Sartorial by Penhaligon's

Aldehydes, Violet Leaves, Orange Blossom, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Ginger.
Beeswax, Cyclamen, Linden Blossom, Lavender, Leather.
Gurjam Balm, Patchouli, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Tonka Bean, Oakmoss, White Musk, Vanilla, Amber.

Sartorial is an interesting, shape-shifting masculine that leans more formal in its opening and heart than it does in the base and drydown.

The top accord is a study in contrasts to me. Sharp, sweet and  spicy on an underlying smoothness greets you the first few minutes of its life. I find it a nice accord that's definitely in keeping with either a suit and tie affair or an event along those lines. It's also well balanced with very acceptable projection due to the aromatic properties inherent in it.

The heart of Sartorial finds the Orange Blossom coming to the fore just enough to embellish the subtle transition. The use of Blossom pitted against violet and lavender is strangely enjoyable. Other tugs of war are raging at this stage of the wearing. Earth and wood emerge along with a balsamic tone and while none are loud, they're outspoken enough for me to notice.

These suggestive shades have differing personalities, but they find a way to coexist in Sartorial. This fragrance is more interesting than it is lovable, but I don't think Sartorial was created with that in mind. Sartorial is semi elegant, has manners but keeps a serious expression. I find no frivolity here and that probably is the point.

The base and drydown are my favorite stages of Sartorial. It switches gears here in increments. A very comfortable van-amber emerges, sans the customary smoothness usually associated with those two. There's just enough bite to it to make the oriental finish a tad more interesting. There's wood in the mix with a hazy balsam as well. This outro is in variance to the beginning of Sartorial since I expect starts like this to have a fougere theme all the way through. Not so here, but I say that with a smile on my face.

Sartorial is a formal fougiental. It's not groundbreaking, nor is it breathtaking in any sense of the word. It is however a situation-appropriate scent. Yes, it limits it to certain occasions, but we would all do well to have a few of these around for when the time does come.

Sillage is good and longevity is approximately 5 hours on my skin. Thumbs up from Aromi for Sartorial. I respect a scent that's not vying for my love. As always, a sample wear is recommended.