Babylon by Penhaligon's

I tried it several times before buying it, and it was a great investment. It smells of spicy wood, like freshly carved furniture or a woodshop with resin and varnish, but here everything is balanced with vanilla. That gives it a sweet-resinous touch that I adore, proving that vanilla isn’t just about desserts; it’s dark and warm, similar to Babycat. In the base, perhaps there’s raspberry, but it’s a perfume I love.

Very rich. The cypriol, which usually overwhelms me, is here in just the right measure to add darkness to that creamy vanilla base. Recommended 👌

Love at first sight, what a beauty. I smelled it at a London airport and reapplied it until I ran out of testers. I couldn’t believe it was the most wonderful perfume I’d ever tried. That spiced vanilla and smoky note took my breath away. I was used to fruity and citrusy scents, nothing gourmand as they overwhelm me, but there it was. It was my first flirtation with niche perfumes and I discovered a whole new world. I detect fine suede, sexy and delicate amidst spiced vanilla notes. I recommend trying it if you’re not shy. A dense, long-lasting and magnetic fragrance. A real compliment magnet. I adore it.

I discovered it in a gifted decant and was left speechless. I checked the notes and was surprised to find saffron and coriander, things I usually can’t stand in other perfumes. It has left me astonished; if I had to define it in one word, it would be ‘luxury’. Few perfumes give that sense of quality. It’s totally unisex: I see it on a handsome middle-aged man or an imposing, confident woman. I wear it without any issues.

This perfume makes no logical sense. I have historically hated saffron and coriander, and yet this is the one that has captivated and enchanted me most in my life. Every time I pass a shop I try it and think about it for days. I’ve never heard anything like it: it’s exotic and rare. I LOVE IT SO MUCH

I’ll be direct: I don’t like comparing, it’s better to be objective. It’s ambered, there’s nothing like it in perfumery; I know everyone except the new ones. If you like luxurious woody scents, this is a great niche. It’s exclusive, for someone with a lot of personality, different and dark. Sweet without being cloying, it leaves a strong trail. Longevity is over 10 hours, projection about three hours. It’s worth investing in a bottle to call attention to myself.

Rarely does a modern scent hit me so hard that I’m almost left speechless, but Babylon did. As a great fan of the East, I can barely believe I’ve found something like this. My new forbidden dream and urgent discovery. It’s a pity for my wallet but a stroke of luck for me. Here we enter another dimension: the flirtation is immediate; from the first spray, I’m defeated and lost. The more you inhale, the more irresistible it becomes, sublime and fused with the skin. It’s an overdose of wood, amber, and vanilla with natural spices, spicy, dark, and oily at the same time. It sends the chords to another kingdom. So much depth, wonder, and intrigue; it possesses irresistible seductive qualities, especially that smoky warmth that invites you to get closer. It’s like taking a sip of rich liquor that tips you over. Moreover, the sandalwood and Atlas cedar surprise me and make me want to smell it all the time. Performance: moderate projection with good longevity, without an exuberant trail but a modern fairytale… magnificently dazzling.

Babylon is a vanilla bomb with perfectly balanced spices and a woody base. While it sounds like a classic, it shines here with its potency and quality. The vanilla embraces the nutmeg and saffron over sandalwood, creating something rich and powerful. To my nose, it’s unisex, perfect for cold weather and semi-formal events. It doesn’t live up to the name’s promise, but it elevates a familiar base to another level. I have it without a doubt. Rating: 8/10