Speakeasy

Sexy. Cozy. Luxury. Speakeasy is the smell of a gorgeous woman, she’s in a vintage white fur coat. She is being driven to a private lounge by a kind older chauffeur in a cozy vintage car. The smell of leather, cedar and amber radiating around her. She smiles knowing her date is waiting for her. As they drive up a devilishly handsome man grins at her. He warmed up with a bit of bourbon that you can still sense on his breath. An expensive cigar in his pocket ready to dance the night away. He brought her favorite treat, a bar of chocolate with pimento and cardamom. She steps out of the car with anticipation they embrace, awaiting a night of fabulous merriment. This scent is so good. It’s addicting. Initially it’s heavy on the cardamom, chocolate, tobacco, amber and plum blossom. The patchouli, vanilla and tonka bean are definitely the last to come out on me. It’s more warm and woodsy and later sweet. Very inviting for the winter months.

Sexy, refined going-out scent. It’s boozy, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy in a tobacco way. Very well-blended and balanced. Truly unisex, to my nose. I’ve sampled the entire Harlem Perfume Co. lineup and this one is my favorite. It is a little bit similar to Josephine, but Speakeasy is more boozy and lacks the overt floral notes of Josephine. Update 2/17/25: I’ve worn this several times now and while I still adore it, I wanted to update my review to add that lasting power is noticeably lacking for a fragrance like this (and I’m not usually a huge stickler for longevity). Typically you’d expect a heavier, amber-ish EDP like this to have some “oomph” but it performs more like an Eau de Toilette - gone 4 hours later. If you’re applying this for a night out, that would be fine but I’ve been wearing this as a winter “daily” and I do find myself having to top up throughout the day. Just something to note.

THIS!!!!! is what I want from a tobacco scent. The tobacco is there, but it isn't aggressive. It's smooth and mellowed out by the amber and vanilla, without adding too much sweetness. My nose doesn't pick up bourbon, but the mild spices from the cardamom and woods make up for that. Two things that I dislike about tobacco scents that I've experienced are: their limited wearability and how overwhelming they can be. I was recently at a museum and was so put off by a patron's loud, syrupy, smokey tobacco perfume. It was nice but intense and, in my opinion, inappropriate for a close, shared space. Speakeasy is not that! It's an easy, flexible wear. It won't offend you or others around you. And it softens throughout the drydown. It's perfect for someone who can be sensitive to fragrance or bold notes. This is such a beautiful, well-balanced tobacco scent!

Finally got hold of this, thanks to Emira Noor, a stockist in Copenhagen located for me by AI (Harlem does not ship to the UK, unfortunately). I acquired a six piece discovery set but this was the one I was keenest to get my nose on. The tobacco and bourbon came with the territory, but the cardamom and pimento add a bit of spicy interest to the top, and the dark chocolate, patchouli and vanilla keep things sweet and sultry in the base. Going to wear this today to see how it develops (on me and my husband) but very pleased so far.

Speakeasy is the best scent EVER!! The sweet smokey cardamom with bourbon. The amazing Palo Santo and Tobacco. And the rich chocolate and creamy vanilla. I can’t get enough of this.