M. Micallef Notorious XO

Cognac fragrances usually go one of two ways, either dry and boozy or sweet and gourmand, and Notorious XO by M. Micallef tries to thread the middle. This 2025 niche Eau de Parfum builds a warm cognac around leather and spice, kept from going too sweet by oakmoss and musk. Daniela Marty composed it. Aromatica carries the Notorious XO price in Bangladesh across all four decant sizes, which is the sensible way to test a richer niche release before buying.

Fragrance Notes

Top: Cognac, Pepper, Watery Notes

Heart: Cinnamon, Leather, Cardamom, Tonka Bean, Oakmoss

Base: Vanilla, Praline, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk

Full note breakdown on Fragrantica.

The Scent

The opening is a warm, boozy cognac with a pepper kick, and there is an unexpected watery, almost saline note woven in that gives the start a slight fizz. That mineral edge surprised a lot of reviewers, with some comparing the salty facet to Profumum Roma Acqua di Sale. After about twenty minutes the heart takes over, and leather, cinnamon and cardamom bring a spiced, slightly bitter warmth that reads masculine and grown-up. The leather here matters, since it keeps the sweetness in check and stops the scent from sliding into pure dessert. Underneath, tonka bean and oakmoss add depth and a faint earthiness. The base is where the gourmand side shows, a blend of vanilla, praline, amber and sandalwood that turns soft and creamy without becoming cloying. The most common comparison is By Kilian Angels' Share, since both share cognac and cinnamon, but most reviewers agree Notorious XO leans more leathery and masculine than the sweeter Kilian. It is a darker, dressed-up take on the cognac idea rather than a candy version. The blend feels considered and the leather, spice and booze stay balanced from the opening through the dry-down. The praline in the base is what tips it toward gourmand, adding a soft, nutty sweetness that plays against the dry leather above it. As it settles, the cognac note holds longer than expected and keeps that boozy character present well into the wear. Some reviewers catch a bittersweet, almost Campari-like fizz in the top, which gives the opening more lift than a straight cognac accord would.

The interplay between the salty marine note and the warm spirit is the part people remember, since it is not a combination you smell often. It reads mature and confident rather than youthful or sweet, which fits its dressed-up framing. For a niche cognac scent that keeps one foot in leather and spice, it offers a clear alternative to the gourmand-heavy options.

When to Wear

This is a cold-weather scent, best in fall and winter for evenings, formal events and nights out where a rich, boozy warmth fits. It sits naturally with the rest of the Cozy Cold Weather picks at Aromatica.

Who Is It For

It is for someone who likes a boozy cognac scent but wants more leather and spice than sugar, and who finds Angels' Share a touch too sweet.

If you like Notorious XO, Angels' Share is the obvious cognac comparison worth making. Browse the full M. Micallef collection at Aromatica. M. Micallef DesirToxic L'Intense offers an equally rich, warm intensity within the same line, worth comparing directly to Notorious XO.

Available as an authentic decant in Bangladesh at Aromatica in 3ml, 5ml, 9ml, and 15ml.