Cairo

Cairo, inspired by Penhaligon's Cairo (2018)

Cairo puts Damascena rose at the centre and surrounds it with saffron and spice from the start. The rose feels macerated rather than freshly picked, its petals wrapped in woods and a smoky thread of incense. Patchouli gives the middle an earthy depth. In the drydown vanilla softens the edges without making the scent sugary.

About the original

Cairo joined Penhaligon's Trade Routes collection in 2018. Launch press called it ornate and sumptuous, a rose steeped in woods and spices with saffron and incense running through it. The brand's own key notes are vanilla, rose and a saffron accord, with patchouli named in its description. No official note pyramid or confirmed perfumer was found.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Penhaligon's stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Rose lovers who find most rose perfumes too polite are the likeliest fans. Patchouli and incense give it real density, so anyone after a light, green rose should look elsewhere.

Related scents

• Penhaligon’s Babylon
• Penhaligon's Constantinople
• By Kilian A Kiss from a Rose

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Notes: Damascena Rose, Saffron Accord, Woods, Spices, Incense, Patchouli, Vanilla

Saffron and spices meet Damascena rose at once, with a resinous, slightly smoky glow.

As it develops the rose deepens against woods and patchouli, incense still in the background.

The finish is patchouli and vanilla, rounded and faintly sweet.

Is Cairo a rose perfume?

Yes. Damascena rose is the main note, though saffron, incense and patchouli make it far darker than a classic soliflore.

How is Cairo different from Babylon?

Both are Trade Routes scents with saffron. Cairo is a spiced rose with patchouli, while Babylon has no rose and centres on cypriol, sandalwood and vanilla.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Penhaligon's and Cairo are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Penhaligon's in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.