Wanting to add Penhaligon's to the rotation

**ionelementz112** · 09-26-2006, 07:54 AM

Hi,

After wanting to mix up my cologne rotation and reading through this forum, I have decided that I want to try Penhaligon's, but I don't want to ask Penhaligon's for a sample of everything. I would like to keep my sample request at a minimum.

I am 24 years old. My wardrobe consists mostly of earth tones, black and whites, and lighter shades of blue - I like my scent to match my look. I have (or have had) these colognes in my rotation:

Polo Sport by Ralph Lauren
Aqua di Gio by Armani
Chrome by Azzaro
Very Sexy for Men by Victoria's Secret
Lacoste pour Homme by Lacoste
Eau Fraiche by Versace

Penhaligon's scents that have caught my attention (based on descriptions and what I've read) are:

Endymion
Castile
Racquets Formula

I would like to know if you would think I would enjoy these scents based on the information I have given. I am also open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

**crispy** · 09-26-2006, 08:44 AM

I enjoy a lot of the same scents that you do. Out of the three Penhaligon's that you've mentioned, I would go with Endymion. However, I would try to obtain one of the samplers off of Basenotes from Franco to make sure that is what you like. I find that Endymion has the best staying power out of the three, and (to my nose anyways) it smells very refined. It's something you could wear at work, at school, or out on a date.

Chris

**rvbert0** · 09-26-2006, 09:18 AM

ionelementz112,

I wasn't a big fan of the Castille, but I did like Endymion, and also like the LP no 9.

**Jack Bauer** · 09-26-2006, 09:54 AM

I find that Castile is too floral for me to wear. I am 23 years old. Out of those three I have only tried the Endymion and Castile. I really like the Endymion a lot though. You can send an email to Penhaligon's and they should send you some samples.

Chris

**Phog Allen** · 09-26-2006, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by ionelementz112

I am 24 years old. My wardrobe consists mostly of earth tones, black and whites, and lighter shades of blue - I like my scent to match my look.

Well, I'm a geezer of 43 and I can pull off the more, shall we say, mature scents? I have sniffed several in your list and they really weren't my cup of tea but are easily more suited to someone of your age. Particularly the Aqua di Gio and VS from Victoria's Secret. To me they fall into the sweet/clean/water scents that most scents emulate these days.

I think you've hit on something with the dress vs. scent type. I love Trumper's Eucris and think it's a bit much for 20 somethings. However, I would feel completely out of place wearing it to my blue collar job with denim jeans and knit polo/golf shirt. It wants a nicer style of dress. I think it's great that you younger guys are taking notice of dressing for certain occasions and wearing certain scents to compliment them. If you are looking for something a bit different, try Floris' Santal. It's a very safe scent yet not of the type I described above. It's not cheap at $70 for 100ml but I caught thier sale and got an unboxed bottle for $30 or $35. I know your question was about Penhaligon's so here goes. English Fern. Yes, you see it mentioned a lot and for good reason. It's touted as unisex but I think it's distinctly masculine. It's very fresh, green, and clean without smelling like shampoo. A real classic that's good for geezers or young bucks alike. Again, it's a bit pricey but it's so good. I also think that if you can buy decants that it is the only way to go. Hope this helps and good on ya for thinking of such things. I had no clue about good dress or grooming at 24.

Regards, Todd

**Dennis** · 09-26-2006, 10:28 AM

I agree 100% with Todd. That is what I would recommend as well. Santal is in almost everyone's top 5 - it is just a fantastic scent. I love the Fern, and I am not the only one either. Two classic, classic scents.

Dennis

**Jack Bauer** · 09-26-2006, 11:07 AM

Todd,

I read a lot about the Floris sale but I don't know when it is. Is it online? Also I have seen others post that the English Fern is a bit mature for younger people.

Chris

**Dennis** · 09-26-2006, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Todd,

I read a lot about the Floris sale but I don't know when it is. Is it online? Also I have seen others post that the English Fern is a bit mature for younger people.

Chris

I'm not Todd, but Floris runs their 50% off sale periodically. If you buy something from them online, you will get notice cards in the mail. Otherwise, just stay posted to B&B as they are always announced here so everyone can get in on the goodies. English Fern too mature? I dunno. I doubt too many in the younger crowd will be wearing it, but it is not necessarily "old." Try a small decant first - I think Scotto has them.

Dennis

**Scotto** · 09-26-2006, 11:16 AM

I think of the Fern as "sophisticated", rather than age-specific. I think any confident gentleman, regardless of age, can wear it with aplomb.

**Austin** · 09-26-2006, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Todd,

I read a lot about the Floris sale but I don't know when it is. Is it online? Also I have seen others post that the English Fern is a bit mature for younger people.

Chris

http://www.florislondon.com/FlorisSi...me/default.asp

**ionelementz112** · 09-26-2006, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the replies. Endymion and English Fern and def going to be on my to try list. Any other reccomendations?

**Joedy** · 09-26-2006, 06:05 PM

Ion,

Here's a great suggestion (and a cheap one, to boot):

Go to this link:

http://community.basenotes.net/showthread.php?t=183362

And purchase a sample pack from Franco. These come in a elegant tin box and have large samples that will give you at least a full week of each scent.

These also make great girl/guy friend gifts. If you order at least two tins, you can split them in two and have a Ladies Set and a separate Mens Set.

These are the same, EXACT sample sets that Penhaligon's sells for $20 on their website.

From what I sense, I think that you will like:

LP #9 For Men - Dressy, clove and cinnamon. Clothes that fit it are dark slacks, with a long sleeve shirt with or without a breaker. Suit and tie, perhaps, but the LP #9 lets you pull it off well without too much pomp. Definitely not a jeans and sweatshirt scent!

Castile. Summer time. Light kakhi's and a light cotton dress shirt. Strongest scent is honeysuckle. If you hate this floral fragrance, you probably won't like the Castile.

Racquets Formula. I intentionally saved the best for last. This is a spicy scent, which seems to set itself apart. I am reminded strongly of an Old Spice scent, but this has something more. There is a hint of sweetness that never really seems to fully come out. If you're looking for something that Endymion can't provide since the Francensence and Myyrh essential oils seems overdone and overbearing in many of the department store scents, the Racquets might be a nice compromise with something that "seems" common, but refuses to be exactly like everyone else.

The Racquets has quickly become one of my favorites.

....

And then there is the sublime Hammam Bouquet....

....

Oh Lordy, Lordy... Pah-Lee-Zee don't get me started on this fantastic scent! It's an acquired taste, yes, but this is one fragrance that you can be SURE that no one else will be wearing. I like this scent with kakhis and a nice semi dressy collared buttoned shirt.

Truth be told.... you really can't go all that wrong with Penhaligon's. Even their Quercus and English Fern (which I am not excited about) are still very nice scents and can be pulled off at any age and temperment.

-joedy

**Phog Allen** · 09-26-2006, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Todd,

I read a lot about the Floris sale but I don't know when it is. Is it online? Also I have seen others post that the English Fern is a bit mature for younger people.

Chris

Hi Chris. Well, what these guys said. Floris does this sale thing twice a year and the last one was abuout a month(?) ago I believe. I dont' recall seeing the Santal on this particular incarnation of it though. If someone could tell me how to decnnt my bottle without destroying the atomiser, I would be happy to round up one of those little cologne tester vials and post it out to you. Anyone?

Regards, Todd

**rvbert0** · 09-26-2006, 07:19 PM

I just put in an order through this site for a Floris Santal Cologne and Aftershave, both 3.4 oz for $49.99.

I'm not sure on if it'll work out, but if it does that's one heck of a price

http://www.perfumedistributor.com/santalmgs.html

**Jack Bauer** · 09-26-2006, 08:22 PM

Todd,
Thanks for the generous offer. I just ordered a decant off of basenotes of the Santal so you won't have to worry about sending that sample out, but very nice of you and I appreciate it. I am not sure how you decant out of a bottle either and am curious about a response to that one.

rvbert0,
Let me know how everything turns out for you with that company. That seems like a great deal.

Chris

**rvbert0** · 09-27-2006, 09:27 AM

Ok, order went through, UPS shipping it seems, & Everything was in stock. I think It'll ship over the weekend, so I'll post an update when I know.

-Rob

**roughrider** · 09-27-2006, 10:16 AM

The samplers I got from Franco didn't include LP#9, Hammam Bouquet, or Endymion.

SCENTED LIBRARY
45 mixed Library containing...each set has 10 sample vials one of each of the following.
(Blenheim bouquet, lords, racquets, Castile, Quercus, Lily of the valley, Violetta, Cornubia, Victorian posy and Elisabethan rose)

**Buzz** · 09-27-2006, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by ionelementz112

I am also open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

I'm just starting the search as well.

Just last week I called Penhaligon's and ordered the scent library, but asked only for the men's/unisex scents. The delivered exactly what I wanted.

Granted, it cost $25.00 to my door... but now I've got the full set to try.

I'm mainly looking for something to wear to the office.

So far my favorites are Opus 1870, Quercus, and Endymion. The LP No. 9 and Racquets are also nice.

Today I'm wearing the Opus. So far... I'm amazed at the staying power of the Opus through early afternoon. I like it.

**Joedy** · 09-27-2006, 01:59 PM

Opus is a very long lasting scent, indeed.

The Racquets is even more so. I can still pick it up the next morning before the shower.

-joedy

**ionelementz112** · 09-27-2006, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Buzz

Just last week I called Penhaligon's and ordered the scent library, but asked only for the men's/unisex scents. The delivered exactly what I wanted.

I also ended up ordering the Scent Library, but I asked them to throw in some of the missing men's scents, specifically Castile, Racquets Formula, and LP No:9 Men's - per suggestions. That way I can have my mom pick out a perfume for her birthday and I can decide which scents I'm going to pick for myself.