The Inimitable William Penhaligon
Perfumer: Alberto Morillas
203 ratings
From your scent profile
Penhaligon's The Inimitable William Penhaligon is a men's fragrance that sets a fresh, citrusy opening on a woody, slightly smoky base, an easy scent for daytime and the in-between seasons.
Skunky's take: Starts crisp and lively, my nose approves.
How does it perform?
From 162 community ratings, all out of 10.
Holds up through the day and fades gently toward evening.
Leaves a light trail and stays polite in a crowd.
Talks even from the shelf.
The price makes you think, so a small size is a smart start.
Blind buy risk
65% of votes are positive, the rest are more reserved.
Notes
They open one after another, from the first spray into the evening.
Heart notesfirst few hours
Base noteswhat stays into the evening
Accords
From most dominant to most subtle.
- Fresh
- Citrus
- Floral
- Green
- Sweet
- Synthetic
- Spicy
- Woody
Fresh
Citrus
Floral
Green
Sweet
Synthetic
Spicy
WoodyWhat does The Inimitable William Penhaligon smell like?
Bergamot and jasmine give it a bright start. In the heart, cedarwood, frankincense and Haitian vetiver lead, pulling the scent in a green, spicy direction. Ambrox and sandalwood in the base soften the sweetness and keep the woody feel going.
Most voters point to fall and spring, with winter third. Leisure, business and daily wear are almost evenly matched. Longevity is rated good and sillage moderate. Voters mostly read it as masculine and classic. Perfumes with a close profile include Grauton Parfums Ceylongrau and Nuori Shinrin.
How it changes through the day
First minutes
- Bergamot
- Jasmine
First hours
- Cedarwood
- Frankincense
- Haitian vetiver
Towards evening
- Ambrox
- Sandalwood
When to wear it?
Seasons and occasions, by user votes.
- 34%Autumn
- 31%Spring
- 23%Winter
- 13%Summer
Autumn
Spring
Winter
Summer- Casual22%
- Office20%
- Daytime19%
- Evening18%
- Nighttime18%
Smells like this
The closest scents by notes and accords.
56% matchCeylongrau
Grauton Parfums · 2022
55% match38°N 16°E
Richard Lüscher Britos · 2013
53% matchShinrin
Nuori · 2024
52% matchZara Man
Zara
51% matchStory (Eau de Toilette)
Paul Smith · 2007
49% matchTokyo
Gallivant · 2018
49% matchSolar Bloom (Eau de Parfum)
Clean · 2019
48% matchDirham (Eau de Parfum)
Ard Al Zaafaran
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Last updated: October 26, 2026