Racquets by Penhaligon's

Best Racquets by Penhaligon's Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Racquets by Penhaligon's is a citrus-woody fragrance defined by bright lemon top notes balanced with the smoky warmth of guaiac wood and leatherwood. Ambroxan adds a modern, ambergris-like depth to the composition. The scent fuses freshness with subtle leathery and woody elements, making it ideal for those who appreciate a clean yet complex aromatic profile with a refined edge.

New to Bloom? Get 10% off your first order with code NICHE10
1
Lignum Vitae

Lignum Vitae by Beaufort £125.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
  • Key notes:
  • amber
  • caramel
  • gaiac / guaiac wood
  • ginger
  • lemon
  • oud
  • sea salt
  • vanilla
  • Tags:
  • #sweet
  • Aromagroups:
  • edible
  • woody

Inspired by the innovative use of materials that allowed 18th century clockmakers to construct the first truly accurate marine chronometers, Lignum Vitae combines elements of wood, metal and salt to produce a truly unique, transportive fragrance. Lignum vitae itself is an incredibly dense wood - the only wood which is guaranteed to sink in water - which is indigenous to the Caribbean and the north coast of South America. The brand’s nautical theme is enhanced wonderfully by caramel, a madeleine cake accord and a cool winter lemon note which provide a truly unique gourmand experience akin to smelling warm shortbread, muffins or cupcakes.

In combining unexpected and exotic raw materials, Beaufort London celebrates the innovative spirit which brought to an end the search for lost time, and permitted the safe passage of ships across the world.

***

The Sniff on Lignum Vitae:

"An innovative gourmand fragrance with a masculine slant, Lignum Vitae by Beaufort London is something rather unexpected. And who doesn’t love a plot twist?"

Read full review

2
Work Wear

Work Wear by Insenf £125.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
  • Key notes:
  • cardamom
  • gaiac / guaiac wood
  • incense
  • lemon
  • sage
  • Tags:
  • #aftergym
  • #clean
  • #fresh
  • #normcore
  • Aromagroups:
  • citrusy
  • woody

Like your favorite jeans, faded to perfection, or that linen shirt, softened by years of wear, this is a scent that snuggles comfortably into any mood, any occasion. The first note feels like air before a conversation — citrusy, spiced and sharpened, just enough to hold attention. It opens up into the aromatic smoke of sage and incense, while patchouli and a trace of ambroxan suggest sun-dried earth and aged wood.

3
Citrus Noir

Citrus Noir by Molinard £65.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £5.00
  • Key notes:
  • ambroxan
  • calamansi
  • incense
  • lemon
  • vetiver
  • Tags:
  • #fresh
  • Aromagroups:
  • citrusy
  • woody

A novel citrus dedicated to calamansi (aka Philippine lime). This peculiar fruit grows in the tropical forest of the Philippines. Calamansi is a bit like a lemon, but is green on the outside and yellow on the inside, with a rich, diverse fragrance palette, at once sparkling and luscious.

This sweet and zesty (at the same time) note plays the lead role in Citrus Noir and is paired with dry exotic incense.

4
Kajal III

Kajal III by Kajal £195.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
  • Key notes:
  • ambroxan
  • grapefruit
  • lavender
  • lemon
  • neroli
  • rosemary
  • Tags:
  • #aftergym
  • #beast
  • #clean
  • #fresh
  • Aromagroups:
  • aromatic
  • citrusy

Symbolically, three is a powerful number which represents the wholeness of a completed cycle — the past, the present, the future. We are not defined by our hardships, but by how we confront them: the discipline of optimism, the courage of resolve. Kajal III, with its burst of ginger and citrus anchored by cleansing lavender and enfolding amber, has been created to honor all forms of determination and fortitude.

Perfumer: Kevin Mathis

5
202 Frutti Solari

202 Frutti Solari by Bon Parfumeur £60.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £4.00
  • Key notes:
  • lemon
  • mango
  • sea salt
  • Aromagroups:
  • citrusy

A fruity perfume tempting you with ripe mango, sweet melon and juicy grapefruit and sandal (adding extra structure to these aqueous components).

Bon Parfumeur open olfactive dimensions and invite you to add your own story. Try 202 if you like the exotic fruit theme, sweet citruses and soft woods.

Perfumer for 202: Karine Dubreuil-Sereni.

6
Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea by Exaltatum £130.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £7.00
  • Key notes:
  • champaca
  • lemon
  • mate tea
  • tea
  • vetiver
  • Tags:
  • #fresh
  • #smoky
  • Aromagroups:
  • aromatic
  • green
  • leather
  • vintage/old school

Champaca is a tiny flower with a big personality: heady, insinuating, almost syrupy, vibrating between the rich sweetness of orange blossom and magnolia.

It is also tea-like, which is why it blends so shimmeringly with mate leaves.The addition of jasmine grandiflorum heightens the drama, while raspy vetiver leavens the syrup with a cloud of dusty smoke.

Afternoon Tea brings the whole party: the finger cakes, the floral arrangements, and above all, the tea.

7
Ambré Lumière 2023

Ambré Lumière 2023 by Molinard £145.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £6.00
  • Key notes:
  • amber
  • benzoin
  • lemon
  • patchouli
  • tolu balm
  • ylang-ylang
  • Tags:
  • #powdery
  • #sexy
  • Aromagroups:
  • vintage/old school
  • woody

"This is Molinard’s 2023 re-issue of their iconic amber fragrance. This new format includes 90ml spray bottle and a 7.5ml roll-on.

Ambre Lumiere is retro amber with a hint of a patisserie counter deliciousness. This curious nuance comes from tolu which brings it's unique roast coffee aroma to the composition. This is combined with a special variety of chocolaty patchouli, sweet vanillic benzoin and creamy honeyed ylang-ylang."

8
Awake

Awake by Akro £160.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • cardamom
  • coffee
  • lemon
  • vetiver
  • Tags:
  • #beast
  • #clean
  • #sexy
  • Aromagroups:
  • woody

Awake is Akro’s energising coffee fragrance. This EdP captures the evocative smell of a warm coffee shop on a cold day: the freshly ground beans and the steam; the bitter luxury offset by the alluring hint of baked goods.

9
Bake

Bake by Akro £160.00

  • Key notes:
  • lemon
  • meringue
  • vanilla
  • Tags:
  • #fresh
  • #sweet
  • Aromagroups:
  • citrusy
  • edible

You smell it before you see it, then you see it and you need it. “It” is a lemon cupcake still warm from the oven, and Bake brings the mmmm with tart lemon notes, followed by sugary vanilla and rich, nutty praline.

10
Bergamask

Bergamask by Orto Parisi £155.00

Not sure yet? Try a 1 ml sample for £8.00
  • Key notes:
  • lemon
  • lilac
  • lily-of-the-valley
  • musk
  • orange blossom
  • white musk
  • Tags:
  • #beast
  • #clean
  • Aromagroups:
  • citrusy
  • floral
  • woody

A rampage through a fantasy meadow. Lily-of-the-valley, orange blossom and lavender are crushed underfoot as you run riot across beauty. Lilac and lemon assert themselves in the carnage. Tonka bean and white musk ensures that this extrait strength perfume stays and plays.

About Racquets by Penhaligon's

How does Racquets differ from these similar fragrances?
Racquets is distinguished by its combination of lemon, guaiac wood, leatherwood, and ambroxan, creating a fresh yet leathery and woody aroma with a modern ambergris nuance. The fragrances listed share some of these notes but vary widely in sweetness, smokiness, floral accents, and overall character.
Can I find a fragrance with a similar fresh lemon note but less woodiness?
Yes, fragrances like 202 Frutti Solari and Bake focus on lemon with fruity or sweet accords, reducing or omitting the woody elements present in Racquets.
Which fragrances here have ambroxan like Racquets?
Citrus Noir by Molinard includes ambroxan alongside lemon, offering a fresh and ambergris-like experience similar to Racquets’ amber depth.