The Blazing Mister Sam Penhaligon's 2026 Eau de Parfum Intense

First spray, and I had to pause for a moment. This isn’t a simple "more of the same" version of the 2018 Mister Sam, which is what I had actually expected. Instead: a fragrance with the same character, but noticeably more mature.
The opening remains recognizable - cardamom, cinnamon, you know the drill. But this time, something creamy, almost balsamic, settles over it immediately. I also think I can detect a hint of saffron, golden and warm. The pepper, which was still quite cheeky and sparkling in the original, comes across rounder here. Still with some bite, but no longer quite so outspoken.
Where it gets really interesting for me is in the heart. The cumin, which was almost provocatively animalic in the first Mister Sam, takes a clear step back. Instead: tobacco leaves, a slightly smoky vanilla, and somewhere in the background tonka bean, making everything a little more velvety. Honestly - this is the phase when I most enjoy smelling my skin. It reminds me of one of those evenings with leather armchairs, subdued lighting, and a glass of whiskey in hand.
The biggest difference from the original reveals itself in the drydown. Instead of the rather dry cedarwood-patchouli finish, it heads in an amber direction here, with tobacco and a hint of oud. Warm, sensual, and long-lasting.
What I like about the fragrance: the balance. It projects nicely at first, then draws closer to the skin after an hour or two and becomes more intimate. Longevity on me: easily over ten hours. Compared to the original, it is less "loud", but more mature.
For special occasions - dinner, evening events, when you want to leave an impression without many words - this has by now become one of my favorites from the Penhaligon's portfolio. Not simply stronger than the original, but with more substance.