Burlington 1819 Roja Dove 2020 unisex 289

The Verdict

Roja Dove Burlington 1819, launched in 2020, celebrates five years of London's historic Burlington Arcade housing the flagship Roja Parfums boutique. The fragrance channels the refined, cosmopolitan spirit of its namesake address with a sparkling citrus opening that evolves into a rich amber-tobacco base with genuinely impressive staying power.

The composition has earned a loyal following among Roja enthusiasts while generating more mixed reactions from the broader fragrance community. Its greatest strength -- the unusually long-lasting citrus top notes -- is complemented by a complex base that some find sophisticated and others find problematic, particularly in the later hours of wear.

What It Smells Like

The opening is bright and effervescent, with bergamot, lime, mandarin, and a crisp mint note creating something distinctly reminiscent of summer cocktails. Reviewers consistently describe the effect as evoking Tom Collins and gin martinis, lending the fragrance a cheerful, sophisticated character that feels distinctly British in its restraint.

What sets Burlington 1819 apart from other citrus fragrances is how long this sparkling opening persists. Where most citrus notes evaporate within minutes, Burlington 1819's top notes remain vibrant for several hours, a remarkable achievement in citrus perfumery. The transition into the heart reveals cumin spice, oakmoss, rum, tobacco, and cashmeran, adding warmth and complexity while the citrus continues to sparkle above.

The base of labdanum and benzoin introduces a sweet, amber warmth that carries the fragrance through its later hours. This is where opinions diverge most sharply -- some find the base dignified and warm, while others detect a sweaty, cumin-forward quality that becomes difficult to ignore.

When to Wear It

Burlington 1819 is primarily a spring and summer fragrance, though its tobacco and amber base give it enough substance for transitional autumn weather as well. It excels at evening events, outdoor dining, and social occasions where its cocktail-hour character feels perfectly appropriate.

The moderate to strong sillage makes it suitable for both professional and social settings, though the cumin note in the drydown means some wearers prefer to reserve it for shorter events where the opening hours can be enjoyed fully.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of Burlington 1819's most impressive qualities. The fragrance regularly delivers 8 to 10 hours of wear time, with some reviewers reporting it persisting into the next morning. For a composition that leads with citrus, this is an exceptional achievement that Roja Dove fans particularly appreciate.

Projection is moderate to strong, creating a noticeable scent trail that has been noticed and complimented by others throughout the day and evening according to multiple reviewers. The sillage is substantial enough to make your presence known without being overwhelming.

The Community Says

Fragrantica and Basenotes reviewers acknowledge Burlington 1819 as a quality composition with impressive performance, though opinions on value are mixed given Roja's ultra-premium pricing. Some compare it favorably to Guerlain Homme, while noting that the Guerlain costs a fraction of the price.

The most common criticism involves the late drydown, where some wearers detect what they describe as a sweaty armpit note, likely attributable to the cumin and labdanum interaction. This late-stage quality is a dealbreaker for some and undetectable to others, making personal testing essential before purchase.

Who Should Buy This

Burlington 1819 appeals most to those who appreciate citrus fragrances with genuine depth and longevity, and who have the budget for Roja's luxury positioning. If you have enjoyed Roja's other compositions and are drawn to the idea of a sophisticated citrus-amber with cocktail-hour charm, this is worth experiencing.

Sampling is essential given the polarizing drydown and the significant investment required. The price means this should be a considered purchase, not an impulse buy.

The Bottom Line

Roja Dove Burlington 1819 delivers a fresh, dignified character with impressively lasting citrus notes and a complex amber-tobacco foundation that channels British sophistication. Its performance stands among the best in the citrus genre, even if the later hours reveal elements that divide opinion. For those whose skin chemistry agrees with its base notes, it offers a genuinely distinctive take on the luxury citrus fragrance.