PENHALIGON’S
PORTRAITS – THE OMNISCIENT MR THOMPSON

2023

PERFUMER
Fanny Bal

lavender
elemi
pink pepper
sesame milk

iris
geranium
black pepper

oakwood
vanilla
rum
leather
sesame seeds

‘The Omniscient Mr. Thompson from Penhaligon’s is the only owner of the key to the secret box, which contains a unique and magical substance. Just one drop can turn into an endless addiction. An infusion of soft but sparkling spices opens this captivating aroma. An attractive train of luxurious iris, velvety sesame milk, and the sweetness of vanilla… Even leaving the room, the fragrance will sign your invisible presence… Thompson is reliable and accurate like clockwork. The possessor of the sixth sense is a spy aristocrat. Serving smoky, rum-like and leather hints calmed by vanilla and sesame milk, Mr Thompson is reassuring at every turn – yet a master in the art of spying. As for what the butler saw… well, he never forgets, but is ever discrete. All the best butlers keep your secrets…’ – Penhaligon’s

The Omniscient Mister Thompson is one of my favorites from Penhaligon’s so far. This sharp iris fragrance with a twist left a great first impression.

The opening in particular is on the sharp side, with some aromatics and spices, but the iris noticeable straight away. For a moment I thought it would go fully spicy, but Mr Thompson had other plans.

Instead, this goes simultaneously lactonic and almost fizzy. The milky aspect is very noticeable throughout the mid of the wear; arguably one of the more milky fragrances in my memory.

When I say fizzy, I mean the kind of yeasty texture, that reminds me a bit of Zoologist Harvest Mouse. It’s probably the sesame that I’m smelling.

The whole ordeal is rather sweet, but not cloyingly so. There’s just enough freshness and ‘coldness’ to the composition that works in contrast with the warming sweet vanillic milk. Yet, I’d probably classify this as a light, spicy gourmand.

The brand speaks of ‘smoky, rum-like and leather hints’ (which I’ve added to the notes list), but to be honest, I don’t really get much of it. Perhaps a slight smokiness and booziness, but (luckily) no leather to my nose.

I really enjoyed wearing this. It’s balanced, sweet, but versatile. Not losing sight completely of the iris, the spices and the sesame is a nice, less common touch.