Babylon by Penhaligon’s

Hi there Posse. Due to the pandemic we are getting a rush of releases in Australia that should have happened in 2019/20. Babylon by Penhaligon’s took me by surprise and I thought I’d share it with you today.

Babylon by Penhaligon's

We just had the Libertine Parfumerie S/S21 launch on Tuesday. So many new fragrances, some new packaging on others and some finally released from their exclusive store contracts. We are in hard lockdown here in Sydney so it was all done via ZOOM. A box of samples and a look book arrived Monday and I was like a kid at a candy store. First thing I did was staple the appropriate samples to their page for ease of finding during the event. It was such a wonderful way to discover the new things, hosted by Michael. I could easily get used to this life.

Babylon by Penhaligon’s 2019

Babylon Penhaligon's

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Nutmeg, Saffron, Coriander
Heart: Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha
Base: Vanilla, Cedar, Sandalwood

Babylon by Penhaligon’s smells really good to me. Woods and vanilla with a few bells and whistles added. It skirts an all out amber title very closely. I admit to loving vanilla and amber in general, woods too.

From the very first spritz I am sold, and lost in the scent. It’s so bloody good for me. I’m not even sure exactly why this particular mix of accords strikes me as so perfect. As it washes over me for the next few hours I am constantly thinking how much I like smelling like this. Don’t get me wrong. No real boundaries are pushed. In fact, it’s fairly safe within its genre. But it smells wonderful.

Smoky woods open and are quickly softened and cooled by the greenery. Nargamotha adds so much through the heart. It’s spicy, green, dark and oily all at once. What that does for me is send the wood/vanilla/amber into another realm. Such depth, shade and intrigue.

Then it’s woods, dark and creamy, drizzled with more and more vanilla till fade.

Babylon by Penhaligon's Sample

Unisex but leaning modern traditional male. Sillage and projection moderate with excellent longevity.

March had a Penhaligon’s moment a few years ago.

Do you think Babylon could light your fire?
Portia xx

  • GeoffSetter says:

    I can’t wait for my next trip to London to try it!

  • John says:

    This sounds AMAZING, if you like Vanilla try Soul Of My Soul by ELO. pretty incredible.

  • Pam says:

    This one sounds wonderful! I. Want. Must be on the lookout for it.

  • March says:

    Oh, that sounds absolutely FANTASTIC and I love, love love that bottle! Fingers crossed my nose-treatment works, it should show up any day!

  • Rosarita says:

    Babylon sounds right up my street, I’m intrigued by Nagarmotha, not familiar with that note. Thanks for the review, Portia, well wishes to you and yours.

    • Portia says:

      Hey Rosarita!
      I read elsewhere that Timbuktu by L’Artisan, Oud de Burgas by Santi Burgas and Lampblack by Bruno Fazzolari are cypriol heavy. For some reason I also thought CdG did some stuff heavy in it but I couldn’t find the links in my searches.
      Thanks,
      Stay safe & well.
      Portia x

  • Musette says:

    it sounds lovely but definitely not for me (sounds more like the inside of my spice cabinet). Glad this is working so well for you. Lovely bottle!

    xoxo

  • cinnamon says:

    This sounds lovely. Who was the nose? I can’t find that info. I’m just wondering if it was, yet again, Duchaufour.

    • Portia says:

      Sorry, I can’t find the nose either Cinnamon. Puig doesn’t seem to have released that, so I figure it’s one of the big guns.
      Portia x