Tahrir

Tahrir is Perfume Parlour's read on Penhaligon's Cairo, the sumptuous desert rose built on saffron and Damascan rose. It opens radiant and spicy, with lively saffron wrapped around a heady rose, then a heart of vanilla, smoky cypriol and resinous labdanum gives it warmth and depth before settling onto a woody base of cedar, sandalwood and patchouli. Against the Penhaligon's, this budget version simplifies the chameleon-like complexity - the smoky, leathery and incense nuances are pared back and the rose-saffron contrast a little flatter - and longevity sits closer to the skin than Cairo's strong opening blast. Even so, the sensual, warm-spicy desert-rose signature is well captured, making it a characterful budget option for cold-weather evenings and occasions that call for something rich and a little mysterious.