English Oak & Hazelnut Jo Malone London 2017 unisex 156

The Verdict

English Oak & Hazelnut is the stronger half of Jo Malone's 2017 English Oak duo, and it is arguably one of the best performers in the entire Jo Malone cologne lineup. Created by Yann Vasnier, this fragrance confounds expectations at every turn. Rather than the warm, cozy, nutty composition its name suggests, it delivers a dry, austere, almost architectural take on wood and hazelnut that has drawn comparisons to minimalist poetry and stark winter landscapes.

This is a Jo Malone cologne that genuinely surprises, both in its artistic direction and in its performance. While the brand is often criticized for producing pleasant but fleeting scents, English Oak & Hazelnut delivers respectable longevity and noticeable sillage that have impressed even seasoned fragrance reviewers.

What It Smells Like

The opening presents green hazelnut in a way that will catch gourmand lovers off guard. There is nothing creamy, buttery, or sweet about this nut. Instead, it reads as freshly cracked, green, and slightly bitter, paired with a bright, zesty quality that some have described as surprisingly citrus-like. Black pepper adds a funky edge that bridges to the heart.

The cedarwood heart develops with a dry, slightly smoky character. The wood is clean and structural rather than warm and embracing, creating an effect that one reviewer memorably described as an elegantly designed haiku. There is a noticeable Iso E Super presence that adds a velvety, almost metallic shimmer to the wood.

The base brings roasted oak absolute, which delivers a mellow, slightly mossy woodiness with subtle earthiness. Vetiver contributes a sharp, smoky undertone, while emerald moss adds depth. The overall effect is austere without being severe, like deep winter birch trees caught in stark, silvery light.

When to Wear It

This is firmly an autumn and winter fragrance. Its dry, woody character evokes cool weather, bare branches, and crisp air. The fragrance encourages you to embrace the chill rather than seek warmth, making it a perfect companion for brisk walks and layered outfits.

English Oak & Hazelnut works exceptionally well in professional settings. Its restrained sophistication and moderate projection make it appropriate for offices and formal events without being distracting. The intellectual quality of the composition also suits cultural outings like gallery visits and literary events.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is a genuine strength here. Multiple reviewers have been impressed by longevity ranging from 6 to 9 hours, which is outstanding for a Jo Malone cologne. One reviewer gave it an 8 out of 10 for both longevity and sillage, noting that it definitely leaves a trail and functions as a somewhat commanding perfume.

The sillage is described as surprisingly large for the brand. It is never heady or overwhelming, but people in your vicinity will notice it. Several reviewers have specifically called out that this is one of the few Jo Malone offerings where the performance matches the price.

The Community Says

The fragrance community appreciates English Oak & Hazelnut for its departure from Jo Malone's typical lightweight approach. Basenotes reviewers describe it as having a sophisticated, thoughtful quality and a balanced, nicely made formulation. One reviewer praised it as creating its own distinctive atmosphere, comparing it favorably to Serge Lutens' Chene.

The main point of contention is whether the dry, austere character is a feature or a bug. Some find it refreshing that a Jo Malone cologne has this much personality, while others feel it may lean too masculine or too sharp for the brand's typical customer base. The hazelnut's refusal to be sweet or gourmand has surprised and sometimes disappointed those expecting something warmer.

Who Should Buy This

English Oak & Hazelnut is ideal for the fragrance enthusiast who appreciates restraint, minimalism, and intellectual compositions. If you enjoy dry woods, find beauty in austerity, and want a Jo Malone cologne that actually performs, this should be near the top of your list. It also makes an excellent layering partner with English Oak & Redcurrant, where the combination creates a more complete, well-rounded fragrance.

This is not the right cologne for anyone seeking warmth, sweetness, or a cozy nutty gourmand. If you want hazelnut to smell like Nutella or hazelnut lattes, look elsewhere. This is hazelnut as nature intended: green, dry, and part of the forest floor.

The Bottom Line

English Oak & Hazelnut is Jo Malone doing something unexpected and doing it well. It is an austere, sophisticated woody fragrance that outperforms most of the brand's lineup in both creative ambition and staying power. While its dry, intellectual character will not appeal to everyone, those who connect with its sparse beauty will find a fragrance that rewards repeated wearing and deepens with familiarity.