LP No.9 for Men (1999)
by Penhaligon's

I often wonder if people actually ever smell fragrances or just write about them? This smells nothing like Opium. I have both Opium EdT and Parfum and Opium smells way more generic and oriental than this frag. LP no 9 has more of a bubblegum sweet open and is a more complex mixture. This one gets me a lot of compliments and lasts a long time. The middle notes and base notes are great as well. I think it evolves quite nicely and its more expensive because its a very high quality fragrance. You can just tell from the opening spray.

On first application this stunner is eye wateringly potent. Not in a good way. There is a distinct whiff of two stroke petrol in there as the first drops hit my skin, not unlike Santa Maria Novella's Nostalgia....but forget the opulent leather seats and polished wood interiors of SMNN, for that is where the similarity ends. LP9 dries down rapidly, rolling languidly towards a soft powdery luxuriance, after a few semi drunken hiccups of clove and bitter nutmeg. After a roller coaster ride of half an hour or so, this leaves a soft, seductive trail, which managed to last me a good 12 hours. Not bad at all.

A spicy oriental fragrance with vanilla and patchouli in the base. The clove in this really kicks.

Is Opium pour Homme too strong for you? Try LP no. 9.

Is LP no. 9 too costly for you? Seek out a bottle of Everlast Original 1910. It's about ten bucks.

Despite the sixteen ingredients listed above, Penhaligon's own site lists only six for this scent - and none of the two lists coincide for a moment. The site lists: Ylang Ylang, Spices, Iris, Clove, Vanilla, Patchouli. Mind you, all my nose picks up is the blend of iris, patchouli and vanilla - also the scent is to my nose identical to Prada for Men. Who copied whom? The 1999 date for LP #9 predates the Prada, but since the ingredients don't compare, who knows if the formula is correct. This may be a new Penhaligon's, taking advantage of the market for Prada.

One question: Why copy a cologne already on the market, which can be purchased for 2/3 less than the Penhaligon's price? One can find Prada for as little as $36-$46, while Penhaligon's always sells in the $80 range.

The scent is marvelous - warm, woody and sensual. However, I feel its "tweediness" is more suited to the executive board room than to a title of "Love Potion #9." I can't imagine this turning on anyone, just getting someone to notice you. The first step, not the entire process of seduction.

Even if you were to use an Electron Microscope, you still would not be able to locate my interest in this bland concoction. The top notes are bearable, fresh and full of promise of future treasures. Sadly, it was a quick descent into what one can only describe as Deep Heat meets vanilla. In fairness, the drydown is a muted version of this, but it is a trite piece of chemistry that is on offer here.

Wowsers! Why on earth did they discontinue this beauty?! Thank goodness its back! I must say I only get a "suggestion" of Opium PH, as in along the same lines. This is far better IMO. I really don't like Opium PH, but this has a wonderful spice that Opium is missing. A far better fragrance IMO.