Original Penguin 2013 EDT

M £ Statement

Reserve

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Original Penguin Reserve is an Eau de Toilette launched in 2013. Reserve opens with Citrus, settles into a heart of Spicy Notes, and dries down to a base of Woody Notes and Amber. Original Penguin's Reserve carries a Statement verdict, a fresh-led wear.

A divisive one, this. Some reckon it's a hidden gem, a fresh-spicy head-turner that punches above its weight. Others find it a bit basic, with performance that quickly disappears into the ether. Expect a hit-or-miss experience, but it's cheap enough to try.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Warm
  • Masculine
  • Subtle
  • Modern
  • Sensual
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Reserve Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Citrus100%
Heartas listed
Spicy Notes100%
Baseas listed
Woody Notes66%
Amber34%

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual
Also Works:
Office Date

Its moderate longevity and sillage mean it's suitable for casual wear or the office where it won't overpower. The fresh-spicy profile is versatile for daytime, but its quick fade makes it less ideal for longer events like dates or formal gatherings.

About

Opens with a zesty splash of citrus, bright and invigorating, before quickly settling into its spicy heart. Think warm, aromatic spices without being overwhelming, offering a familiar yet engaging middle ground. The dry-down introduces a classic blend of woody notes and a smooth amber, grounding the fragrance with a subtle warmth and a touch of vintage charm. It’s a clean, masculine scent that aims for understated appeal.

Similar

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.