Brit Gold, the latest fragrance release from Burberry, was created by nose Antoine Lie and features magnolia, neroli, black currant, ultrafresh bergamot, pink iris, amber, vanilla, musk, and sandalwood. When I first tried the fragrance, it was a sniff of a tester in a department store. At that time, the only impression it made was “sweet vanilla”. I then tried a sample vial and had this to say:
Warm, powdery, amber-ish. It definitely reminds me of the current crop of powdery oriental fragrances like Flower Le Parfum, Kenzo Summer, i Profumi de Firenze Talco Delicato, Ormonde Jayne Tolu, Lea, etc. and really not that original. With notes of sandalwood, vanilla and iris creating an overall sweet powdery effect, I’m surprised there’s no almond in this. The opening is pleasant though simple, and the drydown is disappointing with little more than a sweet, ambery sandalwood note. If one had any of the above already in their collections, I can’t see why this would be a necessary addition. Perfect for the Brit collector and Burberry fiend looking for something not quite as fruity as the first two, though to me, Brit Red is vastly more interesting with its pronounced tangy rhubarb note.
But on re-visiting the fragrance as a spray, and after having the chance to wear it throughout a work day, it began to make a slightly more enchanting impression. True, it is not exactly original. True, it is quite simple. True, it is sweet and powdery. But…the sandalwood drydown, oh, the sandalwood.
I first got hooked on sandalwood and vanilla with Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Vanille Gousse Ambiance Perfume, and Brit Gold isn’t too far off. The big difference to my nose is that Brit Gold is focused on amber with very (hey…where ARE the neroli and magnolia notes?) faint floral hints in the opening. Moreover, the sandalwood in Brit Gold has somewhat of an old, musty feel, which is not entirely a bad thing. I was reminded more than once of Patricia de Nicolai’s Vanille Tonka. I believe Victoria of Bois de Jasmin summed it up best when she compared the scent to “a carved sandalwood box used to store vanilla and lemon bon-bons.” I’m not sure if I love Brit Gold enough to wait two hours into the drydown for the wonderful sandalwood to make its appearance, but when it does, it begins to set itself apart from the competition.
Burberry Brit Gold is a limited edition, and is available at sephora and many department stores.
I am very curious to try Brit Gold, since I love Talco Delicato and like Tolu…I also love amber and will not lament the lack of floral notes…definitely on my To Try list, thank you for the great review, Marlen!
Thanks for the wonderful review Marlen. I agree with you – it is not very original smelling but I liked it to and the sandalwood is rather lovely in this. The SA sprayed it on one of my cashmere scarves and I do enjoy it but I am not sure I will buy this.
Wonderful review, M! I loved its sandalwood drydown so much, I do not care about originality. It is well-composed and quite sophisticated. I am planning to acquire a bottle soon. The packaging is really nice too.
Wow! We almost agree! Except I love this more than you, as I love amber more than you. I think it's very lovely and that creamy drydown is really something. Although I do find that it is similar to the Red after the rhubarb burns off. I love rhubarb and I love amber so I felt the need to have both. But I think overall, the Gold will appeal to more people. I predict huge Christmas sales fro this one.
I went to my local Sephora the other day to sniff this, but they didn't have it. After reading your nice review, I look forward even more to trying this.
Thanks for the comments – It really is a nice scent and I agree, it will do VERY well at Xmas. I am planning on making this my SOTD today and give it another full wearing. I just wish there was a little more to it…Once testers are available (and that's how I got my bottle) it will be even more of an excuse to buy it and like me, wait for that sandalwood!
Nice review, Marlen. I have a sample of Brit Gold, and thought it was very pleasant, but so close to Gaultier 2 that I'd have to be a real vanilla/musk fan to consider buying both. However, I'd rather have a crop of vanilla/musk/sandalwood scents than the fruity florals that have infested the counters for the last few years! I disliked the original Brit, but was rather taken with the Brit Red, and am almost as taken with the Brit Gold. I wonder what they've added or taken away from the original?
Brit (original) EDP – Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, Tonka Bean.
Brit Red – green mandarin, rhubarb, gingerbread, jasmine, rose, vanilla, patchouli, benzoin, sandalwood and vanilla bean
Brit Gold – Magnolia, Neroli, Blackcurrant, Bergamot, Pink Orris, Amber, Vanilla, Musk, Sandalwood, Benzoin.
Well, I know the notes don't say a word about this–but I got a very warm, almost cinnamony opening burst on this one. Not sure I'll ever get past it. This is a no-buy for me, but Marlen, you've piqued my curiousity about Brit Red.