The Penhaligon’s British Tales fragrance range is an elegant and sophisticated collection of scents that evoke the stories and characters of British literature. Each scent has a unique and captivating aroma that is inspired by a particular British tale. From the sweet, floral scent of Alice in Wonderland to the smoky, woody scent of Sherlock Holmes, there is a scent for everyone. The fragrances are crafted using high-quality ingredients and the bottles are beautiful and luxurious in their presentation. The fragrances are thoughtfully created but rarely overpowering. Whether you are looking for something to evoke British nostalgia or something to add a touch of sophistication to your day, the Penhaligon’s British Tales fragrance range is the perfect quintessentially British choice.
| Fragrance | Release | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hammam Bouquet | 1872 | Lemon, Lavender, Spices, Sandalwood |
| Blenheim Bouquet | 1902 | Citrus, Lavender, Pine Wood |
| Quercus | 1996 | Citrus, Oakmoss, Amber |
| Castile | 1998 | Citrus, Orange Blossom |
| Artemisia | 2002 | Violet, Musk, Vanilla, Amber |
| Endymion | 2003 | Lavender, Cardamon, Myrrh, Incense, Coffee |
| Sartorial | 2010 | Leather, Lavender, Bees wax |
| Orange Blossom | 2010 | Orange Blossom |
| Juniper Sling | 2011 | Juniper Berries, Cinnamon, Orange |
| Lothair | 2014 | Lavender, Tea, Vanilla, Ambergris |
| Endymion Concentré | 2016 | Leather, Suede, Insense |
| Luna | 2016 | Citrus |
| Elizabeth Rose | 2018 | Rose, Almond, Hazelnut |
| The Favourite | 2020 | Iris, Violet |
| Sports Car Club | 2022 | Cyprus, Pine, Eucalyptus, Ambroxan |
| Highgrove Bouquet | 2022 | Lindem Blossom, Lime, Mimosa, Cedar Wood |
Penhaligon’s are available in the US at Saks, Nordstrom and Walmart. In the UK they can be found at Sephora and Harrods and at Fresh Fragrances in Australia. Penhaligon’s own website also ships worldwide.
Table of Contents
Hammam Bouquet
Hammam Bouquet is a classic Penhaligon’s fragrance, first released in 1872. It’s a bright, spicy scent, with top notes of bergamot, lemon, and orange, a heart of carnation, jasmine, and lavender, and a base of sandalwood, musk, and patchouli. It’s a timeless classic, which evokes the scents and smells of a traditional Hammam bath house.
Blenheim Bouquet
Blenheim Palace is a Royal property in England. I imagine Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet is inspired by the beautiful gardens around the Blenheim house. The fragrance has a citrus top note made up of lemon, lime and pine wood; these notes make the fragrance feel quite unisex. The sharpness of the citrus notes combines with black pepper and aromatic notes of lavender and musk to create an elegant and fresh traditional British fragrance.
Quercus
Penhaligon’s Quercus is another unisex cologne with a zesty sharp lemon top note reminiscent of Blenheim Bouquet. It’s also quite green because of an oakmoss note which adds depth alongside an aromatic cardamon and an amber base.
Quercus is light enough to be a daytime scent, but it also has a serious feel to it generated by the warmer notes which sit underneath the citrus.
Castile
Penhaligon’s Castile is a fresh citrus and orange blossom fragrance inspired by a Mediterranean breeze. It’s a very unisex eau de toilette which could be worn by anyone through the summer months.
I wouldn’t personally say that Castile is a British scent as citrus fruits don’t really grow here. I’m also not entirely clear how the Castile (French for Castle) fits with the scent, or a ‘British’ collection Nevertheless less Castile is a fresh and clean fragrance which is difficult to dislike.
Artemisia
Inspired by the Greek goddess Artemis, Artemisia is a very powdery fragrance; created by a dominant Violet note. I was surprised that Artemisia was so powdery as the branding made me think it would be lighter. Having said that, a Nectarine top note adds a hint of freshness but a musk, vanilla and amber in the base create a relatively heavy fragrance.
Penhaligon’s Artemisia is certainly a classy and feminine perfume, while also being a little more complex than many of Penhaligon’s other female perfumes.
Endymion
This fragrance is inspired by the Greek myth of Endymion, a son of Zeus. Endymion is a beautiful shepherd who was granted eternal youth after falling in love with the moon goddess Selene.
Penhaligon’s Endymion combines aromatic lavender and cardamon with deeper notes of myrrh, incense and coffee beans. I think Endymion is quite a masculine fragrance which has a great presence.
Sartorial
For me, Penhaligon’s Sartorial smells like a traditional English gentleman, who shops for his custom suits on Saville Row. Sartorial evokes the scent of a barber shop with masculine notes of leather and a slightly soapy lavender. There is a rich beeswax note in the heart of the fragrance which is definitely unique.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated male fragrance, I don’t think you can go wrong with Penhaligon’s Sartorial.
Orange Blossom
Orange Blossom is one of my favourite fragrance notes (my article on the best Orange Blossom perfumes). Penhaligon’s Orange Blossom captures the fresh citrus notes of the scent, adding lemon and some aromatic green notes to create a well rounded and unisex orange blossom fragrance. This is an Eau de Toilette so I find it doesn’t last a long time; I recommend it for hot summer days.
Juniper Sling
Unsurprisingly, just like a Juniper Sling cocktail, this fragrance majors on Juniper Berries. It reminds me of gin cocktails which have a lot of herbal, aromatic leaves added. Juniper Sling also has a hint of Orange and Cinnamon in its top notes, as well as a warm leather, and Orris root in its base.
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling is a unisex fragrance which like most Penhaligon’s scents is fresh and slightly aromatic. I recommend Juniper Sling for the day time and even the Office; it’s an unusual combination but not too heavy to be inappropriate for work.
Lothair
Lothair was the name of one of the last traditional sailed ships of the British Empire. Penhaligon’s Lothair combines a number of different fragrance notes to create one of the most popular, unisex Penhaligon’s scents.
Lavender and tea leaf give a natural calming element to Lothair, while deep notes of vanilla and ambergris create depth. At first Lothair feels quite fresh; with citrus and juniper notes coming through, however as it develops a multitude of fragrance notes emerge creating interest and longevity.
Endymion Concentré
Endymion Concentré is my favourite bottle from Penhaligon’s; I love the midnight blue and moon!
Despite the name ‘concentré’ (AKA concentrate) I don’t find Endymion Concentré to be a particularly strong fragrance.
Masculine notes of leather and suede combine with incense and lavender to create something similar to the original Endymion and quite a few of the other Penhaligon’s fragrances.
Luna
Penhaligon’s Luna is the most ‘citrusy’ fragrance in their fragrance collection. Like many of the scents, it also has a unisex aromatic undertone; created by juniper berries, fir and some musky floral notes.
Luna Eau De Toilette is suitable for the summertime when you’re looking for a classy and refreshing citrus scent.
Elizabethan Rose
The delicate feeling of this perfume bottle for me represents the delicate nature of the perfume itself. I would describe Penhaligon’s Elizabethan Rose as a traditional rose perfume (my article on The Best Rose Perfumes). We know that the late Queen Elizabeth II wore rose fragrances, and so I imagine this fragrance was inspired by or made for her.
Penhaligon’s Elizabethan Rose has a hint of sweetness underneath the rose from nutty almond and hazelnut base notes.
The Favourite
Contrary to the very pink packaging, there aren’t actually any ‘pink’ fragrance notes in The Favourite. Violet Leaf is the main note, which creates a fresh feminine scent with a hint of Musk in the base to provide a bit of warmth.
In addition, a deep floral Iris note gives it a very ‘English garden’ feel; that is, the kind of floral scent you get in this part of the world. If you’re looking for a daytime Spring perfume, The Favourite from Penhaligon’s might just be right for you.
Sports Car Club
Sports Car Club represents Penhaligon’s interpretation of the fragrance of the British countryside. It’s a refreshing fragrance, evoking the feeling of driving a sports car with its top down. Eucalyptus and fresh woody notes of Pine and Cyprus make a nice combination of natural yet long lasting fragrance.
Highgrove Bouquet
For Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet fragrance the brand worked with the then Prince Charles and current King Charles. Highgrove is a property he bought early in life and painstakingly restored. King Charles also created a beautiful garden which opens to public tours during the summer. Penhaligon’s Highgrove Bouquet evokes the green fragrances of his garden. Mimosa and Lime Blossom create a fresh, clean and natural fragrance which is calming, and classy; perfect for the daytime.
Penhaligon’s Bluebell
I think this is a classic scent that has a super realistic one-note floral scent that makes it distinctive in fragrance. It opens with Citrus and then blends with Hyacinth, Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose, Cyclamen and Jasmine. The dry down has Galbanum, Cloves and Cinnamon which makes it elegant and clean but not light or lacking in substance, and it lasts all day. This fragrance captures the vibe of a magical, delicate and beautiful experience during the springtime!
Penhaligon’s Bluebell is now discontinued.
