Fragrance: Penhaligon’s ‘Agarbathi’

Penhaligon's Agarbathi perfume review mens fragrance

Penhaligon’s ‘Agarbathi’

“Light filters into the temple in luminous shafts. The sound of running water connects this moment to the outside. A plume of incense smoke signals a timeless, wordless peace. But whilst tranquility reigns, the rush of bergamot and pink berries reminds us of all of Life and its pulsing beat. The sacred resin Oliban blends into one with the omnipresent incense and a milky-skin deep accord. Garlands of Himalayan Jasmine, God’s own flower, hang ready outside, for the wedding festival to adorn the heads of guests. The jasmine, blends with the incense and lifts with light the sombre vetiver and the fragrant Indian sandalwood. Another sign of the sacred, and of Life.”

Penhaligon's Agarbathi perfume review mens fragrance

Notes

Top Notes: Bergamot, Palo Santo Essence, Pink Pepper Pure J.Ess™

Heart Notes: Incense & Olibanum Essences, Milk Accord, Sambac Jasmine Absolute

Base Notes: Vetiver Essence, Sandalwood, Suede, Fir Balsam Absolute

Penhaligon's Agarbathi perfume review mens fragrance

In Review…

Be still my beating heart! I love Penhaligon’s Trade Routes Collection with all my heart! There are so many great fragrances which have come out of this collection; As Sawira, Halfeti, Lothair and Empressa to name just a few. Penhaligon’s Agarbathi is another fine fragrance to add to that list. It is the counterpart to Paithani, which I reviewed here: both fragrances are inspired by a fantasy journey to India. Agabathi was created with men in mind, Paithani for the ladies. Although both fragrances are unisex.

Forgive me, I’m about to sound like a fickle blogger. Let me explain… As soon as I smelt Paithani I adored it, the rich spices, the smoky incense, oud, teas and milky almond deliciousness. I mean, it’s just stunning! However, I then tried the slightly more masculine scent of Agarbathi and I have to admit, I actually prefer this one. Don’t get me wrong, I love them both, I’ve been wearing them both a lot lately, but I think for me, Agarbathi has the edge.

Agarbathi is a hot, smoky dream! It opens with smoky citrus bergamot, spicy pepper and a heady mix of oud and incense. The heart rich, deep, dark and textured, but it’s lifted and brightened with the jasmine absolute, milk accord and traces of citrus in the bergamot. The base is hot, dry and woody with notes of vetiver, sandalwood, suede and the balsam from fir trees. Whilst I love Paithani for it’s exotic Indian accords mixed with tea, sweet roses, rich vanilla and milky accords, it’s got more of a celebratory and sweet feel to it. Whereas, Agarbathi is hotter, dryer, sexier and more woodsy and leathery. It’s got more of an exploratory feel to it, like being lost in the middle of a vast market, filled with antiques, leather tanneries, vast arrays of spices, dried florals, incense, oud, amber and teas. Both are a slice of Indian wanderlust, make sure you head into a Penhaligon’s store soon to try both of these, they are both so special and so exciting! Comment below or tweet me to let me know which is your favourite, because although Agarbathi is my favourite, I still have a huge soft spot for Paithani. 

Penhaligon’s Agarbathi is available from Penhaligon’s and Selfridges. It is priced at £164 for a 100ml bottle.

Penhaligon's Agarbathi perfume review mens fragrance

25 Comments

  1. July 21, 2017 / 6:53 am

    Oooh the notes in this one are superb, one I need to track down and smell x

  2. July 21, 2017 / 7:53 am

    I really must try these because they sound right up my street. I love the bottles too. Overall amazing!

    • fashionforlunch
      July 21, 2017 / 5:50 pm

      Thank you so so much!!! Have a wonderful weekend! xxxxxx

  3. July 21, 2017 / 9:21 am

    Ooh it sounds so lovely! I love the look of the bottle too, it looks beautiful x

    • fashionforlunch
      July 21, 2017 / 5:50 pm

      It’s so so lovely!!! you must go try it when you get a moment!

    • fashionforlunch
      July 21, 2017 / 5:49 pm

      IT’s so beautiful! If you are near a store soon, you must try it! xxx

  4. July 21, 2017 / 3:19 pm

    This sounds gorgeous! How stunning is the bottle!

    • fashionforlunch
      July 21, 2017 / 5:46 pm

      The bottle is stunning, but the perfume, the perfume is something else!!!! You need to try it!!!

    • fashionforlunch
      July 21, 2017 / 5:45 pm

      Ah you are so kind! Thank you so much!!! I always love your comments! have a wonderful weekend! xxxxxx

  5. Roxie Watt
    July 21, 2017 / 7:27 pm

    I’m a sucker for pretty packaging when it comes to perfume and this bottle is exquisite. Would look beautiful on any dressing table that’s for sure.

  6. July 21, 2017 / 10:59 pm

    I absolutely adore Penhaligons fragrances! Their scents are so classic and sophisticated yet with an edge! Fabulous!

  7. July 22, 2017 / 12:48 am

    I’ve never tried any of of Pengaligon’s fragrance, but omg. This is sounds like a scent I’d love, need to find a store in Belfast that stocks this xx

  8. MakeErinOver
    July 22, 2017 / 1:32 am

    Oooo that sounds like it would smell absolutely incredible! I love new perfumes!

  9. Antonia
    July 22, 2017 / 9:44 am

    Wow this sounds absolutely divine and the bottle is stunning xx

  10. July 22, 2017 / 1:29 pm

    I really like the sound of this, although more for winter! I love Oliban and Sandalwood! YES!x

  11. July 22, 2017 / 6:53 pm

    This sounds amazing ? I had loads of samples from Pemhaligon’s at one point as this post has made me want to rediscover the scents!!

  12. Laura
    July 22, 2017 / 8:00 pm

    I need to smell this! To be honest I’ve never smelt a penhaligons perfume I didn’t like x

    • fashionforlunch
      July 23, 2017 / 6:45 pm

      So glad you like it! Xxxx

  13. Cass
    July 26, 2017 / 6:42 am

    That bottle is so beautiful and the scent sounds so interesting!

    Cass | CassandraMyee

    • fashionforlunch
      July 26, 2017 / 11:11 am

      It’s so so special! I think you will love it!