Imperial

The mood of the word imperial, also a synonym for magnificent and majestic, echoes through the perfumes and nomenclature of Boadicea. Relating to and of empires, the imperial family of an emperor, imperious, meaning command andd authority.

It conjures up a certain palatial hauteur and exclusivity. Imperial has an opening salvo of sherbet woods and lavender polish on old school desks, while birch adds a silken fermented facet.

The all-important angelica explodes across the mix imparts a distinctive medicinal, swabby vibe that surprises the senses after the voluptuous woody opening. Far from being jarring, the angelica adds an oddly comforting cleanliness and the safety of a squeaky disinfection. Angelica has been used to flavour gin forever and is a key ingredient in Chartreuse, the unique green liqueur made exclusively by Carthusian monks.

Imperial has a similar liqueur-like pungency, sweet, spicy, herbaceous. The heart notes of rose, geranium, freesia and jasmine swell under the aegis of the opening notes, the geranium/rose duo in particular, softening the clinical boom of angelica.

The birch develops a slight smokiness as the substantial base begins to expand and define the drydown. The bold Boadicea oud is singed with guaiac wood, frankincense and the inky mentholic leather of Cypriol. The sticky resin of labdanum further enhances the leather while patchouli and amber varnish the fumes. The base notes are expansive and contrast rigorously with the bouquet heart of flowers and herbal astringency of the top notes.

Imperial holds itself with a certain pomposity, such is its big impact, but it becomes beautifully accessible and moreish as the three layers of ingredients have coalesced. Imperial perfume of the highest order.