AlUla Penhaligon's 2024

Superficially, this name might initially please ornithologists, as "Alula" refers to the feathers on a bird's wing thumb. However, this joy is likely to be short-lived... upon closer inspection, Penhaligon's named their new creation after "Al-Ula"... an oasis in Saudi Arabia, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra, among other things.
Once an important trading post on the historical spice route (specifically known for the incense trade), it is naturally a place that fits into the Trade Routes Collection, like Ernie to Bert...
To begin with: Like my favorites from this "Collection" "Trade Routes Collection - Halfeti | Penhaligon's" and "Trade Routes Collection - Babylon | Penhaligon's," "Trade Routes - AlUla | Penhaligon's" is also in the top league. When I heard someone refer to this scent as "Herod-Light," I was, of course, immediately fired up; because Herod is my "signature scent"...
What can I say: It's true! Generally, "AlUlA" may not have the indescribable depth of the PDM hit, but the DNA is certainly heading strongly in that direction and is extremely complex. With Herod, the heaviness prevents some people from wearing the scent during the day or in warmer temperatures (I use it year-round... but dose it accordingly differently). AlUla is therefore significantly more suitable for daytime wear.
Right from the opening, sweet spices, paired with shisha tobacco and a fruity note, waft into my nose. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the amount of incense is quite low. Personally, I don't find that problematic, as the richness of the perceptions exceeds most of what other fragrances in this price range have to offer.
After about an hour, the spiciness subsides a bit, and the scent takes on a balsamic/honey-like vibe. The plum also becomes more prominent now. What I find fantastic is that AL manages to never come across as heavy despite all its complexity. Gourmand nuances similar to Althaïr are subtly present, as are the fruitiness of some cherry scents like "Lost Cherry (Eau de Parfum) | Tom Ford."
The pleasure lasts 7-8 hours; at least for me. After that, AlUla is still perceptible on the skin, but not as present in the environment.
Conclusion: Once again, a great hit from the Londoners with the potential to become a classic. Niche specialists will again complain that it is too tame/pleasing and that they would have preferred a charred, oriental incense bomb; but I think it is just right... just as it is.
P.S.: I wore this scent twice in the last few days and I receive compliments non-stop... even in the supermarket and at the snack stand.