Our take
What does Xeryus Rouge smell like?
Givenchy launched Xeryus Rouge in 1995, nine years after the original Xeryus. Annick Menardo, later behind Bvlgari Black and Hypnotic Poison, composed it. The opening is strange in a good way. Kumquat brings bitter citrus, cactus a watery green note and tarragon an aniseed twist. Then the pimento lands. It warms the heart without burning, carried by rosy geranium and cedar. This is the most expressive stage, spicy and almost fruity. The base softens into sandalwood, white musk and a grey amber that rounds everything off. The amber fougère label suits it. Next to the drier, more aromatic 1986 Xeryus, Rouge feels warmer and more colorful. It hasn’t aged as gracefully as the great woody scents of the period, yet its personality is intact.
When to wear it
For autumn and winter evenings or a date. Two sprays are enough, the pimento carries far.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Fougère family. Xeryus Rouge is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
