GalbanumOpens with
AmberHeart
French labdanumDries down to
John StephenThe nose · 16 fragrances · also made Gravitas Pour Homme (2020)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Boadicea the Victorious · Sold as unisex
Explorer
The quiet confidence of someone stepping into an unfamiliar landscape with curiosity and purpose.
Full bottle: Luxury tier, typically $250+. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
ExplorerLuxury · $250+
40%Similar accords, often for lessHammam Bouquet · Penhaligon'sPremium tier, $100–250 · shares 4 of its 9 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
HeartThe Soul
BaseFoundation
The story behind the bottle.
Explorer by Boadicea the Victorious launched in 2008 and was created by perfumer John Stephen. This fragrance is a harmonious blend of green and woody accords, with a bright citrus top that gives way to deeper notes of amber and powdery iris. The opening notes of galbanum and bergamot create an uplifting freshness, while the heart of orris root and rose adds depth and warmth. The base of French labdanum and Virginia cedar grounds the composition in a rich earthiness. Explorer captures the essence of a journey through nature, where each step reveals new layers and nuances.
Given its long-lasting nature and strong sillage, a light application is recommended to avoid overpowering. The fragrance develops best when allowed to settle on the skin for at least ten minutes before going out.
Fig. 01 — Explorer, Boadicea the Victorious
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
Live prices aren't shown yet. Each link opens that seller's own search; we may earn a commission.
Not sure it's you?
Five questions, about a minute, no account. You get a shortlist that fits how you actually wear fragrance.
John Stephen
John Stephen, born in rural England, studied chemistry at the University of Bath before turning his family's failed perfumery venture into The Cotswold Perfumery in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Designer Boadicea the Victorious
More from the house · founded 2005 · United Kingdom
You Might Also Like
Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $250+ price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalExplorerBoadicea the Victorious · Luxury · $250+Penhaligon's · 1872Hammam BouquetShares 4 of its 9 notes$100–250★ 4.01 (555)40%Match
Prada · 2008No8 OpopanaxShares Galbanum, Bergamot and Amber$100–250★ 4.46 (52)40%Match
Giorgio Armani · 2009Armani Code Summer pour HommeShares 4 of its 10 notes$100–250★ 4.19 (42)40%Match
Al Haramain PerfumesBasma NoirShares 4 of its 9 notesunder $40★ 4.50 (2)
With Boadicea the Victorious Carbon Sapphire
Adds oud, rose and warm spicy; shares four accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Well loved by wearers: loved by 47%, disliked or hated by 14%.