron, which cr...

Details

House: Xerjoff
Concentration: Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2012
Longevity: 8.6 / 10
Sillage: 8.2 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Smoky, Resinous, Oriental
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out

Community Insights

Based on 1 discussions

The fragrance is widely recognized for its "nuclear" performance, with many users reporting it lasts well over 12 hours and possesses immense sillage that can easily fill a room.
Among oud enthusiasts, it is considered a "love it or hate it" scent due to a polarizing opening that many compare to medicinal ointments or VapoRub before it transitions into a smoother woody profile.
While it is frequently compared to bold scents like Nishane’s Afrika Olifant and By Kilian’s Pure Oud, the community often ranks Gao as one of the most potent and "forceful" entries in the Xerjoff Oud Stars collection.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather (autumn and winter) and evening wear, as its density and animalic warmth can become overwhelming in heat or casual office settings.
Value opinions are generally high for those seeking "beast-mode" longevity, though it is categorized as a fragrance for experienced "oud-o-philes" rather than those looking for a safe or beginner-friendly wood scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gao perform in terms of longevity and projection?+

This fragrance is known for exceptional longevity, often lasting upwards of 15 hours. The projection is described as "nuclear" and "obliterating," meaning a little goes a long way and it will remain noticeable even in large spaces.

Is this a safe blind buy for someone who likes woody fragrances?+

No. Because of its intense medicinal saffron opening and challenging balsamic heart, it is highly recommended to sample Gao first. It is designed for those who appreciate complex, niche oud compositions rather than standard designer woody scents.

For which seasons and occasions is Gao most suitable?+

It is best suited for the extreme cold of winter and late fall. Given its commanding presence and sophisticated resinous profile, it is typically reserved for evening events, nights out, or formal occasions rather than daily casual wear.

How does the oud in Gao compare to other Xerjoff scents like Alexandria II?+

While Alexandria II is smoother and more powdery/lavender-focused, Gao is much more medicinal, spicy, and raw. It lacks the floral sweetness of other Xerjoff hits, focusing instead on the dry, smoky, and resinous side of the Oud Stars line.

Appears in Collections

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from $206.49· Checked Jun 26 Compare

What does Gao smell like?

Gao is an unapologetic exploration of resins and spice, characterized by a medicinal intensity that demands attention. The experience begins with a double dose of Persian and Spanish saffron, which cr...

Details

House: Xerjoff
Concentration: Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2012
Longevity: 8.6 / 10
Sillage: 8.2 / 10
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Smoky, Resinous, Oriental
Best Seasons: Fall, Winter
Best Occasions: Evening, Night Out

Community Insights

Based on 1 discussions

The fragrance is widely recognized for its "nuclear" performance, with many users reporting it lasts well over 12 hours and possesses immense sillage that can easily fill a room.
Among oud enthusiasts, it is considered a "love it or hate it" scent due to a polarizing opening that many compare to medicinal ointments or VapoRub before it transitions into a smoother woody profile.
While it is frequently compared to bold scents like Nishane’s Afrika Olifant and By Kilian’s Pure Oud, the community often ranks Gao as one of the most potent and "forceful" entries in the Xerjoff Oud Stars collection.
It is overwhelmingly recommended for cold weather (autumn and winter) and evening wear, as its density and animalic warmth can become overwhelming in heat or casual office settings.
Value opinions are generally high for those seeking "beast-mode" longevity, though it is categorized as a fragrance for experienced "oud-o-philes" rather than those looking for a safe or beginner-friendly wood scent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gao perform in terms of longevity and projection?+

This fragrance is known for exceptional longevity, often lasting upwards of 15 hours. The projection is described as "nuclear" and "obliterating," meaning a little goes a long way and it will remain noticeable even in large spaces.

Is this a safe blind buy for someone who likes woody fragrances?+

No. Because of its intense medicinal saffron opening and challenging balsamic heart, it is highly recommended to sample Gao first. It is designed for those who appreciate complex, niche oud compositions rather than standard designer woody scents.

For which seasons and occasions is Gao most suitable?+

It is best suited for the extreme cold of winter and late fall. Given its commanding presence and sophisticated resinous profile, it is typically reserved for evening events, nights out, or formal occasions rather than daily casual wear.

How does the oud in Gao compare to other Xerjoff scents like Alexandria II?+

While Alexandria II is smoother and more powdery/lavender-focused, Gao is much more medicinal, spicy, and raw. It lacks the floral sweetness of other Xerjoff hits, focusing instead on the dry, smoky, and resinous side of the Oud Stars line.

Is this considered a masculine or feminine fragrance?+

Gao is marketed as a unisex fragrance for both men and women. However, due to its heavy woods, smoke, and lack of sweet or floral notes, many enthusiasts find it leans toward the traditionally masculine side of the fragrance spectrum.

Does the "burnt rubber" or medicinal smell last throughout the wear?+

Most of the medicinal sharpness is concentrated in the first hour of wear. As it dries down, the saffron softens and the amber and patchouli emerge to create a smoother, warmer, and more traditionally woody-spicy experience.

Accords

Notes

TopSpanish saffron//Persian saffron

HeartGurjum balsam//Nagarmotha//Juniper berry

BaseIndonesian patchouli//White oud//Amber

$206.49

Typical priceChecked Jun 26

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$206.49

Typical priceChecked Jun 26

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Buy now

We may earn a commission.

Where to buy Gao

from $206.49 (50ml) · 1 retailer

Every retailer shown here is a seller we’ve vetted.

50ml

Checked Jun 26

FragranceNet

$206.49Buy

Today's best price of $206.49 is about the typical price for this size, based on 15 days of tracking.

Price history

50ml price trendAt tracked low of $206.49

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Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Unisex Fragrances3693 Parfum Fragrances1015 2010s Fragrances3361+ 1 more

Similar Fragrances

Xerjoff

Malesia

Xerjoff

Alexandria II

Attar

Xerjoff

Alexandria II

Parfum

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Oud

Extrait

Joop!

Joop! Homme

Eau De Parfum

Jean Paul Gaultier

Gaultier²

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Eisenberg

J'Ose

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