XO Sport

How it Smells

XO Sport bursts open with a thrilling, if slightly synthetic, rush. The blood orange is amped up, almost candied, overshadowing the pepper initially. It aims for Kalan's vibrant spice market feel, but lands a bit more like an orange soda at the fair. The lavender and orange blossom soften the middle, adding a touch of expected refinement but missing the original's nuanced floral complexity. The dry down is where it gets interesting. The woody notes and sandalwood are present, but a mossy, almost damp earthiness emerges that's not as prominent in Kalan. It's about 85% there, but with a bolder, more playful, and ultimately less serious vibe.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is impressive. I get a solid 6-7 hours with decent projection for the first two. It projects a comfortable arms length but doesn't fill a room like the original. The synthetic opening fades after the first 30 minutes, but the citrus remains tenacious.

Bottom Line

XO Sport is a great alternative for someone intrigued by Kalan's DNA but doesn't want to drop serious cash. It's a younger, more energetic take. The blood orange sweetness makes it ideal for spring and summer, while Kalan leans more towards fall and winter. If you crave hyper-realistic, niche-quality blending, then yes. But for a fun, compliment-getting scent that captures the spirit of Kalan, XO Sport delivers surprisingly well. Buy it if you want to project playful confidence and citrus energy.