Edible
Woody
Top Notesblack peppercaramelgingerjuniperlemonlimemadeleine cake accordmandarinpink peppersea spray
Heartgaiac / guaiac woodgaïac woodoudvetiver
Base Notesamberfrankincensehot sand accordmossmusksea saltvanilla
Tags
#sweet
Style
unisex
Inspired by the innovative use of materials that allowed 18th century clockmakers to construct the first truly accurate marine chronometers, Lignum Vitae combines elements of wood, metal and salt to produce a truly unique, transportive fragrance. Lignum vitae itself is an incredibly dense wood - the only wood which is guaranteed to sink in water - which is indigenous to the Caribbean and the north coast of South America. The brand’s nautical theme is enhanced wonderfully by caramel, a madeleine cake accord and a cool winter lemon note which provide a truly unique gourmand experience akin to smelling warm shortbread, muffins or cupcakes.
In combining unexpected and exotic raw materials, Beaufort London celebrates the innovative spirit which brought to an end the search for lost time, and permitted the safe passage of ships across the world.
***
The Sniff on Lignum Vitae:
"An innovative gourmand fragrance with a masculine slant, Lignum Vitae by Beaufort London is something rather unexpected. And who doesn’t love a plot twist?"
All about this fragrance
Vibe check
A warm bakery scent carried into salt air: Lignum Vitae suits an unhurried afternoon spent out of the cold, with a wool coat still over the chair. Its cake-like sweetness feels welcoming, while the woody, saline edge keeps the mood dry and slightly austere.
How to wear
Cool weather is a natural setting for its cake-like sweetness and dense woods. Start with one or two sprays on skin beneath clothing for a more contained impression; exposed wrists allow the citrus and saline contrast more room in the air. In warmth, apply lightly to keep the gourmand side restrained.
Who it’s for
For lovers of woody gourmands who want sweetness interrupted rather than amplified. It will appeal to those drawn to buttery bakery accords, tart citrus and salt, especially when conventional vanilla-led comfort scents feel too smooth or predictable.
Release year
2016
The nose
Julie Marlowe.
Collaborators
BeauFort founder and artistic director Leo Crabtree shaped the historical concept around marine chronometers and their ingenious use of materials. His experiments working lignum vitae wood helped inform the fragrance’s unexpected gourmand direction.
Beaufort’s story
BeauFort London turns British history, maritime culture and memory into forceful, often polarizing perfumes. Founded by Leo Crabtree and named after the wind-force scale, the house favors material contrasts and distinctive storytelling over universal appeal.
Lignum Vitae’s concept
Lignum Vitae draws on the material ingenuity behind early marine chronometers, particularly John Harrison’s timekeeping work. Wood, metal and salt translate that maritime story into scent, while the madeleine accord introduces a second theme: Proust’s connection between taste, scent and memory.
Extra info
Early prototype bottle caps were made from actual lignum vitae wood; Crabtree’s attempts to work the exceptionally hard material helped reveal its aromatic character. Lignum Vitae belongs to the Come Hell or High Water collection, whose core eaux de parfum are described by the house as containing 20% perfume oil.
Featured in edits and sample packs
British NicheLovely Lemons EditVanilla et Co: Anthology of Sweet in Perfume
Top Notesblack peppercaramelgingerjuniperlemonlimemadeleine cake accordmandarinpink peppersea spray
Heartgaiac / guaiac woodgaïac woodoudvetiver
Base Notesamberfrankincensehot sand accordmossmusksea saltvanilla
Tags
#sweet
Style
unisex
Inspired by the innovative use of materials that allowed 18th century clockmakers to construct the first truly accurate marine chronometers, Lignum Vitae combines elements of wood, metal and salt to produce a truly unique, transportive fragrance. Lignum vitae itself is an incredibly dense wood - the only wood which is guaranteed to sink in water - which is indigenous to the Caribbean and the north coast of South America. The brand’s nautical theme is enhanced wonderfully by caramel, a madeleine cake accord and a cool winter lemon note which provide a truly unique gourmand experience akin to smelling warm shortbread, muffins or cupcakes.
In combining unexpected and exotic raw materials, Beaufort London celebrates the innovative spirit which brought to an end the search for lost time, and permitted the safe passage of ships across the world.
***
The Sniff on Lignum Vitae:
"An innovative gourmand fragrance with a masculine slant, Lignum Vitae by Beaufort London is something rather unexpected. And who doesn’t love a plot twist?"
All about this fragrance
Vibe check
A warm bakery scent carried into salt air: Lignum Vitae suits an unhurried afternoon spent out of the cold, with a wool coat still over the chair. Its cake-like sweetness feels welcoming, while the woody, saline edge keeps the mood dry and slightly austere.
How to wear
Cool weather is a natural setting for its cake-like sweetness and dense woods. Start with one or two sprays on skin beneath clothing for a more contained impression; exposed wrists allow the citrus and saline contrast more room in the air. In warmth, apply lightly to keep the gourmand side restrained.
Who it’s for
For lovers of woody gourmands who want sweetness interrupted rather than amplified. It will appeal to those drawn to buttery bakery accords, tart citrus and salt, especially when conventional vanilla-led comfort scents feel too smooth or predictable.
Release year
2016
The nose
Julie Marlowe.
Collaborators
BeauFort founder and artistic director Leo Crabtree shaped the historical concept around marine chronometers and their ingenious use of materials. His experiments working lignum vitae wood helped inform the fragrance’s unexpected gourmand direction.
Beaufort’s story
BeauFort London turns British history, maritime culture and memory into forceful, often polarizing perfumes. Founded by Leo Crabtree and named after the wind-force scale, the house favors material contrasts and distinctive storytelling over universal appeal.
Lignum Vitae’s concept
Lignum Vitae draws on the material ingenuity behind early marine chronometers, particularly John Harrison’s timekeeping work. Wood, metal and salt translate that maritime story into scent, while the madeleine accord introduces a second theme: Proust’s connection between taste, scent and memory.
Extra info
Early prototype bottle caps were made from actual lignum vitae wood; Crabtree’s attempts to work the exceptionally hard material helped reveal its aromatic character. Lignum Vitae belongs to the Come Hell or High Water collection, whose core eaux de parfum are described by the house as containing 20% perfume oil.
Featured in edits and sample packs
British NicheLovely Lemons EditVanilla et Co: Anthology of Sweet in Perfume