The Coveted Duchess Rose Penhaligon's 2026 Eau de Parfum Intense

I love a good rose fragrance, owning quite a few, including some from Penhaligons (Duke and Savoy Steam). I have not quite paid much attention to the original Duchess Rose before due to the fragrance not being quite my cup of tea and quite a poor performance/sillage. But now that the house has released the intense versions, I gave them the intense version a sniff at a Penhaligons store. It is definitely a bit different to the original. The fruity citrus note is still there as is the rose, but now the fragrance shines with the addition of amber, which brings out the vanilla accord much more than in the previous iteration. And while it does not project strongly still, the longevity is now there, lasting for around 8 hours on myself. Overall, this one impressed me the most from the new intense versions. Would recommend to all rose lovers.

I find that this Intense version smells much better than the original. The acidity feels rounder, and the vanilla comes through more clearly. I really like this overall rounded, smooth feeling. The sillage and longevity are also significantly better than the original. The only minor drawback: This typical Penhaligon's base keeps appearing in the base notes - that particular scent I perceive in the background of several of the brand's women's fragrances. It is not necessarily an unpleasant scent, but somehow it bothers me a little. But overall, it smells very good. I like it very much.