Xerjoff Red Hoba Review: The Meteorite-Inspired Spice, Incense & Iris Scent
Born from a meteorite that fell to Earth more than 80,000 years ago.
Xerjoff Red Hoba is a warm, spicy, smoky unisex fragrance from the Shooting Stars collection, launched in 2014: cinnamon, cardamom and bergamot over incense, iris, jasmine and patchouli, drying down to guaiac wood, labdanum, musk, sandalwood and cashmeran. It is dark, creamy and resinous, in a 100ml bottle, and in the United States it is exclusive to La Jetée Perfumery.
What is Xerjoff Red Hoba?
Red Hoba is a unisex fragrance from Xerjoff, the Italian luxury house, and a member of its Shooting Stars collection. The name comes from the Hoba meteorite, which fell in Namibia more than 80,000 years ago. Xerjoff describes a scent that shifts with each encounter: spice and citrus up front, warm incense against cool iris in the heart, and balsamic, resinous base notes.
Red Hoba fragrance notes
- Top: Bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon
- Heart: Incense, iris, jasmine, patchouli
- Base: Guaiac wood, labdanum, musk, sandalwood, cashmeran
Main accords: woody, warm spicy, musky, amber, powdery, smoky, patchouli, cinnamon, balsamic, leather.
How does Red Hoba smell?
It opens warm, spicy and immediately intriguing: cinnamon and cardamom with a lift of bergamot. The first impression is exotic and refined, sweet spice brightened by citrus. As it develops, incense, patchouli, iris and jasmine make a textured heart that feels smoky, creamy and elegant at once. The dry down is dark and sensual, with guaiac wood, cashmeran, musk, papyrus and labdanum settling into a woody, musky base with resinous depth.
Expensive, artistic and quietly commanding.
Performance and what reviewers say
On Fragrantica, Red Hoba averages about 3.7 out of 5 from more than 400 votes, and opinion is sharply split, which is typical of a bold spicy-smoky scent. Reviewers praise its longevity, its uniqueness and how well it suits autumn and winter. Some find the opening very sweet, and comparisons range from licorice to campfire smoke. Several advise spraying lightly. Try it on skin first: a 2ml sample is available.
Who is Red Hoba for?
It suits anyone who likes dark, spiced, incense-led fragrances with a creamy, powdery iris and a resinous finish, and wants something that does not smell like everyone else. The notes lend themselves to fall and winter and to evening wear. It is sold as unisex.
The packaging
Where to buy Xerjoff Red Hoba
Red Hoba is exclusive in the United States to La Jetée Perfumery, an authorized Xerjoff retailer. Shop Xerjoff Red Hoba 100ml online with free shipping over $150, or visit us in Orlando, Nashville or Las Vegas. Browse all Xerjoff fragrances.
Frequently asked questions
What does Xerjoff Red Hoba smell like?
Cinnamon and cardamom over smoky incense, iris and patchouli, drying down to guaiac wood, musk and labdanum.
What are the notes of Red Hoba?
Top: bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon. Heart: incense, iris, jasmine, patchouli. Base: guaiac wood, labdanum, musk, sandalwood, cashmeran.
Why is it called Red Hoba?
It is named after the Hoba meteorite that fell in Namibia more than 80,000 years ago, and belongs to Xerjoff's Shooting Stars collection.
Is Red Hoba unisex?
Yes.
When was Red Hoba released?
2014.
Where can I buy Red Hoba in the US?
Red Hoba is exclusive in the United States to La Jetée Perfumery. It is available in 100ml and as a 2ml sample, online and in our Orlando, Nashville and Las Vegas stores.