Douro

A very manly, aromatic scent and another superb scent from Penhaligons. I agree this is similar to Navy, yet I find it more of a dress blue type of Navy: deeper, richer and much more refined and very well mixed. The lime, lemon and mandarin are balanced quite well by the lavender and geranium, and this a very dry scent despite the citruses. Mint here is more herbal, than fresh and bright. The inclusion of muguet's soft green and neroli's powdery sweetness adds to the virility of this scent; as opposed to detracting from it, as I would have thought. The base is musky but clean, and oakmoss is added in just the right amount to make it earthy/woody without taking over, and the labdanum resin (cistus) makes it feel rich and warmly incensy but not smoky or tacky. I really am impressed by this scent, and now that I have developed a taste for more classic smelling scents, may reach for this often... Sillage: very good Longevity: above average Overall: 4.25/5 This has a superb blend of citrus, flowers and aromatics that makes it smell classic and manly, yet fresh and woody, without seeming generic or dated. I read somewhere (I think) that this is the 2004 remake of the original Douro Eau de Portugal, which was a much older vintage PL scent, it has a vintage feel without an 'old man' type of aura to it...worth trying!

A gentleman's scent, fresh, full and spicy. For an eau de cologne it has a remarkable persistence, staying on my skin for 5+ hours. A classic old-fashioned fougere, but it doesn't smell like a perfume my Grandfaher would have worn, it reminds me of something like an old luxury watch that has been passed down for generations and always remains charming and intriguing. For the lovers of citrusy and spicy fragrances with an old-fashioned flavor it's definitely one to have in the collection. Too bad Penhaligon's discontinued it. I personally prefer Douro to Blenheim Bouquet, for my taste it's more captivating while Blenheim is more classic. It is a purely masculine fragrance, I can see it working well in both a young man who dresses classically and a wealthy mature man. Personally I will use it this summer even in a T-shirt, but I'm not to be taken as an example, I love it. 7/10

Douro's note composition should make this scent smell like any other aromatic scent. But it doesn't! It is so unique. Douro's opening is one of the best, most, comforting herbal citrus blasts in the game. The progression of this scent is fantastic, it goes slightly floral with Neroli floating in and out and just when you think this scent is going to get cloying, the musk, vetiver and sandalwood show up to the rescue! Douro is a classic; This scent fits in the range of gentlemanly, to barbershop, to mediterranean dandy. Douro is retro and still relevant now in any person's scent wardrobe. To me this fragrance is an olfactory aesthetic, that can spur sartorial inspiration. Douro might make you change to a round collar shirt, or maybe oxfords to espadrilles? Take a sniff of Douro and get inspired!

Penhaligon's Douro is simply an excellent gentleman's fragrance; masculine, spicy, an old-school yet not-dated floral vibe (lavender, geranium and perhaps carnation) and with a touch of that refined Penhaligon's DNA that is in so many of their men's fragrances. It's just an excellent all-around choice for work and social setting in which the focus is on impression people with your gentlemanly demeanor and not screaming, "Hey, notice my fragrance!" Performance is a bit of a weak-point since it only lasts about 4-5 hours on my skin before becoming undetectable. In my case, Douro us a nice morning fragrance for days where I workout over the lunch-hour and can reapply after my shower or wear another scent. Overall, I really like this one...just wish it lasted another hour or two on my skin.

This is my first Penhaligon's fragrance and I am not disappointed: Penhaligon's Douro is bright and clean and fresh 'classic masculine' fragrance that smoothly cuts through hot weather and possesses enough aromatic warmth to stand out in winter. Projection is just about where I'd want it to be - within arms length and for a few hours - and longevity is excellent for an Eau de Cologne with a refreshing top up spray around 5pm still very present as a skin scent after 2am; this may be due to the humidity but I'd say it's down to the quality of Penhaligon's ingredients. In cold weather I get at least 8-10 hours. Top quality fragrance, great notes for even classy formal occasions and surprising longevity.