Penhaligon's Al Sawira

by: Elena Vosnaki

Essaouira, Maroc

The famed "Trade Routes" line by Penhaligon's is inspired by travels around the world, with luxurious presentations reflecting the opulence and exoticism of their respective locales. Empressa, Levantium and Lothair have already populated the line with varied compositions, each reflecting its own character. For the fourth and final chapter in this travels-inspired line the British company has entrusted perfumer Christian Provenzano to compose an olfactory landscape for the sea-side town of Essaouira in Maroc. Named Al Sawira, its Arabian name, the perfume rends homage to one of the first ports to establish connection with London, where Penhaligon's is based.

The new, limited edition fragrance is a woody chypre scent which blends the fresh note of bergamot with the more unusual notes of saffron and absinth which flank a floral bouquet of jasmin, rose and carnation. The sensuous backdrop is given via notes of smoky woods, amber, labdanum, oud and myrrh.

Penhaligon's Al Sawira will be presented in January 2015 at the Penhaligon's boutiques around the world. Price: 175 euros.