PENHALIGON’S
THE CUT

2025

mint
basil
clary sage
lavender
cedarwood
cypress
fir balsam

‘A Penhaligon’s fragrance, tailored to precision. Penhaligon’s The Cut is a bold and sophisticated fragrance that captures the spirit of London’s Savile Row: the home of exquisite tailoring. With fresh notes of mint and basil expertly sewn into woody fir balsam, cypress and cedar, it exudes confidence and refinement, making it perfect for the modern gentleman who values tradition with a contemporary edge.’ – Harrods

This is a prime example of what feels like a mismatch between the theme, description and the actual scent that we’re presented with.

The opening is off to a solid start. It’s green, fresh, crunchy. It has some of the generic men’s showergel vibes, but it’s a tad crispier and greener. It’s tart, like rhubarb (I had this in my notes and saw it mentioned in the only other review I’ve read for The Cut as well).

In comes a hint of sweeter spiciness that I find hard to place. It feels a bit ‘Quentin Bischy’, with nods to the Diptyque Lazulio styling. However, whereas I love that Diptyque, The Cut falls completely flat.

It becomes a generic smelling, airy, sugary ambroxan-esque bomb that’s way too sweet for its premise. There’s hints of Baccarat Rouge even and mixed with the greener shower gel vibe, it’s not something that I would enjoy wearing ever again.