I was blown away the first time I tried Penhaglion’s Juniper Sling. It’s one of the most intoxicating perfumes I’ve tried in quite some time. It’s a long time since I tried a Penhaglion’s fragrance, but I have a lasting memory of the mesmerising experience of visiting one of their boutiques years ago (sadly there isn’t one where I live).
Juniper Sling, inspired by London Dry Gin, was created for Penhaligon’s by Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp and described as ‘a playful homage to the Bright Young Things of London’s roaring twenties.’ I was sent the 4ml Travel Atomiser, which comes in a pretty sage, gilt edged box.
‘For enigmatic boys and girls, Juniper Sling is a crisp cocktail shot of gin with the freshness of juniper, cool measures of angelica and brandy and a beating libertine heart of black pepper, cardamom, soft leather and orris. A gourmand base of brown sugar, black cherry and amber add sensuality to the scent.’
I’d describe this perfume as warm, spicy and sensual. And unusually for me, I find it truly unisex. Perhaps sharing it with my husband would justify the price, though it might be a little strange to smell the same! (Has anyone actually done this?)
I get a fresh gin ‘zing’ the second I spritz Juniper Sling, but this quickly evaporates. Black peppery cinnamon, leather and amber are the most distinctive notes for me. I was a little giddy when I first tried this – as someone who struggles to find a fragrance I truly love, it’s very exciting when I do! I find the smell really quite heady – and just want to climb inside it and wallow every time I spray it on my skin.
It lasts reasonably well on me throughout the day, but I definitely need to reapply for evening. I don’t mind this too much as I’m a little bit hooked on the first spritz. I’d mind less if I had a full sized bottle, though sadly the price bracket does not match my purse, especially for an EDT. I would love this bow clad bottle on my dressing table. In fact I’d happily clear the dressing table and let it have it all to itself.
I realise that gin is most often regarded as a refreshing sunny day drink, but that’s not the sense I personally get from this perfume. To me it’s a perfect winter warmer.
The Notes
Head: Cinnamon, Orange Brandy, Angelica, Juniper Berry
Heart: Cardamom, Leather, Black Pepper, Orris Wood
Base: Brown Sugar, Black Cherry, Vetiver, Ambrox
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette 50ml £78
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette 100ml £110
You can read more about Juniper Sling, or even treat yourself at Penhaglion’s
