Juniper Sling Penhaligon's 2011

Lots of reviewers have commented on the gin and tonic scent of JUNIPER SLING, but of course what they're really saying is that the scent of gin derives from juniper, which is the focal note, logically enough, of JUNIPER SLING. The little juniper berry appears to have two and only two well-known uses: one to produce gin; the other to cook sauerbraten. For many people these are the sole encounters with this unique-smelling berry. It would be interesting to find out how the Germans feel about this cologne, since it might have a "familiarity breeds contempt" effect upon them.

I have always thought that gin and tonics smell a bit like hairspray or, I should say, my memory of my mother's hairspray when I was growing up, as I have not smelled that product in quite a while now. So it makes sense that the opening of JUNIPER SLING should remind me, too, a bit of hairspray. I hasten to clarify, however, that in this case the comparison is a compliment, as I rather like the quirky scent of juniper.

What I like about JUNIPER SLING is that, although it is a somewhat standard cologne, the usual suspects are not the dominant players, so this creation ends up smelling completely different from all of the other colognes. The quality of materials is very good, and the composition is refreshing and invigorating, with a somewhat energizing aromatherapeutic effect.

It would be easy to overdose on this fragrance because of the dominant juniper note, but as a change from the usual cologne routine, JUNIPER SLING offers a zing of eccentricity. Yes, there is vetiver and citrus and a bit of spice, but really the juniper is the star of the show. There's a real paradox here: good old boy conservatism conjoined with wacky nonconformism.

I like JUNIPER SLING and am very happy that ElenaLondon, the British Perfume Ambassador to the United States, sent me this sample. No one has done more for British-U.S. relations than she has! (-;

This scent is just so incredible to me for the first 15-30 minutes. A fantastic, creamy introduction of the fresh juniper, leather, pepper, nutmeg and some cardamom.
Unfortunately, it lasts shortly, turning quickly into a skin scent and utterly vanishing within 3 hours on my skin. The heart is almost non-existant and the drydown only shortlived.

I would seriously suggest for Penhaligons to make an Extreme or EdP version of this, because at almost € 100 per bottle, this is overcharging for a lovely Eau Fraiche. Dammit!

Juniper Sling opens with a clear, bracing hit of gin - sharp, slightly boozy, and unmistakably botanical. That note mellows fairly quickly, but juniper stays present, adding a green, almost blackberry-leaf-meets-pine-needle feel that gives the scent a crisp, outdoorsy edge.

I’m not super familiar with juniper as a standalone note, but what I’m smelling evokes crushed berry stems and coniferous branches. It’s cool, green, and aromatic.

I was surprised to see cinnamon listed among the top notes. I don’t get any of the warmth or spice I’d associate with it. If it’s there, it’s playing a supporting role at best.

Sadly, the scent fades very quickly. It becomes a skin scent in under 10 minutes, and the sillage is almost non-existent, which is disappointing for something this interesting in the opening.

That said, I actually would wear this. I enjoy boozy scents, and Juniper Sling feels different enough to stand out, but not so masculine that it’s out of my comfort zone. It’s fresh, clean, a little quirky, and very wearable, if only it lasted longer.

One more note: the drydown is strikingly similar to Louis Vuitton’s Imagination drydown. The same clean, soapy skin scent vibe. If you enjoy Imagination, Juniper Sling might feel like its boozier, quirkier cousin, just with less staying power.

Bottoms up! Juniper Sling opens with the most delightful fizz of a freshly mixed gin & tonic. The juniper berries are really vibrant and intoxicating with hints of cinnamon here and there. The opening does indeed feel like a slingshot and it dissipates just as quickly, leaving behind the most delicious iris that whispers with shades of that other gorgeous Prada iris, but oh, so softly, and if only it could be amplified! My journey always seems to come to an anticlimatic ending when reaching the heart notes. No matter how much I spray on, I never get to experience the black cherry with vetiver and brown sugar. It`s such a beautiful blend, despite that, and I hope to never be tempted enough to buy it because I`m not sure Penhaligon`s inflated price tags justify the performance.

I really, really want to like this, but that performance is awful. Juniper Sling smells like good gin, to the point I’m convinced they took a gin recipe and modified it for perfumery. Someone passing by might think you’re a drunkard who spilled gin all over yourself.

Performance. I’m in heaven for the first 15 minutes and then it’s gone. I’ve tried going very generous with the sprays but I can’t make it last longer than an hour—maybe an occasional faint whiff at the 90 minute mark. It is the most fleeting fragrance I’ve come across. For that price point, I can’t justify getting a bottle; if this lasted for 4 hours or so it’d be a buy for sure.