Babylon

Babylon from Penhaligon's, released in 2019, is a spicy woody fragrance with a soft vanilla sweetness underneath. It leans warm and exotic, built on dry spices and earthy roots rather than flowers.

The opening combines coriander, which is fresh and slightly citrusy, with saffron for a leathery warmth and nutmeg for a cosy, sweet spice. In the heart, cypriol oil, also called nagarmotha, brings a smoky, earthy, slightly woody depth that gives the scent its darker character. The base of vanilla, cedar and sandalwood dries down to a creamy, gently sweet woodiness that softens the spices.

Wearers are split between moderate and long-lasting performance, and the sillage is mostly moderate, sometimes strong. It is voted almost equally for autumn and winter and clearly favoured for the evening. Worn by anyone, it suits cold nights, dinners and occasions where a warm, spiced aura feels right, especially for someone who enjoys oriental-style woods.

Babylon — unisex fragrance by Penhaligon's (released 2019). Top notes: Nutmeg, Saffron, Coriander. Heart notes: Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha. Base notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cedar. — Parfica open fragrance database