Penhaligon’s, the esteemed British perfume house, was founded in 1870. It was founded by William H Penhaligon, who aspired to be an ‘aromatic entertainer and expert barber.’
From the 1902 classic Blenheim Bouquet, the woodiness of The Tragedy Of Lord George, or the crispness of Juniper Sling, there is a Penhaligon’s fragrance for the discerning gentleman.
I have been sniffing my way through Penhaligon’s Scent Library and have selected 5 Penhaligon’s fragrances for men to review for this article.
Best Penhaligon’s Fragrances For Men
I’ve carefully selected 5 of the best Penhaligon’s fragrances that every aspiring gentleman should consider for his collection.
1. The Tragedy Of Lord George Eau de Parfum
Review
Warm and woody, The Tragedy Of Lord George is a majestic scent, resonating with the sophistication of the Penhaligon’s brand, a truly regal affair.
A boozy rum opening with a hint of lavender – an intriguing mix of freshness with a hint of rebellion. Tonka bean gives a warm creaminess, with lots of cedarwood from the base.
Top Notes:
Lavender, Rum
Mid Notes:
Tonka Bean
Base Notes:
Ambroxan, Vetiver, Cedarwood
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for autumn evenings or crisp winter days. It’s a gentleman fragrance to be reserved for the evening. Lasts 6+ hours.
2. Blenheim Bouquet Eau de Toilette
Review
Launched back in 1902, Blenheim Bouquet is the epitome of a classic British gentlemen’s fragrance that harks back to traditional values and timeless appeal.
It opens with a brisk, zesty lemon note, bright and refreshing, with lavender adding a barbershop-style aroma. The finish is a robust pine base that is clean and fresh.
Top Notes:
Mid Notes:
Lavender
Base Notes:
Pine
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for spring and summer days, Blenheim Bouquet is your companion for outdoor events and casual brunches. Stays close to the skin, sadly only lasting 3+ hours.
3. Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette
Review
Juniper Sling is a playful and spirited aromatic fragrance inspired by the vivacity and fun times of the roaring twenties.
This starts with an eclectic mix of cinnamon, orange brandy, angelica, and juniper berry – a cocktail of freshness and spice. The peppery heart gives way to woody vetiver and black cherry in the dry-down.
Top Notes:
Cinnamon, Orange Brandy, Angelica, Juniper Berry
Mid Notes:
Cardamom, Leather, Black Pepper, Orris
Base Notes:
Brown sugar, Black Cherry, Vetiver, Ambroxan
Seasons & Longevity
A versatile fragrance, great for spring, summer and fall. It suits energetic evenings and adventurous weekends, lasting 4+ hours.
4. Endymion Eau de Cologne
Review
Endymion boasts a complex blend that, at first, can be challenging to distinguish. It’s aromatic, spicy, fresh, and warm, all in one!
While the initial blast of lavender and bergamot may not be my favourite, it transforms during the dry down, revealing earthy, coffee and leathery undertones. Smells masculine and classy.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Mandarin, Lavender, Sage
Mid Notes:
Geranium, Coffee Absolute
Base Notes:
Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Leather, Incense, Myrrh
Seasons & Longevity
I would place this in the any-season category, ideal for evenings out or relaxed daytime events. It will last 5+ hours.
5. Halfeti Eau de Parfum
Review
And now for Halfeti Eau de Parfum, named after a small Turkish fishing village where Halfeti black roses grow along the Euphrates River.
This complex fragrance is rich, woody and floral. I am not usually a fan of cedar and cypress, but the tonka bean and vanilla sweeten it. Delicate rose and saffron ensure an exotic mix.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Bergamot, Green Notes, Armoise
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Cardamom, Cumin, Nutmeg, Saffron, Violet, Cinnamon, Rose, Jasmine, Cypress, Muguet
Base Notes:
Leather, Oud, Amber, Resins, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Tonka, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Ideal for winter and autumn nights. This fragrance suits formal events and fancy dinners and lasts 6+ hours with good projection.
Ellisa’s Top Pick
The Tragedy Of Lord George
My top pick is The Tragedy Of Lord George, as it’s woody and boozy with a pleasant warmth once it settles. Also, it performs well compared to other lighter fragrances from this brand.
Conclusion
Penhaligon’s fragrances are all about the brand’s history and understated excellence. The bottles and packaging are also top-notch, as are their ingredients.
I will say that if you are looking for a long-lasting fragrance with strong projection and casting a long sillage trail, Penhaligon’s will not cut the mustard, so to speak.
Saying that.. each scent in this list has its own character and narrative, making any Penhaligon’s scent a unique addition to your collection.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
