The Penhaligon’s Trade Routes Collection is a range of fragrances that take inspiration from the spice trade of the 18th century. The fragrances are a combination of exotic and traditional ingredients and are designed to evoke a sense of exploration and discovery. The fragrances are all unique, with each one possessing its own distinct scent profile. The fragrances in the collection are all very distinct and have an old-world charm to them. They are all very warm and inviting, with a hint of spice. Each one also has a unique character and a good longevity, making them ideal for everyday wear.
| Fragrance | Release | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halfeti | 2015 | Saffron, Cardamon, Rose, Oud |
| Empressa | 2018 | Orange, Rose, Patchouli |
| Babylon | 2019 | Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood |
| Cairo | 2019 | Cardamon, Ginger, Incense, Honey, Tobacco |
| Halfeti Cedar | 2020 | Tobacco, Rum, Patchouli. Vanilla |
| Halfeti Leather | 2020 | Leather, Cardamon, Nutmeg |
| Constantinople | 2021 | Amber, Rose, Cedar, Leather, Cardamon |
| Legacy Of Petra | 2022 | Spices, Myrrh, Liquorice |
Penhaligon’s are available in the UK at Sephora, in the USA at Saks, Nordstrom and Walmart.
Table of Contents
Halfeti
Halfeti from Penhaligon’s is an oud-based perfume that opens with herbs and spices. The Saffron and Cardamom are quickly followed by floral notes of Jasmine and Rose, alongside a hint of Nutmeg. Penhaligon’s Halfeti definitely feels like an oriental perfume to me which can be worn by both men and women. It’s heavier than I expected due to a rich Oud in the base but I think Halfeti could still be worn throughout the year.
Empressa
In my view, Penhaligon’s Empressa smells just like Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. I would say it’s a good dupe for Coco Mademoiselle, but it’s more expensive than the Chanel!
Empress comes in an elegant and traditional bottle-green presentation box which feels very luxurious. Empressa is a classic Chypre fragrance; an orange top note is followed by heart notes of Rose, and a Patchouli base. Just like Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, it’s a very feminine scent, that feels elegant and classy.
Babylon
Penhaligon’s Babylon is a unisex fragrance, though it does major in the traditionally feminine notes of Jasmine and Rose, alongside an oriental Sandalwood. The scent is designed to evoke the ancient city of Babylon and is said to be both seductive and mysterious. Penhaligon’s Babylon has been well received, I think partly due to its unique combination of fragrance notes which give it a traditional yet intriguing feeling.
Cairo
Penhaligon’s Cairo is a British interpretation of a Middle Eastern fragrance. The scent is a sensual, woody-oriental, with a powerful and exotic fragrance combination. It opens with top notes of Raspberry, Ginger, and an aromatic Cardamom while gradually unveiling its heart of Incense, Oud, and Honey. The dry down is a beautiful and creamy blend of Cashmeran, Vanilla, and Tobacco flower. It’s the perfect way to experience Middle Eastern fragrances in a new way.
Halfeti Cedar
Halfeti Cedar opens with a refreshing combination of Black pepper and Pink pepper, and is accompanied with the sensual and exotic notes of Tobacco, Kephalis, Mastic and Cedarwood. Juicy Pear and a fruity Rum further add to the mysterious aroma, making it a seductively sweet and warm scent of the orient. At the base lies a heady, earthy Patchouli, alongside Vanilla; both of which lend the fragrance a lingering power.
Halfeti Leather
Penhaligon’s Halfeti Leather is a rich and luxurious scent that combines the tangy green scent of Cardamom, the spicy warmth of Nutmeg and Ambergris, and the smokiness of Leather, depicting the hidden, mysterious world of Turkey. It has an intensity that evokes the exotic, dark and mysterious labyrinth that runs beneath Istanbul and the classical Ottoman Empire which inspired the fragrance. This masculine scent is perfect for any man who is looking for something a bit different, with great lasting power.
Constantinople
Penhaligon’s Constantinople is an award-winning perfume, first launched in 2003. It’s inspired by the British trading post of the 19th century which has become modern day Istanbul. The fragrance features notes of Jasmine and Cardamom, middle notes of Rose and Cedar, and base notes of Leather, Amber, and Musk. The scent feels exotic, woody, and spicy; an interesting blend that evokes scenes of the Orient. The contrast between the more refined top and middle notes and the masculine base notes creates an intriguing and distinguished scent.
Legacy of Petra
Penhaligon’s Legacy of Petra is a luxurious fragrance inspired by the legendary beauty and majesty of the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. A mix of oriental spices and woods creates a modern twist on the energy the area. The Legacy of Petra looks to tell a unique story that captures a particular moment in the natural and man-made history of the ancient city. The scent evokes the exotic spices of the local market, the breezy freshness of the desert, the Incense burnt in temples and the mysterious echoes of forgotten times. By blending fresh, energetic scents with the traditional, this Legacy of Petra creates an intriguing olfactory adventure.
I’ve travelled around both Jordan and Turkey and can definitely say that the spices and fruity notes in Penhaligon’s Trade Collection really do evoke the scents of the Istanbul markets and the Jordanian desert breeze.
