BOADICEA THE VICTORIOUS
Monarch

2015

Red Berries
Artemisia
Black Tea
Grapefruit
Bergamot

Cardamom
Pink Pepper
Cinnamon
Rose
Jasmine
Freesia
Lily-of-the-Valley

Leather
Oud
Tonka Bean
Incense
Vanilla
Labdanum
Patchouli
Oakmoss
Cedarwood

Boadicea’s Monarch is not one of my favorites from the house, but that definitely comes down to me not loving strong spicy leather fragrances. If that is your cup of tea, Monarch has a lot to offer. Especially considering that this is one of Boadicea The Victorious’ more affordable offerings at €250/100ml and for that you’re not getting a toned down or light fragrance, but a powerhouse and quality leather.

I’d say this is a full-on, somewhat natural smelling leather with a lot of spices. The dry, punchy pepper stands out, as well as some slightly sweeter tones from cinnamon and tonka bean. With the sweetness and mossy base, there is a hint of a vintage/retro fougere element in Monarch, but it is ultimately overshadowed almost completely by the force of leather.

The leather is dry, a bit earthy, but also has a hint of aromatic freshness to it. It smells forest-like and suitable for a Winter landscape.

I’ve seen this compared to Tom Ford Tuscan Leather, but I don’t feel it goes in the same direction (I think every leather gets compared to either Tuscan Leather or Ombre Leather at this point). Perhaps it reminds me more of the rubbery, woody tinged leathers from Matiere Premiere Oud Seven & Falcon Leather. It’s definitely not as ‘safe’ as Falcon Leather perhaps and wears spicier; the sweetness is toned down as well, but adds a similar relief.

Not necessarily my taste, but if you like a leather forward scent, Monarch is a solid deal to check out and arguably one of the better leathers in its class.