Defender

Defender, released by Boadicea the Victorious in 2024 and composed by Kamila Lelakova, is a dense amber with a sweet, boozy core. Everyone who describes it calls it gourmand, resinous and amber at once, most also notice a floral thread, and a minority find spice and citrus.

Grapefruit gives a brief, zesty lift at the start before the scent turns warm and syrupy. Cognac and honey bring a rich, golden, slightly alcoholic sweetness, licorice adds a dark, aniseed-like tone, and hay lends a dry, sun-warmed softness close to tobacco. Night-blooming jasmine sits inside this warmth rather than on top of it. The base is resin-heavy: labdanum and tonka bean give a sticky, balsamic depth, with a touch of leather for grip.

Worn by anyone, this reads as a cold-weather fragrance, suited to autumn and winter evenings, long dinners and occasions where a rich, enveloping scent is welcome. People who enjoy boozy ambers and honeyed resins will find a great deal to like here.

Defender — unisex fragrance by Boadicea the Victorious (released 2024). Notes: Amber, Benzoin, Cognac, Ginger, Grapefruit, Hay, Honey, Labdanum, Leather, Licorice, Musk, Myrrh, Night Blooming Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Peru Balsam, Red Amber, Red Fruits, Tonka Bean. — Parfica open fragrance database