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Harlem Candle Co. Langston Candle Review
Harlem Candle Co. Langston is a warm, sophisticated fragrance inspired by the life and creative spirit of poet and writer Langston Hughes. The scent combines leather, tobacco, spice, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood and amber to create a deep fragrance with a distinctly warm and woody character.
Unlike a bright floral or fresh candle, Langston has a darker personality. Nutmeg and clove give the opening some spice, while leather adds depth. Jasmine brings a softer floral element, and the combination of vanilla, sandalwood and amber creates a warm base.
The standard Langston candle is an 11 oz, two-wick candle made with soy-blend wax. Harlem Candle Co. lists up to 80 hours of burn time and currently prices it at around $52.
Scent & Fragrance
Langston has a rich and layered fragrance profile.
The top notes combine nutmeg, clove and leather, giving the opening a spicy and slightly smoky character. The leather note is particularly important to the personality of this candle, giving it a deeper and more sophisticated quality.
The heart introduces jasmine and cade. The jasmine adds a floral element, while cade brings a darker, aromatic character that works well with the leather and spice.
The base consists of vanilla, sandalwood and amber. These notes give the fragrance its warmth and help soften the stronger leather and spice elements. Harlem Candle Co. describes the composition as incorporating tobacco, leather, vanilla, jasmine, sandalwood and ambery incense.
For me, the combination is what makes Langston interesting. It isn’t simply a woody candle or a leather candle. The floral and sweet notes give the darker elements some balance.
Burn Performance
The standard Langston candle contains 11 oz of wax and two wicks, with the manufacturer listing up to 80 hours of burn time. Harlem Candle Co. recommends allowing the wax to melt evenly across the top layer during the first burn and limiting individual burns to no more than four hours.
The two-wick configuration is also intended to help distribute the heat across the surface of the candle.
Actual burn time can vary depending on how the candle is used, including burn duration, wick trimming and environmental conditions.
Throw / Fragrance Strength
Cold Throw
Langston has a distinctive cold fragrance because of its combination of leather, spice, tobacco and warm woods.
The fragrance isn’t especially light or airy. Even before burning, the profile suggests a darker and more substantial candle.
Hot Throw
Once burning, the warmer elements of the fragrance should become more prominent, particularly the sandalwood, amber, vanilla and tobacco-inspired character.
Customer feedback is generally very positive about Langston. The candle currently has a 5.0/5 rating from 298 reviews on Harlem Candle Co.’s website.
There is also some independent customer discussion describing Langston as a strong favorite and praising its fragrance and burn performance, although individual experiences naturally vary.
Based on the fragrance profile and customer feedback, I would place Langston toward the stronger, richer end of the fragrance spectrum.
Design & Packaging
The standard Langston candle comes in a distinctive blue glass vessel with gold detailing, giving it a sophisticated appearance that suits the darker fragrance.
The presentation also reflects the Harlem Candle Co. aesthetic, where the candle is designed to work as both a fragrance product and a decorative object.
Langston is available in several formats. Along with the standard 11 oz candle, Harlem Candle Co. offers a 4 oz travel candle for $19 and a more elaborate 12 oz ceramic version for $102.
The ceramic version features a reproduction of the historic A Night Club Map of Harlem by E. Simms Campbell and is designed as a reusable decorative vessel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rich and complex fragrance
- Excellent combination of leather, tobacco and woods
- Nutmeg and clove add warmth and spice
- Jasmine prevents the fragrance from becoming too heavy
- Two-wick design
- Up to 80 hours of listed burn time
- Distinctive blue and gold vessel
- Strong customer rating
- Available in a less expensive travel size
Cons
- The darker fragrance profile may not suit people who prefer fresh or light candles
- Leather and tobacco notes may be too intense for some preferences
- The standard 11 oz candle is priced at $52
- The fragrance is better suited to people who enjoy warm, woody scents than bright floral or citrus fragrances
Who Is It Best For?
Harlem Candle Co. Langston is best suited to people who enjoy warm, woody and sophisticated fragrances.
It is particularly worth considering if you like the combination of leather, tobacco, sandalwood, amber and vanilla, with a little spice and floral character in the background.
I think it would work especially well for evening settings, reading spaces, offices and rooms where you want a warmer and more atmospheric fragrance.
If your preference is for fresh citrus, clean linen or very light floral scents, Langston may feel too dark and rich.
Final Verdict
Harlem Candle Co. Langston is one of the brand’s more distinctive fragrances. The combination of leather, tobacco, nutmeg, clove, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood and amber creates a warm and layered scent that feels considerably deeper than a straightforward woody candle.
The 11 oz two-wick format, soy-blend wax and listed burn time of up to 80 hours give it the specifications expected from a premium candle, while the blue-and-gold vessel adds to its decorative appeal.
Its current 5.0/5 customer rating from 298 reviews also makes it one of Harlem Candle Co.’s strongest-performing candles by customer feedback.
For anyone who enjoys leather, tobacco, sandalwood, amber and warm spicy fragrances, Langston is one of Harlem Candle Co.’s candles I would put high on the list.