An Egyptian Fragrance Voyage with Penhaligon’s

Every time I go away, I always like to take back a momentum of the destination I’ve spent time in to hold onto the memories and discoveries when returning back to the UK. As one of the most prominent of the senses, a familiar smell has the ability to transport us back to a time in history, destination or a particular person.

Traditionally, gentleman’s fragrances include notes reflective of the exquisite commodities traded through the bustling London docks at the turn of the nineteenth century, such as leather, cinnamon and tobacco. This rich shipping heritage is the exact inspiration behind Penhaligon’s Trade Routes Collection, with the latest offering being inspired by Egyptian luxuries imported to the British Empire.

Although I’m yet to visit Egypt (it’s on my bucket list), I was excited to discover both fragrances,  Alizarin and Oud De Nil through a voyage of scent.

Alizarin – Eu Du Parfum

Alizarin is an intense oud, which instantly hits you with its Leather base notes (a big plus in my book, as I’m a big fan of leather notes and fragrances such as Tom Ford, Tuscan Leather). Next, the floral head and heart notes start to creep through and finally the delicate Olibanum (Frankincense) notes.

Head Notes
Mandarin, Narcisse

Heart Notes
Tuberose, Orris, Mimosa

Base Notes
Oud, Leather, Olibanum, Vetiver

Oud De Nil – Eu Du Parfum

Oud De Nil came across as the lighter, more floral fragrance out of the two, offering scents of jasmine and exotic fruits with an immediate hit of Bergamot head notes and floral heart notes, Rose and Geranium.

Head Notes
Bergamot, Grapefruit

Heart Notes
Jasmine, Rose, Geranium, Orange Blossom

Base Notes
Oud, Papyrus, Guaiac Wood, Resins, Amber

What I found most authentic about the Trade Routes Egyptian Collection, was that the ingredients used to create the fragrances reflect Egypt’s history; such as Frankincense, which was traditionally used for religious practices and Papyrus, used in ancient Egypt for hieroglyphics and the construction of mats, sandles and baskets.

Both fragrances can be purchased at £156 from Penhaligon’s Stores or online.