By Dane
Penhaligon's Hammam Bouquet is the archetypal "dandy cologne". Very British, very uptight, very dated.
I imagine HB has a very distinct customer, and other than guys with tailored suits and obnoxious socks, I'm not sure who else keeps it in production. Bracing citrus slaps you in the face before the lavender, rose, and herbs-de-provence notes settle in. Overall it reminds me of something a trendy restaurant would flavour fish with, yet it is still appealing in a strange, vintage-y sort of way.
Rose is definitely the main player here, and its very much a "don't touch the little soaps in your granny's powder-room" rose. Things settle into a sweet (what I imagine was supposed to be) sandalwood (but isn't) drydown. There's probably some musk thrown in there too for longevity purposes.
I sound like I'm being harsh on HB and I shouldn't be. It has been over 130 years since it was created, and I'm sure at the time it was the height of fashion and no doubt inspired many future fragrances. Time has no doubt taken a toll on this bouquet though, and I have a hard time fitting this type of scent in with modern culture.
Recommended for nostalgic gals, and guys who favour silky underthings under their dockers.
I've noticed that Penhaligon's has removed "masculine" and "feminine" categories on their website, so perhaps they've resorted to flogging it to the ladies now...and rightfully so.
Year: 1872
Perfumer: William Penhaligon
Notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Rose Otto, Cedarwood, Orris, Jasmine, Amber, Musk, Sandalwood
