Every trip to Epcot's UK pavilion, I'd clock the Penhaligon's display at the Crown & Crest — and the very enthusiastic saleswoman stationed in front of it — and give a few a try but ultimately pass.
This year I finally caved!
My entry point was the Portraits Sampler, a discovery set featuring fictional British aristocrats, each bottled with a gorgeous animal-head cap. Two immediately stood out: The Tragedy of Lord George (a stag head, deep green) and The Blazing Mr. Sam (a bull, rich blue).
Here's the thing: I don't have a great sense of smell. I'm genuinely self-conscious about it — hence the aggressive candle rotation and the extra spray or two. But these hit a sweet spot I didn't know existed. Intense enough that I can actually enjoy them, refined enough that they're not a whole thing. The atomizer on this bottle is chef's kiss.
@jakedoll_ Sniffies in UK or whatever 🥸😏 S/o to the saleswoman who’s very persuasive #epcot @Penhaligon’s #cologne #fyp #gay #mensgrooming
After way too much deliberation, I went with Mr. Sam. The spice-forward warmth felt more me. But Lord George is genuinely stunning and I'll probably cave eventually.
The animal heads alone are worth the price of admission. Almost.
If you're curious about splurging on a higher-end fragrance but don't know where to start, the Portraits Scent Library is the move.
FAQ
How much does it cost? The Blazing Mr. Sam is $350 for a 75ml Eau de Parfum.
What does it actually smell like? An intense scent of cardamom, cedar wood and black pepper.
Is it worth the splurge? If you want a fragrance that's distinctive without being loud, yes. The bottle and animal-head cap are display-worthy on their own.
Where can I try it before buying? The Portraits Sampler is a great first buy. You can also find Penhaligon's at Epcot's UK pavilion if a Disney trip is already on the calendar.
Is this a men's fragrance? Marketed as a masculine scent.