SOTD: Penhaligon’s Halfeti Cedar
First spray was around 12:30 p.m. and I checked in pretty quickly as it started to open. 12:32 p.m. Right off the top, I’m getting a warm spiced opening. There’s some spiciness, but it’s not a loud cardamom blast like something such as Outlands. It feels more like a blend of saffron and cardamom working together. Rum is listed in the opening, but up close on skin I’m not getting much booziness. The spices and saffron seem to be leading instead. Peach is also listed, but it’s definitely not a juicy or fresh peach. If it’s there at all, it feels very muted and dry. When I catch it in the air, though, I do notice a bit more freshness and a hint of booziness. Those lighter notes seem to lift better into the air, while the denser spices stay closer to the skin. 12:37 p.m. This is where I start picking up the sharper, metallic edge that Halfeti is known for. It feels like the mineral notes and immortelle are coming forward here. The scent shifts from warm spice into something drier and more steely, which really gives it that distinct Halfeti character. 12:45 p.m. (now) At this point, the fragrance feels firmly in the early heart. The spice has softened, the saffron is still present, and that metallic mineral quality is more noticeable. It’s warm underneath, but with a sharp, dry edge that keeps it from feeling sweet or boozy. Very refined, structured, and unmistakably Halfeti. So far, this is reading as a spice-saffron opening that quickly transitions into that signature mineral, slightly metallic profile. Curious to see how the cedar, dried fruits, and base notes shape the drydown as it continues to wear. Update: It’s about 1:05 p.m. now and the profile has shifted again. I’m starting to pick up more of the cinnamon and dried fruit coming through. It’s not fresh fruit at all. It smells more like dried plum and raisins mixed with cinnamon. At this stage, it actually reminds me a bit of potpourri. Warm, spiced, slightly sweet, and dry rather than juicy or gourmand. The earlier metallic edge has softened, and this feels more textured and layered now.