Chelsea
Boadicea the Victorious (2013)

Chelsea by Boadicea the Victorious is a dark verdant, earthy oud that has a cold but mysterious and very alluring edge. The cold spice of cardamom blends with the earthiest vetiver and a medicinal oud aroma that has an ancient deep forest, wet earth feel about it. You feel this fragrance as much as smell it. The vetiver is very central here but this is strongly influenced by cardamom, patchouli, mahogany woods and I think I detect a sprinkle of saffron for that sharp cold ancient woods smell. I expect to see rotting timbers from an old wooden sailing vessel, or damp ancient stones of a Mayan ruin covered in lichens and mosses and forgotten by time. The fragrance is very strong, but a single spritz produces an amazing aroma that I find hypnotic and very agreeable. I have not smelled another perfume like this one but similar fragrances are MFK Oud Velvet Mood and Bond No. 9 Harrod's Ltd. Swarovski Oud. The price while expensive, is in the same range as other oud based perfumes of similar quality. A very unusual scent that will not appeal to everyone, but I recommend a test for the adventurous soul. I rate it 4 of 5 stars losing a point for its scruffy nature.