FRAGRANCE FAMILY: WOODY FLORAL
Named after a small Turkish village on the banks of the river Euphrates and famed for its intensely dusky roses that bloom so deeply crimson they appear to be black, Halfeti is certainly not your ‘blushing English rose’ of a perfume.
Floral and woody, the opening impression is a refreshingly balmy breeze of bergamot, grapefruit and armoise, yet as the scent settles on your skin, the exoticism is ramped up by the addition of the infamously expensive golden threads of saffron, a sprinkle of cardamom, nutmeg, cumin and cinnamon – a dry, warm tingle akin to opening a precious spice chest and breathing in. Perfectly balanced, the spices are never allowed to dominate, with a bouquet of jasmine, rose, lavender and lily of the valley proffered as you near the end of this fragrant journey.
A further exploration of the highly valued cargo the trade ships would carry is found in the base notes – supple leather, glowing amber, resinous and slightly chocolate-y patchouli and finally, a smooth dry down of deliciously almond-like tonka bean, sandalwood and a gently powdered musk. Penhaligon’s excel at taking historical perfume compass points and guiding us on a tour of the past, but making it relevant to contemporary tastes. We’re definitely on board for this scented adventure…
Penhaligon’s Halfeti £150 for 100ml eau de parfum
Buy it at Penhaligon’s
