ROJA PARFUMS
Britannia
2016
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
cedrat
bergamot
mandarin
tangerine
rose de mai
jasmine
champaca
heliotrope
cassie
violet
peach
cinnamon
clove
patchouli
vetiver
sandalwood
vanilla
cocoa
orris
ambergris
musk
‘A scent which celebrates Indigenous materials met by the external influence of ingredients foraged from foreign lands finds Rose – the emblem of England – and Violet in its heart lending a sweet yet stately presence. Around these traditional English flowers blends a prominent note of Ambergris, which represents Britain as a seafaring nation. The juiciness of exotic Mandarin, Tangerine and Peach fruits are balanced by the soft sweetness of Vanilla, to form an opulent Ambrée creation that delivers a rich and indulgent experience. A scent that defines the hallmarks of British creativity, Britannia is composed of materials from the four corners of the earth. As an island nation, the British have always been explorers and brought back new and astounding materials to incorporate into traditional creative pursuits. Blending materials from far-flung exotic realms with established indigenous ingredients, Britannia celebrates the truly British sensibility of being proud of its noble heritage whilst being accepting of external influence. The definition of British manners, this diverse and dignified scent is the epitome of opulence – without being brash – as that is not the British way’ – Roja Parfums
Britannia is a fragrance that is out of my reach and even if I could afford it, I wouldn’t think it to be worth its full price. However, it is one of my absolute favorites from Roja Parfums and I have emptied my second sample of it at the time of writing.
This is essentially a fresh powdery scent with a tiny hint of sweetness. The more I wear it, the more I get a powdery orange, not at all unlike the one in Frederic Malle’s Noir Epices. Actually, the whole drydown reminds me of Noir Epices once I made that connection. Britannia is more subtle however; despite being a good performer on my skin so far, it’s not the beast that Noir Epices is.
What sets Britannia apart is a chocolate tinge in the opening and I think that after that the baby powder vibes are a bit stronger and cleaner than in Noir Epices (where a bit heavier spices remain prominent).
An absolutely lovely scent that has, as is so often the case with Roja, immaculate blending, but at the cost of a high price point.