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English Oak & Hazelnut
by Jo Malone London
English Oak & Hazelnut by Jo Malone London is a refined, linear woody scent centered around fresh-cut oak and green hazelnut, with a subtle cedar backbone. It presents as a clean, natural fragrance with an elegant, earthy depth—more akin to a walk through a woodsy clearing than a traditional perfume. The opening features a bright, green, slightly citric freshness reminiscent of wet pine needles or unfurling leaves, which evolves into a soft, creamy, woody base with mild nutty undercurrents. It leans strongly toward unisex, though some perceive it as masculine due to its dry, crisp character and its similarity to Terre d'Hermes and Creed Aventus. The scent is not sweet or gourmand, and its hazelnut note is fresh and understated—more like unripe nuts than roasted pastries. Longevity is moderate, lasting 6–8 hours with 4–6 sprays, but sillage remains intimate or moderate, never overwhelming. On some skin types, it may fade quickly or shift into a more chemical, iso-e-super dominant dry down, though others experience a consistent, plush, woody glow with a restrained sweetness. It performs best in cooler weather, particularly autumn and winter, and integrates well into layering routines with other scents like Blackberry & Bay or Myrrh & Tonka.
Pros
- +Rich, green woody depth with a natural, organic character that feels authentic and immersive
- +Impressive versatility—suits men and women alike, works in professional, casual, and seasonal settings
- +Wears well in cooler months, particularly autumn and winter, with an elegant, grounding effect
- +One of the few Jo Malone scents with a balanced, multilayered simplicity that avoids being overly sweet or perfumey
- +Excellent for layering, especially with fruit or spice accords, enhancing depth without clashing
Cons
- −Longevity and sillage are moderate, not matching the full body of more powerful fragrances
- −On some skin types, the opening can feel feint or fade quickly, especially if the hazelnut note is minimal
- −A small percentage of users report a synthetic or chemical dry down, particularly connected to iso-e-super notes
- −Some perceive it as too masculine for feminine sensibilities, though it remains unisex by nature
- −Higher price point relative to the performance and minimal projection compared to premium rivals