Best The Uncompromising Sohan by Penhaligon's Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

Ta´if is an intoxicating and audacious rose scent from the town of Ta´if which sits above the shores of the Red sea and overlooks the Arabian desert. This perfume dislikes daylight preferring dusk, the night, parties, promises and assignations. It is an opulent composition which makes a bold entrance and is confident enough to sweep everyone else to one side – a real belle of the ball.

In fleeting top notes Myrtle, fragile as the promises of love, encounters the preciousness of saffron, merging into an indomitable desire for eros.

The luxuriant notes of honey are exalted by the jasmine night breeze that pervades the home of the chaste lovers, among the frescoes, on a thalamus of rose petals.

The mysterious notes of incense and sweet vanilla blend with the oriental contamination of amber and labdanum that fades into the ancient aroma of agar wood, sealing the essence of Castiamanti, expression of rich Pompeii.

The third volume in the Revenants series takes inspiration from the works of architect Nicolas Hawksmoor (1661-1736) whose foreboding structures define London's urban landscape even today.

Hawksmoor - referred to as ‘the Devil’s architect’ - continues to provoke interest for his distinctive churches, which introduced elements of Egyptology into traditional ecclesiastical settings. These curious architectural details, and his recent reputation as a Freemason has prompted speculation that occult symbolism influenced his methods, and imbued his designs with an inherent ‘terror and magnificence’.

By contrasting darkness with invigorating complexity, perfumer Pia Long has combined a vivid olfactory impression of the man, his works and his myth. Accords of Somalian Incense, dry woods and wet stone meld with opium smoke, papyrus and kyphi, underpinned by a base of Haitian vetiver and precious resins. 

The product’s packaging bears a representation of Hawksmoor’s celebrated work – Christ Church Spitalfields in East London.

A wet and moody rose unfurls its dark petals, releasing the ancient aphrodisiac of saffron, along with bitter/fresh cassis. Javanol, an aromachemical summoning a rose-inflected sandalwood, creates the powerful sillage. Natural sandalwood and a warm tobacco ground the fragrance, adding depth and richness. Kashmir Fusion rounds out the velvety effect with its woody amber-musk.

Intoxicating and smooth, the Damascena rose radiates throughout. A twist of pink pepper brings a touch of freshness. The velvety touch of rose petals combined with vanilla creates a luxurious veil. 

Furthermore, there is a dark, green undertone from the davana herb which contrasts with the silkiness of the rose.

Year: 1985
Place: London
Leather and gin and glistening skin, crimson nights and black box peepholes, a bath of glowing amber, a key on a chain, a glimpse in the saffron haze, silhouette reflections in infinite mirrors, eyes that can’t look away.

Andevalo was born under the blazing sun of western Andalusia. A land where cistus shrubs exude a thick, resinous gum saturated with heat and light. This extrait is built around a trio of labdanum extracts, expressing their full ambery depth. Strawberry CO₂ extract, along with raspberry and black cherry accords, bring a pulpy, sensual brightness, quickly absorbed by supple leather and mineral warmth. Enveloping dark woods and patchouli leave a dense and long-lasting trail of smoke and dark sweetness.

Perfumers: Coralie Spicher and Fabrice Pellegrin 

Arabesque takes you on a journey through the enchanting and mystical Middle East by way of flowers, fruits and woods entwined together. Inspired by the most beautifully carved arabesque's of Islamic art. A heart of rose and jasmine absolute dance together to create a sense of well-being and serenity while patchouli and oud transports you to another world.

Vigorous choreography around the featured dancer, French centrifolia rose. This clear and honeyed rose is given spice with saffron and oomph with oud, resulting in a compelling contrast between delicacy and strength. Beautifully diffusive and long-lasting, this is a bright and deep rose/leather that brings pleasure to all within smelling distance.

Inspired by a dream of a romantic encounter in a Parisian bakery. The air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of candied fruits, vanilla-laced pastries, a hint of sweet tobacco. You’re captivated by the sight of a beautiful stranger holding a bouquet of fresh freesias. This playfully flirty mix of cream-topped fruits and florals conjures the dream all over again.

Perfumer: Bertrand Duchaufour