Babylon by Penhaligon's

I tested it several times before buying it, and it was a great investment. It smells of spicy wood, like freshly carved furniture or a woodworking shop with resin and varnish, but here everything is balanced with vanilla. That gives it a sweet-resinous touch that I adore and proves that vanilla doesn’t just smell like desserts; it’s dark and warm, similar to Babycat. In the dry down, it might be 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, how beautiful! I smelled it at a London airport and re-applied it until I could try it; I couldn’t believe it was the most wonderful perfume I had ever tested. That spicy vanilla and smoky note blew my mind. I was used to fruity, citrusy, and jasmine scents, nothing gourmand because they overwhelmed me, but there it was. It was my first flirtation with niche perfumes and I discovered a whole new world. I sense fine suede, sexy and delicate among the spicy vanilla notes. I recommend trying it if you don’t have an overly sensitive nose. It’s dense, long-lasting, magnetic, and a compliment in itself. I adore it ❤️

I found it in a gifted decant and was absolutely blown away. I checked the notes and was surprised to see saffron and coriander—ingredients I usually can’t stand in other scents. It left me stunned; 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 can 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 cilantro, and yet this is the one that has captivated and enchanted me more in my life. Every time I pass a store, I try it and think about it for days. I’ve never heard anything like this: it’s exotic and rare. I LOVE IT SO MUCH

I’ll be direct: I don’t like to compare, 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 around 3 hours. It’s worth investing in a bottle to make a statement.

Rarely does a modern scent hit me so hard that I’m almost left speechless, but Babylon did it. As a big fan of Oud, I 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 flirt 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 an irresistible seductive quality, especially that smoky warmth that invites you to get closer. It’s like taking a sip of rich liquor that gets you drunk. Also, 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 fairy tale… 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