Great Britain

Encapsulating one's country (at least most of it...Northern Ireland?) in a scent is no small task, but Roja Dove's Great Britain shows that he was up to the task Its sophistication is unmatched, on par with the Roja name, as no powdery leather fragrance could smell great to my nose unless being superbly blended with the finest ingredients. Cedar is the primary woody element, and beyond that, I get a bit of rose, sage, and citrus (faint enough to be the lemon, bergamot, or both). What a lovely mix, though, as no one element seems to overpower the others, though if I were to identify a top dog, it would be the leather, partly because, as generally not a fan of leather fragrances (or just not that many, relatively), I'm attuned to detecting leather, perhaps defensively. I like another powdery leather fragrance, Dior Homme Parfum, quite a lot, but seldom wear it. Roja Great Britain is, by contrast, something I could wear perhaps every day, and to give some perspective, I rather lean toward sweet gourmand and/or fresh fragrances the majority of the time. Performance is strong, and I imagine this mainly to be a cold weather choice, fitting for its setting, but it's not so encumbering that it need be avoided in the warmer months, but its seriousness lends itself to wearing mainly in specific situations, even though I find it quite easy to wear; an odd contradiction, perhaps. At its price of £1,250 / $1,631 per 100ml, it's difficult to even contemplate ever purchasing, except perhaps after winning a lottery of some kind, but certainly the creation is up to par with the best I've smelled from the line. I only own two Rojas (the discontinued Extraits - Amber and Vetiver) because I could only obtain a couple of them affordably, and as one would expect, the most prohibitive aspect of the brand is the price, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and with Roja, I'm consistently given reason to believe, even in other cases when I dislike his scents, that the quality and care are both exceptional. Great Britain is such a creation, and one I might like to wear, as, for me, it takes the best parts of Dior Homme Parfum and Creed Royal Mayfair and gives the wearer a sophisticated portrait of Britain. Very neat stuff, even if simply academic for the majority of us that couldn't ride with the price tag. 8 out of 10

I don’t have much experience with Cuir de Russie-style fragrances, mainly because I’ve never had the opportunity to smell them, but also because they aren’t especially common today. Great Britain shares over ten notes with Manhattan from the same house, yet the two smell entirely different. This points to Roja’s method of constructing perfumes around a central mid-to-base accord, with all other elements built outward from that core. This approach can also be observed across other creations from the brand, including the Isola and Aoud collections. The closest reference I’ve been able to sample in relation to Great Britain is Portrayal Man. The key distinction is that Amouage is clearly violet-centered, whereas Great Britain places a much stronger emphasis on leather. That said, I wouldn’t call Great Britain leather-dominant. It leans more toward iris and violet, supported by a structured base of animalic and leathery nuances. That balance is crucial ; it gives the fragrance a distinctly opulent, luxurious character, rather than the more casual impression a leather-forward composition might create. The result is a powdery leather profile with animalic undertones, constructed in a way that feels almost chypre-like. As with much of Roja’s work, it comes very close to the edge stylistically, but never fully tips over it. That makes it quite niche in character, though not necessarily difficult to wear, more situational than anything else. There is a subtle echo of Dior Fahrenheit due to the violet note, but the comparison really ends there.

Great Britain is the most opulent and regal olfactory experience I’ve ever come across. It opens fairly bright initially with subtle hints of citrus and sage, before a delicately powdery touch of mesmerising violet tingles at the senses. Rose and Jasmine are present, providing an eloquently airy and vibrant floral aspect to the scent, however this is short lived to my nose. The star of the show here, on the one hand, is the most magnificent leather accord I’ve had the pleasure of putting my nose on. Comprised primarily of labdanum, it’s beautifully smooth and refined - like the soft brown leather inside the Houses of Parliament. On the other hand you’ve got this incredibly addictive orris note which is buttery smooth and powdery, transcending the scent into something otherworldly yet comforting. In the base there’s a general atmosphere of fluffy, musky, creamy elements likely coming from the oakmoss, ambrette and carrot seeds which elevates the powderiness even further. I adore this perfume with all my heart, it is truly the best scent I’ve ever smelled in my life and I’m incredibly grateful to finally own a bottle. This is by far the most incredible take on a leathery Chypre and whilst it does bear similarity to Chanel’s Cuir de Russie, I find Great Britain to have exceptional depth and quality beyond what Chanel can provide. This is a true work of art and a modern classic.

I was told that Roja created this scent to capture the true essence of what English Royalty would smell like. He wanted the wearer to envision being inside the palace, in the presence of the royal family and natural scent of luxury that surround them. Opulence and prestige is what this fragrance is suppose to illustrate, from the woody floors, to the leather, velvet and satin furbishing etc. This concoction ultimately represents and encompasses the persona of "Great Britain" through the scent of the wearer, for the noses of his/her audience. This is a sweet, leathery, powder scent. I don't get much citrus in this but it is there, very subtle, gives it a clean and fresh vibe. The labdanum and leather accords combine with wood are the backbones to "Great Britain's" greatness. It's suitable for a man or woman 40-60 years of age. Like wine, you want to drink it at its peak. You need to wear this at the proper age. If your too young, you'll smell old. If you're too old, you'll smell like you're trying to be young. This scent is delicate it needs to be understood to be worn properly. Special occasions would be most appropriate for this scent but it could be an all day everyday for the right person. **Projection 10/10 this scent it gracefully bold **Longevity 10/10 once you get it on its staying

Many of the reviews focus on the comparisons to CdR. So, I thought I would throw my 2 cents in. There are noticeable similarities, but in brief: Great Britain (to my nose at least) is the masculine version of CdR. Now I haven't tried the EDT version of CdR, I have tried the EdP version and own the pure parfum version. The pure parfum is the closet to GB to my nose. Both are classic learther-floral chypres with a old school vintage vibe. GB stays more leathery and less floral VS CdR which is leathery but florals are much more noticeable. The other differnce I noticed is there is more vanilla/sweetness in CdR that's more prominent. I didn't notice before I did a side by side comparison. GB has more animalic nuances then CdR. GB has more projection and longevity the CdR. CdR (pure parfum) is nearly a skin scent after an hour or so. As far as cost goes, surprisingly similiar. My CdR pure parfum cost 230.00 for 15mls which on a per ml basis is close to the cost of GB. So, to sum up: both are vintage floral leather fragrances. CdR leans more feminine, GB leans more masculine. GB is more leathery and animalic, CdR is more floral with more noticeable touches of vanilla/sweetness. The cost is similar on a per ml basis. And finally, you can't go wrong with either...

I've had the opportunity to affordably obtain a bunch of Roja decants. I just can't believe I'm sniffing a 1250pounds per 100ml perfume, craaaaaazy prices. But admitted: this is crazy far above average good as well. Wow, the initial blast of an animal library with just rubbed in warm leather seats where someone is smoking a pipe while squeezing a lemon is just incredible. Overwhelming, something old on the one hand, exciting on the other, with major character excuding age, wisdom, anciennity. I think it's awesome. Sillage is just there; not too loud, not too close to the skin. With that projection it just stays and stays and stays, gently evolving through many different notes. It's amazing how Roja Dove is able to blend many notes to a round fragrance where each note has its place, pops up and supports as it's supposed to... It's the masterful blending of the old Guerlain/Creed masters, brought to current age with excitingly modern results. Can't wait to sniff more, and I'm gonna cherish my few remaining sprays, knowing sadly enough I'll never in my life will be able to afford a bottle of this heavenly delight.

This is without a doubt one of the best, or perhaps even the best leather fragrance ever made. Its opulence is monumental, right from the first whiff. Think Buckingham Palace, think gigantic library filled with millions of old books wrapped in precious leather covers, think humongous palatial chambers with sky-high ceilings, decorated with priceless paintings. It does feel very expensive, exclusive, rare, but at the same time very familiar, like you’ve known it forever. Certainly a masterful composition! One thing to be aware of: It does contain a fair amount of material that resembles castoreum, which becomes more pronounced after an hour or so into its development. So, it might not be ideal for those of you who don’t like this particular note. That’s why you should test it for at least 3-4 hours on skin to get the whole picture. The price of this beauty is extremely high, unfortunately, which is why I will most likely stick to the next affordable alternative, namely Cuir De Russie by Chanel. It still remains, despite recent reformulation, a good leather fix for me.

I can not seem to get along with this one. I have a discovery atomizer, and I need to part with it. I find the leather truly unpleasant. Too raw. It doesn't smell like any leather I have ever smelled. It actually smells like leather that was not cured properly and is rotting. It opens with a big, starchy orris note, but it goes into rotting animal stench too quickly, where it remains for too long, before drying down into some sort of amber base that smells like it's a mix of a typical synthetic amber accord with a good dose of natural labdanum in it. On the Cuir de Russie debate... I don't see any resemblance whatsoever to that most perfect and supremely elegant leather perfume (pre-Les Exclusifs EDP, anyway. Can't say the same about the current formulation). They both contain a heavy dose of leather, but that's about all they have in common. They are totally different types of leather and totally different perfumes. Apples and oranges in my mind. Would not have thought of Cuir de Russie had others not mentioned it.

Is Great Britian the best leather scent ever created? Well you'd have to state from what point of view. In terms of current marketplace ..perhaps yes. Those that claim Chanel Cuir d Russie is close... Absolutely No. I've tested the current formulas and those are sharp, rough brutish compared to the silky refinement of Great Britian.. Could Great Britian hold a top 10 place in the historical realm of top leather perfumes ? Yes. Castorum has long been used for it's leathery nuances so it perplexes me why someone would mention castorum as if it's some sort of renegade animalic. It's very difficult to create a traditional leather fragrance without it. Heres used much like the 50s leather fragrance tradition..with quite aplomb and finesse to bring out the leather nature. The violet and the leather work well together ...it softens the composition. It's wonderful...it brought back memories of some of the other past leather greats. Is it worth it? It truly is.

Opens leathery and animalic.... settles down super smooth after 15 mins. I love the ambergris with the slight florals... I think ambergris is my favorite note in all of perfume and this makes the best masculine leather fragrance that while feeling heavy and dense also has something about it that's uplifting.... very well balanced and blended. 10/10 Masterpiece. This is my next purchase. PS - One of my very first colognes was Vintage by John Varvatos. I always loved that one and so did my wife... but performance was very weak. This is the first leather fragrance I've found that *kind of* resembles it. Of course this is 10x better.... but Vintage was a "fresh-ish" masculine tobacco/leather.... l tried so many Ormond Jayne and Xerjoff fragrances I thought were going to be similar but more upscale/niche.... but this right here, Great Britain, is the closest I've gotten to it. Again GB is 10x better of course :)

A gorgeous leathery chypre. The perfume opens with notes of bergamot, lemon, and clary sage. The heart is violet, jasmine, and rose de mai. The perfume fairly quickly settles on a dense powdery bed of leathery castoreum surrounded by a plethora of notes including carrot seed, cedar, cade, patchouli, oakmoss, guaiacwood, tolu, styrax resin, ambergris and labdanum. Very opulent and vintage feeling scent recalling a bygone area of decadence but only for animalic lovers. The unisex scent has moderate to strong projection and excellent longevity. Very overpriced but amongst this perfumers best works. Enjoy!

Could well be the best leather I'll ever smell. It's not a leather like in MdO Cuir or Tuscan for eg. it really smells like new car leather seats, but it comes in and out with other things around it where it can go a bit animalic then floral and herbal, with an ambergris base you can properly smell in it. Cuir de Russie is a good comparison but it is elevated above. I have put this one in my basket many times and talked myself off the ledge :) I want to get it, but I think I'll stick with the decant for the time being.

Roja's Cuir De Russie interpretation....and isn't it brilliant!!! Tremendously expensive, but exquisite blend and smell. Dear moderators please update the notes, as some of the big players of this composition, like violet-orris-and labdanum are totally missing Thanks

This is the best leather perfume I've ever tried. It's so magnificent and opulent, I've never experienced anything like this. Lasts forever, projects beastly, I mean... what's not to like? The price, that's the problem... Hopefully I can get a bottle one day

smoothest, most natural leather accord i've smelt so far in my life, nothing else has really come close & also, i'm not a fan of leather at all and for me to love this fragrance, is all you need to know about this creation.

In terms of quality, this is a step above Chanel CDR and Dior Cuir Cannage. There is no comparison. Great Britain is a well rounded, full bodied leather. Dont be afraid of the castoreum, this is so well balanced.

I can imagine the king of Great Britain wearing this scent. The first 10 seconds it doesn't smell good but after that it smells very good and masculine, a very serious scent that follows the air wherever you go.

absolutely the best leather fragrance created. Top quality 10/10 in all aspects but price point is steep. Bravo Roja for another great creation

Gorgeous fragrance but Chanel Cuir De Russie does this style so well already, even in EDP form.

I'm looking for a bottle. If anyone has one for sale. PM me.