Egypt has long been known for its use of scents (think frankincense) and now Penhaligon’s is capturing the essence of Egypt in two new fragrances joining the brand’s Trade Routes Collection. The additions are the perfumer, Christian Provenzano’s way of paying tribute to Britain’s trade route from the 19^th century that helped bring precious ingredients from faraway lands to Britain. Following on from the Persian Gulf, India, the Caribbean, the Turkish village of Halfeti and the Moroccan coastal city of Essaouira, Egypt is the latest source of inspiration for the collection, resulting in not one but two new fragrances.

The first of the two fragrances, Oud de Nil takes us on a journey of the Nile, where Egypt’s natural resources inspire the scent. From the initial hints of bergamont and grapefruit to the jasmine, rose, geranium and orange flower at the heart of the scent, it is easy to imagine the famous trade route. The base of the perfume is one that is dry and created by plants and precious woods such as oud, papyrus, amber, resin and Guaiac wood.

The second of the fragrances is Alizarin that highlights the red dye that is indigenous to Egypt since antiquity. A perfect match for those who prefer a more intense scent, the mysterious perfume is a combination of mandarin, narcisse, tuberose, mimosa and iris. Oud, leather, vetiver and olibanum form the base notes of the fragrance. The two fragrances that will be launched in August, join other scents such as Empressa, Levantium, Lothair, Halfeti and As Sawira in the Trade roués collection.