English Oak & Redcurrant Jo Malone London 2017 unisex 53

The Verdict

English Oak & Redcurrant is one of those Jo Malone fragrances that charms on first impression but struggles to sustain the relationship. Part of the English Oak duo launched in 2017 alongside English Oak & Hazelnut, this cologne captures a snapshot of the British countryside in autumn: tart berries against weathered wood, rose petals scattered on a forest floor. Created by perfumer Yann Vasnier, it is undeniably pretty.

The fundamental problem is one that plagues many Jo Malone colognes but feels especially acute here: longevity is poor, with some wearers unable to detect the fragrance after just an hour or two. For a brand at this price point, that is a significant limitation, and it prevents what could be a lovely signature scent from fulfilling its potential.

What It Smells Like

The opening delivers a burst of tart, fizzy redcurrant that feels like biting into a fresh berry. There is a sharp, nettle-like spikiness to it that keeps the fruit from reading as candy or jam, instead feeling natural and slightly wild. The redcurrant is fuzzy and tart but not sweet, presenting the fruit in pastel shades rather than bold strokes.

The heart brings in rose, which adds warmth and a touch of classical femininity. Some wearers detect hints of Turkish rose, adding depth and preventing the composition from feeling too light. The rose acts as a bridge between the bright fruit and the woody base, softening the transition.

The base features Jo Malone's roasted oak absolute, which provides a soft, smooth, slightly vegetal woodiness. Unfortunately, many reviewers note that the oak does not come through strongly enough to truly deliver on the promise of its name. It is gentle and understated to the point of near absence, leaving the fragrance feeling somewhat incomplete.

When to Wear It

This is an autumn fragrance through and through. The combination of tart berries and warm wood evokes crisp October days, walking through fallen leaves, and the first chill of the season. Some reviewers extend its range into winter, where the rose and oak provide a quiet warmth, though it lacks the heft that truly cold weather demands.

English Oak & Redcurrant works as an easygoing everyday scent for casual settings. It is never going to overpower a room or announce your arrival, making it appropriate for offices, brunches, and relaxed social gatherings. Many owners report reaching for it as a layering base rather than wearing it alone.

Longevity & Projection

This is where English Oak & Redcurrant struggles most significantly. Multiple reviewers report the fragrance fading from skin within one to two hours, which is poor even by Jo Malone cologne standards. Some have noted they simply cannot get it to stay on with any noticeable projection beyond the initial application.

On fabric, it performs somewhat better, lingering for several hours. Layering with other Jo Malone colognes, particularly English Oak & Hazelnut, can also extend its presence. But as a standalone fragrance, the performance does not match the price.

The Community Says

The community is divided along predictable lines. Those who enjoy it tend to describe it as an unsung hero in the Jo Malone collection, praising its enchanted forest character and returning to it season after season. One reviewer called it one of their favorite everyday scents, especially in fall.

Critics are equally vocal about the longevity issues. Several community members have pointed out that the redcurrant and oak elements do not interact in a way that brings out nuances in each other, instead occurring in tandem, which makes the result pleasant but somewhat boring. The consensus seems to be that English Oak & Redcurrant is a nice idea executed with insufficient depth.

Who Should Buy This

This cologne is best suited for existing Jo Malone fans who understand and accept the brand's characteristic lightness and who plan to layer it with other scents in the collection. If you already own English Oak & Hazelnut, the combination of the two creates a more complete, well-rounded fragrance that addresses the individual limitations of each.

It is not the right choice for anyone who values longevity and performance as core requirements in a fragrance, nor for those who expect their purchase to deliver a full day of wear from a single application.

The Bottom Line

English Oak & Redcurrant is a charming autumnal sketch that never quite develops into a full painting. The concept is lovely, the opening is delightful, and the scent itself is perfectly pleasant, but the whisper-quiet projection and vanishing longevity keep it from reaching the heights that its name and price suggest. Best enjoyed as part of a Jo Malone layering ritual rather than a standalone fragrance.