On The Scent

We cannot tell you how much we LOVE receiving your questions and requests for
‘perfume prescriptions’ (something we’ve always specialised in at On the Scent
Podcast – it brings us such joy being able to match people to perfumes they’d
perhaps never tried or even heard of). And we get a LOT of DMs
@onthescentpodcast on Instagram, and messages on our On the Scent private
Facebook group, so here we are dedicating an episode to do a deep dive on two
fascinating fragrant conundrums...
Sometimes the prescription requests we get are to help find a ‘replacement’ for a
beloved signature scent that’s since been discontinued – to which we say, there’s
probably never going to be an exact match, but we can definitely guide you toward
trying some scents that match the vibe, the feeling that fragrance gave you when
you wore it, and the way it slotted into your life like a puzzle piece. We also get a
lot of requests for very specific scenarios, sometimes quite abstract themes or
intimate moments our listeners are seeking to scent! But when we think about
them more broadly, there’s ways of applying these scenarios (and the things the
listener needs to take from them: strength, motivation, comfort, energy...) to
aspects of our own lives.
In this correspondence special, we begin with some lovely feedback from a listener
who made a new discovery via a previous prescription suggestion, then we dive into
the two new requests, which are equally intriguing, and really showcase the kinds
of questions we get so many of and adore researching (often for hours!) to find the
perfect perfumes for.
Let’s begin!
Joanna said:
‘Dear Suzy and Nicola,
I can’t thank you enough for your amazing affordable iris prescriptions! Both sound
incredible and I will be definitely be hunting them down, especially Fragonard Belle
de Paris!
I especially want to thank you for your reviews of the new M&S perfumes. That
episode came out shortly before my trip to England from the States, and I
immediately added M&S to the itinerary! And WOW…Sheer Musk and Darkest
Vanilla are incredible! M&S perfumes are unavailable in America, so had my trip
been just a couple of weeks earlier I would have been completely out of luck, as I
would never have considered exploring M&S as a perfume haven without your
expert recommendation. I humbly beg you to do full reviews of the rest of the
Studio lineup! I feel that the interests of promoting truly exquisite super-affordable,
unique fragrances warrant such a podcast focus. Thank you for all you do for the
fragrance community!!’

Listener prescriptions:
Netta asks:
‘Hi! I recently discovered your podcast and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve been binge
listening and enjoying every episode!!
I’ve always been obsessed with fragrance and smelling good, so it feels like I’ve
finally found my people.
I was wondering if you could recommend a perfume that’s similar to the
discontinued Armani Privé Pierre de Lune. I absolutely loved it and have never
managed to find anything that captures the same feeling. It had such a clean, soft,
almost soapy quality while still feeling fresh and elegant. I’d be so grateful for any
recommendations! Many thanks in advance, Netta.’
Daniela Andrier (well known for her love of iris) created Pierre de Lune, featuring
violet, iris, cassia & woody notes.
Suzy suggests:
Prada Infusion d’Iris
‘This modern and elegant fragrance opens with notes of mandarin, galbanum,
orange and orange blossom which lead to the heart composed of iris, cedar and
vetiver. The base is composed of incense and benzoin.’
Fragonard Belle de Paris
Another stunning iris scent by Daniela Andrier. And only £42 for 100ml eau de
toilette! ‘Belle de paris is elegantly cloaked in iris, a symbol of chic, and wears its
incomparable scent. Its fruity head notes of green mandarin, neroli, and pear
brighten a generous heart of iris absolutely adorned with violet and incense. Musk
and white cedar form its base.’
27 87 Per sē
‘Per sē is our scent identity and the olfactive translation of our core belief: There is
No Scent Like the Present. It combines the now. The achromatic, and the individual
in a sensory experience.
“In creating Per sē, we aimed to capture the very essence of the present moment.
This fragrance is unparalleled; it ebbs and flows with the dynamism of change, yet
its core remains strikingly constant. Just as time never stops, neither does ‘Per sē’.
It serves as evidence of the enduring within the ever-changing.”
Crafting a symphony of achromatic elegance, Per sē is composed of a floral
bouquet, orris butter, and violet leaves. Juxtaposed with clean aldehydes, bamboo,
and a pinch of spicy pepper, a subtle underscore of ambrette seeds, angelica roots,
and gentle musk complete the incompletable experience of the sensory now.’
Nicola suggested:
Diptyque Fleur de Peau

‘A tribute to the mythical love between Psyche and Eros, which led to the birth of
their daughter, Hedone. One scent can convey this legend: musks. At the heart of
Fleur de Peau, they are cottony, downy or soft. Highlighted with iris and ambrette
seed, they reveal their full tactile dimension.
Absolute ambrette seed extract comes from hibiscus flowers. Its notes are
extraordinarily rich: sweet, slightly animal, fruity (like pear and plum).’

Madeline @rocknrollgypsy_13 asks:
‘Hello Suzy and Nicola! Fragrance goddesses!
Long time listener of the pod, I work on a vineyard in the Hunter Valley NSW
Australia and listening to both of you have gotten me through some long, long days
working by myself. My name is Madeleine and I was wondering if you could give me
a perfume prescription to empower and ground me.
Apart from being a musician, one of my other passions is Muay Thai. As a female
fighter I compete quite regularly, recently coming back from a life changing trip to
Bangkok where I competed at the WBC games winning a silver medal for Australia.
It was a tough fight and I know I could’ve done more to win that gold, but my mind
always seems to stop me before I even step over the ropes. My mentality is
something I always battle with, self-doubt, self-confidence and self-belief is always
what I struggle with. This is a weird kind of prescription, but I would like something
to wear before my fights, something that is empowering, fires me up, grounds me
and makes me feel like I am an unstoppable force going into the ring to face my
opponent. Think a goddess of war, powerful, strong, unbreakable and fierce.
Something to spray on before I warm up, or walk into the ring that grounds me,
centres me and reminds me of who I am.
I am open to anything, as my love for perfume has grown so much since listening
to you both. Much love always, thank you for all you do.
Madeleine xx’
Nicola’s answer:
Olfactive O New Earth
‘I am the host who cooks to the rhythm of the seasons, the one who pulls up an
extra chair before you’ve even asked. I believe in the beauty of things made by
hand - the thumbprint in the clay, the worn-in softness of a family heirloom. There
is quiet joy in walking the same path every day and noticing the first green shoots
of change. For me, luxury resides in the weight of a heavy linen shirt and the
simple, rhythmic task of chopping herbs from the windowsill pot. I am a life lived in
the present tense.
NOTES:

Luminous top: shiso, pink peppercorn, spearmint, elemi Present heart: deep-leaf
immersion, armoise, geranium, chamomile blue, cardamom, clary sage Rooted
base: hay absolute, fir balsam, oakmoss, myrrh
MOMENTS:
Nurturing my sourdough starter Fantasising of a life in the wilderness Leaving the
bookshop with just one more A cup of tea in the garden Seeking out the perfect
soulful escape’
Amouage Meander
‘The Amouage Meander eau de parfum explores the exhilarating feeling of
happiness in a land covered by fog – think lush green mountains and running
waterfalls covered in steamy clouds. Translating this surreal landscape using notes
of frankincense and vetiver, the rich greenery with cypriol and jonquille, and the
caramel-hued earth with sandalwood, carrot heart and orris root, this unique
fragrance captivates the senses and doesn’t let go even hours after being spritzed
on the pulses.’
Suzy’s answer:
Eris Parfums Ma Bête
‘MA BÊTE (My Beast) caresses you with the suggestiveness of perfumed fur. A
collision of the floral and the animal, MA BÊTE combines a regal Tunisian Neroli with
spices and a 50 percent overdose of Antoine Lie's own animalic cocktail.’
‘Ma Bête is a fierce beast with raunchy elegance.’ – Antoine Lie (Perfumer)
Aldehydes, Tunisian Neroli, Indian Nutmeg
Indian Cypriol, Honduran Styrax, Indian Jasmine Sambac
Virginia Cedarwood, Indonesian Patchouli, Synthetic Animalic Accord
‘After interviewing Master Perfumer Antoine Lie for Scent and Subversion, Barbara
asked him to help her create a collection of fragrances as bold as her favourite
vintage perfumes but for a modern audience.
Named after ERIS, the Greek goddess of troublemaking and disruption, ERIS
PARFUMS is inspired by muses — divine, human, and fragrant — that exemplify
unconventional beauty and...

Okay, we all know vanilla has been trending for ages now, but WHY does it prove
so popular? We think half the reason is the sheer diversity of vanillas available,
and the incredibly high-quality materials perfumers are able to use these days.
Plus the fact that vanilla continues to be one of the most universally adored
scents. Love them or loathe them, we feel sure there’s truly something for every
taste (and maybe some that will surprise or even shock you) in this week’s
episode...
Now, obviously, we mean five favourites *each*, we couldn’t possibly contain
them all to only five vanillas when there are SO many excellent varieties of
vanilla fragrances around these days. We have to say, though, f you’re a vanilla
naysayer, please don’t shy away from this episode, as we’ve versions that segue
from the just-launched and fabulously tobacco-filled, the sweetly tempting and
addictive you might expect, to the mind-blowingly modern and unlike any vanilla
you’ve ever smelled.
Encompassing hip-swivelling seduction, a stunning body butter, hugely powerful
fragrant talismans, and summery every-day wearability, there’s also a truly
affordable modern classic vanilla – created by a Master Perfumer who trained at
Chanel, created scents for Frederic Malle, Guerlain, Gucci, Amouage and
Atkinsons, but THIS one can be snapped up for under £30!
While some of our top vanillas crossed over, we also surprised each other with
some of our choices. Now then, which have YOU tried or want to go and smell
after listening...?
We discuss:

D’Orsay Vanilla Affair Extrait
By Nathalie Lorson
‘Immerse yourself in the captivating mystique of D’ORSAY, with Vanilla Affair
extrait de parfum transforming your everyday allure into one of intriguing
elegance.
Its scent – reminiscent of forbidden encounters and fierce passion – is infused
with riveting notes of tobacco and tonka bean, deepened with a vanilla duo, and
grounded with a smoky base of white musks and patchouli. No matter the
occasion, its aromatic blend of exhilarating notes will elevate your essence with
ease.’

The Body Shop Vanilla Body Butter
‘This indulgent cream melts in beautifully, delivering up to 96 hours of hydration
without greasiness. Skin feels instantly softer, smoother and cared for. The
fragrance opens with juicy nashi pear and fresh coconut water, lifted by mood
orchid. At its heart, rich Madagascar vanilla tincture blends with upcycled vanillin
ex rice, creamy milk and heliotrope for a smooth, enveloping warmth. It settles
into a sensual base of vanilla absolute, sandalwood and second skin musk for a
long lasting, skin hugging finish. Every application is a warm, comforting routine.’
Jovoy Fire at Will
‘This perfume’s sweet promises echo around your like languorous kisses.
Crafted by independent perfumer Vanina Murraciole, Fire at Will eau de parfum
from JOVOY explores the duality of vanilla and mimosa – at once intense yet
subtle, seductive yet enchanting. The opening reveals an unexpected vanilla: airy
and ethereal, lifted by honeyed, powdery mimosa. As it evolves, the vanilla
becomes more gourmand and fruity, evoking the delicacy of real vanilla ice
cream while lingering with the allure of whispered promises.’
Top Notes: Mimosa Absolut, Vanilla Absolut
Middle Notes: Vanilla Sugar, Brown Sugar
Base Notes: White Musks, Amber Vetiver
Maison Louis Marie No.15 Vanille Infinie
‘Vanille Infinie, a luxurious and sweet gourmand, is a celebration of hope and
renewal. No.15 Vanille Infinie unfolds as a warm, luminous composition, soft vanilla
layered with citron, sugared amber and cashmere oud for gentle resinous warmth.
The Eau de Parfum evolves naturally on skin, shifting with your body heat to reveal
a smooth, enveloping trail that feels both intimate and enduring.’
Jeroboam Insulo
‘For François Hénin, the founder of Jeroboam, vanilla has always been the
absolute weapon of seductive souls. The ingredient is recognized throughout the
world as an irresistible enticement to be devoured. Insulo (meaning ‘island’ in
Esperanto) is used in this case as a code name for Madagascar, the island which
produces perhaps the highest quality and most famous vanilla in the world.
The olfactive pyramid of Insulo is incredibly simple with vanilla at the top, jasmine
at the heart and the signature blend of enigmatic musks at the base. These few
notes combine to produce a luxurious and irresistible.’
AKRO Bake
‘Bake is our addictive cupcake fragrance.
Everyone has their own favourite sweet treat, and for Akro, it's the small, but
perfectly delicious lemon cupcake—an item we just can’t resist any time we walk
past a good bakery. To honour our favourite cupcakes, we created BAKE, a

gourmand fragrance made up of Tart Lemon notes, followed by sweet Vanilla and
rich, nutty Praline. BAKE is so good, you might not need that second cupcake
after all.
TOP: Lemon peel
MIDDLE: Chantilly cream, Praline
BASE: Brown sugar, Vanilla.’
Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder
‘A sophisticated take on vanilla, diffusing like a bright, soft cloud. I contrasted
dark vanilla absolute with an overdose of modern white perfumer powders — as
if the vanilla bean had been painted white.
Palo Santo Oil Ecuador brings structure and verticality. The addictive character of
Vanilla is reinforced by Coconut powder. White Musks envelop the Vanilla and
powders for a contemporary, luminous perfume.’ - Aurélien Guichard
Rochas Tocade
One of THE best vanillas if you’re on a budget. Or even if you’re not, come to
that!
‘Originally launched in 1994, and composed by Maurice Roucel, Rochas Tocade
opens with a vibrant burst of bergamot and green notes, setting the stage for a
heart that blooms with the rich aromas of rose, geranium, and magnolia. These
floral elements are beautifully balanced by the warmth of vanilla and amber,
creating a harmonious blend that is both sensual and inviting. The base notes of
musk and cedarwood add depth and longevity, ensuring that this enchanting
fragrance lingers on your skin throughout the day.’

Season 8, Episode 7 Alice du Parcq & The Philosophy of Perfume (her
NEW BOOK!)
This week we welcome back dear perfume pal and friend of the pod (star of two
previous episodes), the multi-award-winning fragrance writer, presenter, content
creator and now AUTHOR, Alice du Parcq!
Alice has always been ‘on a mission to decode perfume in a fun, relatable and
objective way.’ Now, added to her perfumed portfolio will be an incredibly gift-
able (to self or scent-loving friends) book, created in collaboration with none
other than The British Library, called The Philosophy of Perfume. Out in October,
we cannot WAIT to read it, and in this episode, Alice gives us a sneak peek at
what you expect to find inside, plus the entire story of how the book came to be,
and why she burst into tears in a library.
We’ve even managed to wangle a must-sniff list of perfumes Alice has been
wowed by so far this year (not in the book, just a little scented extra to get you
scurrying to smell them). We loved this warm, emotive, wide-ranging
conversation and, as ever, could have talked to Alice for hours longer, and we so
hope you enjoy this deep dive into one of the most hotly anticipated books for
some time...
Some context about the British Library and this collection:
‘The British Library has an in-house publishing division, and they have an
established collection of around 18 books called "The Philosophy Of...". It's a
family of small giftable books that cover fun and whimsical lifestyle topics, such
The Philosophy of Cheese, The Philosophy of Christmas of Gin, of
Tattoos and of Houseplants, where an expert in that specific field dives into the
origins and evolution of that subject. In January, I was invited to do The
Philosophy of Perfume and it will sit within this collection but as a slightly
longer and more standout format. It's out in October, in time for the gifting
season, and the RRP is £12.99.’
About the book:
‘The Philosophy of Perfume is a fun, warm, thoughtful and practical book all
about fragrance, which looks at its origins and how it's made, how we smell and
how best to shop for perfume. It is an adventure into the facts, folklore and
fantasies surrounding perfume, delving into how it has evolved through the eras
and decades as an artform, reflecting our cultural patterns through history. In
the book, you'llmeet perfumers who share insights into their fascinating creative
process; you'll learn the science behind how we smell and the wild emotional
voyage from smell to soul! There are tales of scented superstitions, and the
literary and historical figures who inspire perfume, plus the ways in which AI is
impacting the future of fragrance and a helpful guide on how to shop for
perfume and find The One(s!).
It was so important to me that this book was not for perfume experts, but for
fragrance lovers of all ages who want a moment of enchantment laced with
interesting facts, a sprinkle of science and some practical guidance when on their
next scent shopping safari.’

Can’t wait until October? You can see Alice talking live, interviewed by the
wonderful Amanda Carr (founder of Barnes Fragrance Fair @barnesfragrancefair)
at the Barnes Bookfest sat 26 th September at 6pm, and get tickets and more
info here: https://barnesbookfest.org/

Fragrances Alice has adored so far this year:
Pia Long’s Olfiction Iconic (by name and nature! An utterly staggering vision of
1980s department stores, expensive makeup and body creams – nostalgia
personified)
Botega Venetta’s new Ulta collection (especially Bare Morning which Alice
feels is the longest-lasting most comforting powdery scent she’s smelled for
years)
Hellenist (all of them basically – a stunning house Suzy first saw at Pitti
Fragranze, and which we all very much hope will be available in U.K. soon)
Neal’s Yard Remedies Mood Awakening Collection (Alice loved how true
these felt to the brand’s ethos, and how they slotted so perfectly into their most
beloved collections)
Ode Ona (all of them, again – an exquisitely crafted and curated collection, all
worth exploring)

This week is a truly madcap sniffathon HOPEFULLY encompassing [*takes a
deep breath*] wild seascapes, fragrant ghosts and a notorious rake; a spicy
summer scent to set your senses tingling; a fruity treat based on a perfumer’s
favourite breakfast; a splendiferous peacock strutting its scented stuff; a stunning
sueded rose; perfumes pulled straight from the vegetable patch; Harrods
exclusives to swoon over; a seriously affordable new niche house; a mesmerising
myrrh, and Alice du Parcq’s book pre-order discount code…
AND if all that wasn’t enough, we’re also answering a #listenerprescription for a
jasmine fragrance to remind her of a dance while wearing jasmine garlands.
Phew!
Can we possibly fit it all in without going off-topic? Listen along and find out!
BeauFort London continued: Following on from last week’s fascinating interview
with founder Leo Crabtree, Nicola tries a trio of intriguing scents:
Cape Wrath
‘Cape Wrath Eau De Parfum. Named after the rugged area of coastline on the
most North Westerly tip of Britain, Cape Wrath pulls inspiration from this wild,
treacherous seascape. The remote landmark - named after the old Norse word
for ‘turning point’ has for centuries been used by sailors to safely navigate the
coast of Britain, yet its treacherous waters have claimed countless vessels.
Character: Powerful; wild; windswept

 THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Elemi, Galbanum, Angelica Root
Opens with a blast of
bracing ocean air.
Heart Notes: Frankincense, Mastic, Geranium
Resinous smoke and geranium
add both warmth and austerity.
Base Notes: Ambergris, Vetiver, Ambrette, Seaweed, Oakmoss
Absolute
Mossy oceanic base which powerfully lingers.
Perfumer: Euan McCall
Absent Presence
‘‘O absent presence, Stella is not here’
The fifth and final instalment of the Revenants collection draws inspiration from
the Elizabethan poet Sir Philip Sidney. In his Sonnet sequence ‘Astrophel and
Stella’ Sidney develops and captures the essence of a haunting… the presence
of one that is always felt but never seen.
‘Now I, wit-beaten long by hardest fate,

So dull am, that I cannot look into
The ground of this fierce love and lovely hate,
Then some good body tell me how I do,
Whose presence absence, absent presence is;
Blesst in my curse, and cursed in my bliss.’
Comprising the highest level of natural ingredients of any BeauFort fragrance,
Absent Presence explores its themes with typically ‘overdosed’ concentrations of
violet leaf absolute, vetiver bourbon oil, smoky leather and black pepper oil. As
with all the Revenants family, Absent Presence is presented as 30% Eau De
Parfum.
Character: Dark; enveloping; waves.
THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Pepper
Fresh, green, and fleeting felt but out
of reach.
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Violet
 Jasmine and violet bloom with intensity.
Base Notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber, Cedarwood 
Warm leather,
woods, amber and musk linger like a ghost on the skin, the violet heart returning
in waves.
Perfumer: Julie Dunkley.’
Rake & Ruin
‘Rake & Ruin Eau De Parfum is inspired by the works of satirist William Hogarth,
this fragrance summons his characters from a gin soaked 18th century London.
This debauched Eau De Parfum incorporates the botanical ingredients of gin;
dark woods, civet, musks and amber bringing to life 'all manner of Vice and
Wickedness.’

THE WEARING EXPERIENCE
Top Notes: Angelica, Liquorice, Juniper, Coriander, Szechuan Pepper, Pink
Pepper, Orange, Lemon
Opens with a sharp, gin-like freshness, spiced and
effervescent.
Heart Notes: Cypress, Pine Needles, Castoreum, Labdanum, Cade Oil, Costus,
Violet Orris
Bowing to a heart of smoky woods, animalic tones and powdered
florals.
Base Notes: Dark Woods, Ambrarome, Sandalwood, Musk
Dark woods, musk
and animalic. Ambrarome complete the seductive yet slightly sinister finish.’
Alice du Parcq’s book: The Philosophy of Perfume
Pre-order at Waterstones for £10 (25% off with code SUMMER26)
https://tinyurl.com/AliceWaterstones
‘The Philosophy of Perfume is a fun, warm, thoughtful and practical book all
about fragrance, which looks at its origins and how it's made, how we smell and

how best to shop for perfume. It is an adventure into the facts, folklore and
fantasies surrounding perfume, delving into how it has evolved through the eras
and decades as an artform, reflecting our cultural patterns through history. In the
book, you'll meet perfumers who share insights into their fascinating creative
process; you'll learn the science behind how we smell and the wild emotional
voyage from smell to soul! There are tales of scented superstitions, and the
literary and historical figures who inspire perfume, plus the ways in which AI is
impacting the future of fragrance and a helpful guide on how to shop for perfume
and find The One(s!).
It was so important to me that this book was not for perfume experts, but for
fragrance lovers of all ages who want a moment of enchantment laced with
interesting facts, a sprinkle of science and some practical guidance when on their
next scent shopping safari.’
AKRO Heat
‘HEAT is our addictive chili fragrance.
Chili is not just a spice. It is a rush. A burn you think you can handle. The first
time you smell it, it hits, it wakes you up. Then it warms you. Then you want it
again.
The best chili doesn’t just flavour. It ignites. It makes your skin tingle. Your
temperature rise. Your pulse quicken. Your senses sharpen.
HEAT is that moment when warmth turns into craving. When your body asks for
more. A vibrant indulgence. A dopamine shot you keep coming back to.
HEAT is a scent that sets you on fire and makes you love the burn.
TOP: CORIANDER SEED, LEMON, RED CHILI
MIDDLE: CARDAMOM, GINGER, JUNIPER
BASE: CEDARWOOD, AMBROX, MUSK.’
Jeroboam Oud Morning
By Vanina Muracciole
‘Oud Morning from Jeroboam is the perfect balance of brightness and depth.
Opening with an unexpected burst of blueberry, saffron and resins, the
composition moves into a heart of Indian oud, softened with leather and aged
woods. Sandalwood, ambroxan and white musk anchor it into a smooth, sensual
base, finishing the creation on an intimate note.
Top Notes: Blueberry, Gurjum Balsam, Saffron
Middle Notes: Indian Oudh, Leather, Dry Wood, Violet
Base Notes: Sugar, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, White Musks.’
Alexandre J Royal Peacock (Harrods Exclusive)

‘At the turn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau reshaped the decorative arts.
Mucha, Gallé, Tiffany, Lalique, all drew on nature to invent a new grammar of
curves, stylised plants and extraordinary birds. Among them,
the peacock reigned supreme: its iridescent eyes and regal bearing embodied
the movement's core belief in beauty for beauty's sake.
The opening evokes an Italian espresso served with Viennese pastry. Roasted
coffee dialogues with hazelnut in a frankly gourmand accord, before maple
syrup brings its unmistakable amber roundness, sweet without cloying, almost
woody. Caramel amplifies the indulgence, while violet casts a powdery floral veil
that keeps the composition from tipping into excess. The vanilla-almond base
settles into a lasting, addictive warmth.’
Ormonde Jayne Suede Silhouette
‘Bathed in crimson and violet, Suede Silhouette reflects the warmth of saffron,
the richness of raspberry and the quiet confidence of suede. Exclusively at
Selfridges.’
Jo Malone London Veggies collection:
Celine Roux says: ‘We just loved that people, even in the middle of cities like
London, can grow their own carrots and herbs – the fact that everyone wants to
have a grasp on nature from wherever they are. This [collection] takes that idea
of something homegrown and unmanicured but gives it a fresh take’
Velvety Butternut:
‘The path ahead is smooth, just like a velvety butternut playfully plucked from the
veggie patch. Notes of smooth butternut, warm tonka bean and patchouli create
a woody gourmand scent.
Top - Ginger
Spicy and fresh with a zingy lemon quality, it opens the fragrance with lively
brightness.
Heart - Butternut
Smooth and nutty, notes of butternut imbues the fragrance with a delicious
warmth and creaminess.
Base - Patchouli
Grounded in patchouli, a sensuously deep woody note that enhances the
longevity of the fragrance.’
Carrot Blossom:

‘Life is sweet, just like carrot blossom gloriously gathered from the veggie patch.
Notes of subtly sweet carrot, orange flower and white musk create a fresh floral
scent.
Top - Fennel
Herbaceous with hints of aniseed, it adds a dewy sweetness to the top notes.
Heart - Carrot Blossom
Lightly floral and sweet, with an earthy accent, complementing the powdery notes
of orris.
Base - Patchouli
Grounded in patchouli, a sensuously deep woody note that enhances the
longevity of the fragrance.’
Suzy’s favourite: Scarlet Beetroot
‘Colour is all around, just like a scarlet beetroot splendidly spied in the veggie
patch. Notes of beetroot, vibrant blackcurrant and a dash of...

[AD: This episode is proud to be in partnership with BeauFort London - a house Suzy has championed from the start, spoken about passionately over the years, and continues to be excited by.]

From a single, hand-poured moustache wax to one of the world’s most daringly distinctive fragrance houses, BeauFort London’s story is as elemental as the scents themselves. Founded in 2013 by musician Leo Crabtree, the brand was born from salt-spray memories, naval histories and a fascination with the poetry of smoke — quite literally “per fumum” (‘through smoke’).

In this episode of On The Scent Podcast, Suzy Nightingale and Nicola Bonn sit down with Leo to trace that journey: from the formative fragrances he wore as a teenager to the moment he realised scent could become a storytelling medium for his fascinations with maritime might, Shakespearean drama, and the awe-inspiring power of nature.

With the launch of Come Hell Or High Water in 2015 — featuring the now-iconic Tonnerre, Coeur de Noir and Vi et Armis — BeauFort London set out its stall with unapologetically bold compositions, rich in unusual materials and deliberately ‘overdosed’ in their intensity. As you listen, you will hear Suzy, Nicola and Leo smelling some of the creations together — Nicola encountering them properly for the first time, while Suzy revisits fragrances she has worn and championed for years, having known Leo since the brand’s earliest days and even helping to shape the direction of Fathom V.

Together, we delve into the inspirations behind the scents, the emotions they stir, and the evolving landscape of perfumery that Leo reflects upon with candour. It is a conversation about transformation — personal, creative, and within the industry itself — and one that invites you to explore these boldly original fragrances for yourself…