ROJA PARFUMS
BURLINGTON 1819
2020
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
Grapefruit
Lime
Mandarin
Bitter Orange
Mint
Ginger
Cinnamon
Cumin
Saffron
Patchouli
Oakmoss
Rum
Tobacco
Cedarwood
Casmere wood
Benzoin
Vanilla
Labdanum
Ambergris
Musk
‘This Citrus eau de parfum opens with an incredibly bright and juicy burst of Grapefruit and Lime, the freshness of which is further enlivened by a bold note of Mint. A spicy spark of ginger and a heady note of Rum continue the dynamic energy of this fresh Ambrée accord as a deep and luxurious base begins to unfurl. The distinctive qualities of Patchouli and Casmir Wood mingle with the enveloping qualities of Tobacco and Benzoin to form a bright but enduring creation that is rich in personality. 1819 celebrates 5 years of London’s Burlington Arcade being home to the flagship Roja Parfums boutique. An iconic British institution for over 200 years, the Burlington Arcade is an unparalleled destination for the discovery of opulence. Every step down the Arcade is a chance to discover something new. 1819 – the year it opened to the public – pays homage The Burlington Arcade being the perfect home for our award-winning perfumery, where the finest fragrances in the world wait to be discovered.’ – Roja Parfums
Burlington is a truly classy, bright scent. It opens with a tart citrus (lime, grapefruit, bitter orange), mint and for me ginger is probably the most prominent note initially. Overall it’s zesty and bitter, green and yellow, classy and refreshing.
It has the sharpness of an eau de cologne and the brightness lasts. I think it’s more on the mature side; especially when a hint of cumin and a mossy base comes through. Otherwise, I don’t really get much of the darker listed notes in Burlington. The sharpness is invigorating; this is not a ‘soothing’ scent, but more so one that awakens the senses.
Fragrantica users bored voted Tygar, Arrakis & L’Immensité as similar fragrances, which is far from the truth in my opinion. What Burlington 1819 reminds me of the most is the opening minutes of Oligarch Parfum. I personally prefer Oligarch, which grows much sweeter and even compared to its opening, Burlington is sharper and a lot more bitter. I do love the ginger in the latter. As it dries I also see the connection to Roja’s A Midsummer Dream.
Overall, a great fragrance, with decent performance in my limited testing. As mentioned, I prefer my Oligarch Parfum slightly, but that version too seems to be unavailable currently, plus it was significantly pricier per ml. As far as the more ‘affordable’ Roja releases go, Burlington 1819 is up there in my opinion.
