X for Men (2001)
by Clive Christian

In a word, intoxicating, which is intended as a high compliment. The fragrance has a nice level of complexity that isn't as challenging as "C" (full disclosure, I own "C" and love it), and from start to finish, the transformation is very subtle, rich, and elegant. This exudes a level of confidence and warmth that would be best suited for more formal occasions or colder weather, as those conditions will allow this particular scent to fully open and blossom. This is not for those faint of heart or not committed to its luxury price point. Some will argue that this is far too expensive, though it's comparable to other pure perfumes. As for longevity, it will last well into and though the next into the next morning -- you'll be awakening to the smell of "X" on your pillow.

If you needed to pick an elegant, tasteful, luxurious fragrance for a connoisseur, this would be high on my list. Someone suggested a comparison to Penhaligon Opus 1870, with which I struggle -- 1870 lacks the longevity and overall quality, and has no silage, while X is the polar opposite. I honestly prefer this to "C" and have no qualms about a strong recommendation.

7th August, 2011.

I honestly don't get the hate-on this scent seems to evoke from people. Yes, the marketing is extremely tacky. Truth me told, I wanted to hate this stuff more than anything simply because of this "Most Expensive Perfume" business. However, I'm not here to rate pretentious advertising, the politics of designers and perfume houses, or anything other than the juice itself.

That juice? Amazing. While I was unimpressed with Clive Christian's other offerings, "X" really hits a sweet spot for me. It's spicy, woodsy, warm but light and perhaps a bit greenish. It's not a scent that will knock someone off of their feet but has enough sillage to be noticed, and seems to garner compliments. Longetivity is good and lasts a workday or evening out, even in warm weather.

Is "X" good for the ego? Yes, in the way that any scent one finds pleasurable is. I find it to inspire calm confidence- and not because of the money issue. It simply makes me feel content and relaxed and I enjoy catching whiffs of it now and again.

22nd June, 2011.

Just tried a sample half an hour ago. It went on reminding me of Jubiliation XXV, which is one of my favorites. But half an hour I cannot detect much of anything. May "X" stands for evanescent? :)

13rd May, 2011.

Very light, warm smelling. I am not impressed by this fragrance. Price does not automatically mean high quality.

8th October, 2010.

I find any bottle which advertizes itself as "The Most Expensive Perfume in the World", ON the bottle, to be highly offensive to the art of perfumery.

Insult to injury, the quality of the material can be as interesting as you'd like -- but when there is no knowhow to make things interesting, what's the point?

Clive Christian is only good for the confidence of the wearer, who may need to remind himself of how special he is as a result of purchasing power.

Be it as it may, this has NOTHing to do with perfumery... and neither does Clive Christian.

9th June, 2010.

I purchased this about a year ago. No, I'm not made of money, but exceptional fragrance comes at a price. Exceptional is precisely what this fragrance is.

5th May, 2010.