Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does Opus 1870 smell like?

Opus 1870 is a masterclass in dry, peppery woodiness that feels like stepping into a private library or a high-end Victorian apothecary. It opens with a sharp, bracing crack of Bourbon pepper and coriander, brightened by the bitter, aromatic zest of yuzu. This isn't a sweet citrus opening; it is cold, clear, and immediately sophisticated, setting a tone of professional composure. As the fragrance settles, the initial chill warms into a heart of dry spices and soft florals. The English rose here is subtle and masculine, acting as a bridge between the prickly cloves and cinnamon and a hauntingly clean note of frankincense. It feels airy rather than heavy, creating a "grey" or "silver" olfactory texture that avoids the density of typical oriental fragrances. The dry down is where the fragrance anchors itself in timeless textures of cedarwood, sandalwood, and guaiac wood. The combination produces a scent reminiscent of pencil shavings and aged timber, smoothed over by a soft, clean musk. Wearing Opus 1870 feels like wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit—it is understated, dignified, and inherently dapper, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer an aura of quiet confidence over loud projection.

Details

House: Penhaligon's
Gender: masculine
Year: 2005
Longevity: 6.7 / 10 · 183 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 5.9 / 10 · 175 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (95 votes), Spring (87 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Daily (85 votes), Business (77 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Fresh, Smoky, Citrus

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The community consensus on performance is that it sits close to the skin. While it is praised for its elegant scent profile, enthusiasts often note that its projection is intimate and the longevity is moderate, frequently requiring reapplication for full-day wear.
It is widely regarded as a versatile "workhorse" fragrance, with users recommending it specifically for business settings, office wear, and daily use due to its non-offensive, "barber-shop" cleanliness.
Enthusiasts frequently compare the scent's dry, woody character to Annick Goutal’s Duel, though Opus 1870 is noted for having a more prominent pepper and incense backbone.
While it is marketed to men, a vocal segment of the community considers it a successful unisex option for anyone who enjoys dry, spicy-citrus compositions without traditional sweetness.
Value opinions are polarized; while many appreciate the high-quality blending and niche prestige, others find the price point high given its subtle performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Opus 1870 perform in different weather conditions?+

While it is versatile enough for year-round wear, the community finds it performs best in the transitional temperatures of spring and fall. The dry woods and pepper can feel crisp in the cold, but its moderate projection may struggle in extreme winter, while the yuzu helps it remain fresh in the summer.

Is this a good choice for someone who dislikes sweet fragrances?+

Yes. Opus 1870 is notably dry and lacks the heavy vanilla, amber, or fruity sweetness found in many modern masculine scents. Its character is defined by spices, woods, and a bitter citrus opening.

How does this compare to other Penhaligon's scents like Blenheim Bouquet?+

Opus 1870 is often seen as a more modern, warmer, and woodier alternative to Blenheim Bouquet. While Blenheim is famous for its sharp, bracing citrus and black pepper, Opus provides a smoother experience with the addition of incense, rose, and a more substantial woody base.

Does the rose note make it smell floral or feminine?+

Appears in Collections

Everyday Fragrances1626 Classic Perfumes944 Masculine Fragrances1670 2000s Fragrances1079 Fragrances Starting With O306

Similar Fragrances

Penhaligon's

Hammam Bouquet

Eau De Toilette

Penhaligon's

Halfeti

Eau De Parfum

Penhaligon's

Bayolea

Eau De Toilette

Penhaligon's

Savoy Steam

Eau De Parfum

Procter & Gamble

Old Spice Classic

Eau De Cologne

Houbigant

Bois Mystique

Eau De Parfum

Amouage

Epic Man

Eau De Parfum

Boucheron

Boucheron pour Homme

Eau De Parfum

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

What does Opus 1870 smell like?

Opus 1870 is a masterclass in dry, peppery woodiness that feels like stepping into a private library or a high-end Victorian apothecary. It opens with a sharp, bracing crack of Bourbon pepper and coriander, brightened by the bitter, aromatic zest of yuzu. This isn't a sweet citrus opening; it is cold, clear, and immediately sophisticated, setting a tone of professional composure. As the fragrance settles, the initial chill warms into a heart of dry spices and soft florals. The English rose here is subtle and masculine, acting as a bridge between the prickly cloves and cinnamon and a hauntingly clean note of frankincense. It feels airy rather than heavy, creating a "grey" or "silver" olfactory texture that avoids the density of typical oriental fragrances. The dry down is where the fragrance anchors itself in timeless textures of cedarwood, sandalwood, and guaiac wood. The combination produces a scent reminiscent of pencil shavings and aged timber, smoothed over by a soft, clean musk. Wearing Opus 1870 feels like wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit—it is understated, dignified, and inherently dapper, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer an aura of quiet confidence over loud projection.

Details

House: Penhaligon's
Gender: masculine
Year: 2005
Longevity: 6.7 / 10 · 183 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 5.9 / 10 · 175 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (95 votes), Spring (87 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Daily (85 votes), Business (77 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Spicy, Fresh, Smoky, Citrus

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The community consensus on performance is that it sits close to the skin. While it is praised for its elegant scent profile, enthusiasts often note that its projection is intimate and the longevity is moderate, frequently requiring reapplication for full-day wear.
It is widely regarded as a versatile "workhorse" fragrance, with users recommending it specifically for business settings, office wear, and daily use due to its non-offensive, "barber-shop" cleanliness.
Enthusiasts frequently compare the scent's dry, woody character to Annick Goutal’s Duel, though Opus 1870 is noted for having a more prominent pepper and incense backbone.
While it is marketed to men, a vocal segment of the community considers it a successful unisex option for anyone who enjoys dry, spicy-citrus compositions without traditional sweetness.
Value opinions are polarized; while many appreciate the high-quality blending and niche prestige, others find the price point high given its subtle performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Opus 1870 perform in different weather conditions?+

While it is versatile enough for year-round wear, the community finds it performs best in the transitional temperatures of spring and fall. The dry woods and pepper can feel crisp in the cold, but its moderate projection may struggle in extreme winter, while the yuzu helps it remain fresh in the summer.

Is this a good choice for someone who dislikes sweet fragrances?+

Yes. Opus 1870 is notably dry and lacks the heavy vanilla, amber, or fruity sweetness found in many modern masculine scents. Its character is defined by spices, woods, and a bitter citrus opening.

How does this compare to other Penhaligon's scents like Blenheim Bouquet?+

Opus 1870 is often seen as a more modern, warmer, and woodier alternative to Blenheim Bouquet. While Blenheim is famous for its sharp, bracing citrus and black pepper, Opus provides a smoother experience with the addition of incense, rose, and a more substantial woody base.

Does the rose note make it smell floral or feminine?+

Not in the traditional sense. The English rose in this composition is very transparent and serves to soften the sharp edges of the bourbon pepper and cedarwood. It contributes to a "groomed" feeling rather than a bouquet-like floral scent.

Is this appropriate for formal occasions or evening wear?+

It is highly suitable for formal events due to its sophisticated and "dapper" character. However, because its sillage is more intimate, it functions better as a personal aura for close-encounter evening events rather than a fragrance intended to fill a room.

Has the fragrance changed significantly since its release in 2005?+

While enthusiasts often discuss subtle variations in batches over the years, the core identity of Opus 1870 as a spicy-woody scent featuring pepper, yuzu, and cedar has remained consistent in the current market.

Where to buy Opus 1870

No tracked prices yet.

We don't track a retailer offer for this fragrance yet — check the Amazon link below for current availability.

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

No price tracked yet. Join the list and we'll email you if one shows up.

Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.