Alizarin

Alizarin has a spectacular opening, a stirring filtered-light effect, mildly cresolic narcissus (surprised others don't detect it) and an almost juicy mandarin orange with the note of mimosa soon after entering the scene. I've always felt that mimosa flower are deserving of more representation in fragrances other than those that are soft and feminine: here it shows what it can contribute to, of all things, a leather fragrance, with a plushness and winsome pastel-like radiance. It should definitely be featured in more unisex and masculine fragrances, along with the other flower that comes into play here: tuberose, which sustains its voluptuous presence into the base. There is also a somewhat mouth-watering dampness to the heart of the fragrance that is quite intriguing. I have to say that this is a criminally overlooked Penhaligon's. It is substantive, has presence, and envelops the wearer, which is an anomaly for fragrances from this house where they are more a beautiful accessory than a profound wearing experience, and I say that lovingly, as I have six of their fragrances and love them all. Alizarin is layers and multitudes, though. The base, while not ground-breaking, is so well-blended and beautiful, I am more forgiving than some might be. I don't always need to be challenged from the very opening to the dry down; sometimes pleasure needs relief from unrelenting artistic challenge. Having an opening and heart that enters new territory is enough for me to applaud this beauty. I really love this.

I love it! A leather/oud scent done the Penhaligon's way. The notes provide a very strong scent, but it isn't. The mandarin orange gives the leather and oud a original twist, and makes it more light and smooth. Very oriental in style. Penhaligon's has tried to capture the aura of Egypt in this scent, and I think they have succed very well. -For those of you that have woted for enormous sillage, have you actually tried it? On my skin I get moderate sillage, and it sits quite close to the skin. The longevity on the other hand, is long lasting. 8/10

At first, the thought of Penhaligon's jumping on the oud wagon brought smile to my face (not the good kind), but none of them were bad! Especially this one--a knockout leather with incense & subtle oud support. It's one of those times when a brand catches you by surprise (like Zegna's Gold collection); I guess Penhaligon's can do Orientals too (as if Vaara & Elixir haven't proved enough)! Unfortunately the drydown's a bit lacking compared to the stunning opening, but still one of my favorites from this house :)

Alizarin is a kind of chypre version of oud. It reminds of fragrances such as Le Labo Ylang 49 and Clinique Aromatics Elixir; it's more leathery though, less chypre. There's an interesting smoky note that evokes mate leaf and Lapsang Souchong tea. The top is great, particularly on skin, like a candied orange mixed with cinnamon. It's a bit soapy too, in a good way. Much more original than Oud de Nil by the way!

This is up there with Ostara from Penhaligon's for me. They know how to do a yellow floral apparently. I would literally bathe in this. I could see how this could be very strong for some noses but i just love it, and there's no comparing it because i have never smelled another fragrance like this one. It has to be smelled to be believed.