There aren’t that many fragrance companies that can celebrate 150 years in the biz. But then Penhaligon’s perfume isn’t just any brand. It has come to represent the best of British heritage since it was founded in 1870 by William Penhaligon.
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So British in fact, that Princess Diana herself has been reported to have a Penhaligon’s signature scent. Bluebell Perfume 12 was apparently a top favorite of the Duchess herself.
Shortlist for Best Penhaligon’s Perfumes
What started out as a barbershop has evolved into a Puig-owned company (the Spanish firm that owns L’Artisan Parfumeur, Carolina Herrera and Comme des Garçons Parfums, among others) that niftily balances tradition and modernity, with two royal warrants along the way.
The company’s debut fragrance, the woody-floral Hammam Bouquet, was launched in 1872 and remains a best-seller to this day.
As you can imagine, we had a really hard time narrowing this list down to just 10 best Penhaligon’s perfumes. But we hope that it will give you a good idea of the top-notch quality and creativity on offer.
You will notice that many of the fragrances on this list are recent releases. Proof that Penhaligon’s is not just trading on its illustrious heritage.
Where known, the name of the perfumer is included in brackets after the name of the fragrance.
Best Unisex
We begin our list with this absolute classic Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet Cologne EDT. Originally launched in 1902, it was created for the Duke of Marlborough, according to the brand’s website, and has lost none of its charm over the decades.
Interestingly, on a technical level, it has no heart notes. But it’s the super-refined opening of lemon, lime and lavender notes that keeps us coming back for more. That, and the dry down of pine, musk and black pepper notes.
It’s officially a male fragrance, but we know better than to be limited by such things, especially in spring and summer when it’s the ideal tonic for the heat.
An Alternative Scent
I think we can all agree that comparability between fragrances is often subjective and the alternative scents may not be exact duplicates. But, there are a number of fragrances from different brands that are often compared to particular Penhaligon’s perfumes. Blenheim Bouquet is one of them.
Similar Fragrance: Creed’s Original Vetiver
- Top Notes: Lemon, Lime, Lavender
- Heart Notes: Rosemary, Verbena, Clary Sage
- Base Notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Ambergris
Best Overall
There’s no shortage of quality oud fragrances on the market, but it’s the best seller Penhaligon’s Halfeti EDP (Christian Provenzano) that always gets our attention.
Inspired by the Turkish town of Halfeti, this 2015 release has a very brief fresh opening, courtesy of grapefruit, green and artemisia notes.
It then moves rapidly into more heady territory when the notes of cumin, nutmeg, rose and saffron come into play.
Oud is the centerpiece of the fragrance and is very ably assisted by notes of leather, amber, vanilla, Tonka, and sandalwood.
This EDP is rich, warm and intense in all the right ways.
An Alternative Scent
Similar Fragrance: Tom Ford Noir de Noir
- Top Notes: Saffron, Black Pepper
- Heart Notes: Rose, Jasmine
- Base Notes: Amber, Patchouli, Oud Wood
Best Performing Power
Launched in 2011, Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling created by the perfumer Olivier Cresp is inspired by the quality of London dry gin.
Juniper berries, which give gin its distinctive style, open this unisex EDT in style. But there’s more to this modern boozy classic than its gin intro.
A cocktail of citrus (orange), spices (black pepper and cardamom), herbs (angelica) and a hint of sugar all complement each other. It’s no surprise that this is a best-seller for the brand.
It’s more of a skin scent, so if you only go for power performers, this one might not be for you. But you will be missing out on a fragrance that develops beautifully on the skin.
An Alternative Scent
Similar Scent: Jo Malone’s London Blackberry & Bay
- Top Notes: Cinnamon, Orange, Juniper Berries
- Heart Notes: Cardamom, Orris, Leather
- Base Notes: Brown Sugar, Black Cherry, Amber
Best Oriental
A humorous take on the idea of the fragrance family, the Penhaligon’s Portraits collection was launched in 2016. Penhaligon’s The Uncompromising Sohan EDP is the 2017 release and we love it for its big, bold and powdery rose opening, with spicy pink pepper in the background.
It includes an assortment of EDPs named after delightful characters, including Clandestine Clara, Heartless Helen, and The Bewitching Yasmine. We don’t pick up much of the listed vetiver, but all is forgiven when the dynamic between the rose and Laotian oud (one of the best varieties) is so gorgeous. Sandalwood adds to the delicious oriental mood.
It’s on the pricey side, but the exquisite packaging is part of the deal.
Best Rose Scent
Inspired by the Tudor rose and the union of the houses of York and Lancaster, Penhaligon’s Elisabethan Rose EDP 2018 release is one of the most distinctive rose fragrances we’ve smelled in a long time.
Its unusual character is evident right from the nutty opening notes of hazelnut leaf and almond oil. Cinnamon adds to the warmth.
The queen of florals dominates the heart of the scent, in particular rose centifolia oil and rose absolute. Their fruity potency is accentuated by red lily.
Eventually settling on a base of woody, musk and vetiver notes, it’s powerful stuff, so one or two sprays will more than do.
Best Elegant
Looking for a super-elegant iris fragrance created by one of the world’s top perfumers? Then Penhaligon’s Iris Prima EDP (Alberto Morillas) 2013 release is for you.
It begins in fresh ‘n spicy mode with notes of bergamot and pink pepper, and then transitions to the star of the show. This iris is full of powderiness and is partnered with a dose of jasmine, which has a slight animalic quality.
That animalic vibe is further developed in the drydown where an oh-so-smooth leather note predominates. Its creaminess is enhanced by woody notes of sandalwood and vetiver.
Best Classic
Penhaligon’s Endymion Cologne is a classic. It opens with freshly elegant notes of bergamot and lavender, which give it a captivating herbal-citrus character at first.
This 2016 release then takes a floral direction with the addition of a geranium note, which builds on the initial freshness. A waft of coffee brings an intriguing twist and contrast to the proceedings.
A soft suede mood permeates the EDP and reinforces its timeless appeal.
It’s too good to be monopolized by men only.
Best Versatile
Wow! That’s our response every time we wear this multi-faceted Penhaligon’s Lothair EDT (Bertrand Duchaufour) 2014 release. We’re sure you will feel the same way when you sniff it out.
It’s from the brand’s Trade Routes Collection, which is inspired by all the exotic ingredients that arrived in London at the end of the 19th century. And boy, does this deliver on the unusual front!
Aromatic juniper berries set the tone in the opening, but there are also accents of grapefruit, cardamom, red berries, and fig leaf to tease the imagination.
Notes of fig milk, black tea, and lavender stand out in the heart of the EDT.
The olfactory pleasure keeps on coming in the dry down that features a perfect union of vanilla, ambergris and woody notes.
Most Sensual
Penhaligon’s As Sawira EDP(Christian Provenzano) 2015 release is another treasure from the brand’s Trade Routes Collection. Taking its inspiration from the abundance of opulent goods to be found in a souk (Arabian bazaar), it’s a beautifully executed woody EDP.
Opening notes of saffron, artemisia, and absinthe create a rich and heady ambiance.
The intensity progresses to the heart of the fragrance, featuring a melange of floral and spice notes, in particular rose, carnation, cardamom, and cloves.
There’s a lot going on in the complex dry down, but there’s no mistaking the contribution of oud, myrrh, sandalwood and amber to the overall sensuality.
Best for Spring
After all that full-on opulence, we complete our round-up with the understated luxury of Penhaligon’s Artemisia EDP 2002 release.
A softly sweet note of nectarine sets the tone, with a touch of greenery in the background.
Violet infuses the heart of the fragrance with a delectable powderiness, while notes of jasmine tea and lily-of-the-valley provide floral and green nuances respectively.
An almost caramel-y vanilla (without being gourmand-ish) is complemented by a large dose of seductive musk and creamy sandalwood in the dry down.
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Best Unisex
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Best Overall
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Best Performing Power
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Is Penhaligon’s Considered a Luxury Brand?
Penhaligon’s perfumes are the epitome of sheer luxury. As someone who’s dived deep into the world of scents, I can’t help but be captivated by Penhaligon’s charm. Their fragrances are like a work of art, meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of elegance and refinement.
What sets Penhaligon’s apart is their knack for scent profiling. Each fragrance tells a unique story, taking inspiration from captivating sources like Turkish baths and other fascinating blends. It’s a sensory experience like no other.
But it doesn’t stop at the scents themselves. The whole experience of shopping at Penhaligon’s is an indulgence in itself. From the moment you step foot into their stores, you’re transported into a world of pure luxury. It’s an experience that leaves you feeling pampered and special.
And if you’re on the hunt for that perfect gift, look no further. Penhaligon’s has become synonymous with holiday shopping. Their offerings are renowned for their opulence and have become a go-to brand when you want to show someone just how much they mean to you.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Penhaligon’s perfumes scents have captured the hearts of fragrance lovers worldwide with their luxurious scent profiling, impeccable quality, and opulent royal connections. Their range of perfumes offers something for everyone, each bottle acting as the vehicle to take you on a sensory journey of luxury and indulgence.
But Penhaligon’s isn’t just about fragrances – it’s an experience. From the deluxe shopping experience to the extravagant gifting choices, it’s a brand that absolutely spoils you. And with deals that offer decent savings, you could indulge without breaking the bank.
So what are you waiting for? Take a whiff of Penhaligon’s perfume and experience the magic for yourself. With every spritz, you’ll be coated in luxury and opulence. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
FAQs
What are the most popular Penhaligon’s scents that have stood the test of time since its inception in 1870?
Some of the most beloved fragrances from Penhaligon’s that have lasted over time include Blenheim Bouquet Cologne, Hammam Bouquet, and Penhaligon’s Halfeti EDP. These classics have maintained their popularity and continue to be adored by fragrance enthusiasts around the world.
Are there any limited edition or exclusive Penhaligon’s scents – not widely known but highly sought after by fragrance enthusiasts?
The short answer is, yes. These gems are often released in small batches and may not be widely advertised, adding an element of exclusivity and intrigue to Penhaligon’s fragrance offerings.
Are there any specific fragrance notes or ingredients that Penhaligon’s is famous for adding to their perfumes?
Penhaligon’s is renowned for incorporating unique and distinctive notes into its perfumes, like juniper berries, lavender, and citrus fruits. These signature ingredients are part of the brand’s iconic olfactory profiles, creating fragrances that are both memorable and timeless.
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Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.