Penhaligon’s Bayolea EDT (3.4 fl oz) #10072413 Penhaligon’s

Bayolea is a distinctly modern fragrance, modishly crisp yet eternally elegant. The word ‘vegetal’ may come to mind when you first sniff Bayolea, yet as it wears it melts into something far more toothsome than the average garden fare. Lemongrass is initially floral, then citric, an evocative burst of tropical energy that is ultimately very delicate. Mandarin, in contrast, is pure illumination, a bold ray of light that shines intently down upon tangerine, until this softer citrus cracks, its tangy sweetness oozing forth. Cardamom is a pitch perfect accompaniment to the jazzy sweetness of tangerine, it’s cool-hot spice further enlivening the sugared fruit. Black pepper is an abrupt (but not disruptive) bout of white noise that shakes up the fairly placid contents of this scent, so that Bayolea suddenly veers in a more exciting direction. In pepper’s aftermath, neroli unleashes its high soprano which is duly balanced by the velvety mezzo of honeyed, herbaceous lavender. Cedarwood billows out over these notes, a gust of red wind that smells of fire and, faintly, flowers. As cedarwood sweeps across this bright pastiche, darker, more volatile notes emerge. Sandalwood sounds a pure high tenor, it’s powdery, searing texture cutting across this fragrance like a streak of green lightning. Moss and musk emerge, earthy, comforting smells that echo out from deep within an unseen forest. Patchouli smolders like hot leaves absorbing with the first drop of rain, and amber elaborates on this soon to be aquatic turn in the weather with its saline, mineralic energy. A scent that is cucumber clean yet resplendent, Bayolea is neatly packed with hidden depth. Notes: Lemongrass, Mandarin, Tangerine, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Neroli, Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood Musk, Moss, Patchouli, Amber.