Defender.

In 2024 Boadicea the Victorious unveiled Defender, a tribute to the guardian spirit that stands between chaos and calm. Perfumer Kamila Lelakova stitched together a daring blend of cognac‑sweetened honey, sharp ginger and red‑fruit brightness, aiming to capture the moment a protector steps forward. The name evokes a shield‑like confidence, echoing the house’s love for historic British bravery.

Defender’s opening is unusual for pairing liquorice’s dark edge with the sun‑kissed zest of grapefruit, a contrast that jolts the senses before the honey‑cognac veil smooths the blow. The heart’s hay and myrrh give an almost ceremonial dry‑grass field, while night‑blooming jasmine adds a fleeting nocturnal bloom. The base anchors the chaos with red amber, leather and a creamy tonka bean, turning the composition into a guarded yet inviting fortress.

At first spray, the cognac and honey hit like a warm drink poured over fresh berries, while licorice whispers a mischievous undercurrent. Within ten minutes the ginger and grapefruit cut through, sharpening the sweetness into a crisp, slightly bitter edge. As the heart settles, hay and myrrh emerge, evoking a sun‑warmed field after a summer storm, while orange blossom and night‑blooming jasmine add a soft floral veil. By the hour‑mark, the base asserts itself: red amber glows, leather drapes like a well‑worn coat, and tonka bean and benzoin melt into a creamy, lingering warmth that clings to skin for the remainder of the day.

Since its 2024 debut, Defender has sparked conversation for its unapologetically sweet‑resinous profile, with many wearers praising the honey‑cognac opening and the leather‑amber drydown, while the licorice note divides opinion. It often appears on lists of bold unisex scents alongside Kilian’s Smoking Hot, marking it as a polarising yet memorable addition to the niche scene.