BEAUFORT LONDON
RAKE & RUIN
Eau De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$175
Description
Rake & Ruin is a unisex fragrance crafted by BeauFort London, not Xerjoff. Released in 2018, it belongs to the Revenants collection and draws inspiration from William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, evoking a vivid scene of licentious tavern life, gin excess, and moral fallibility in Georgian London.
Notes
Top Notes
Smoke
Angelica
GinLiquorice
Juniper Berries
Sichuan Pepper
Pink Pepper
OrangeMiddle Notes
Coriander
LemonSmoke
CypressPine Needles
Castoreum
LabdanumCade Oil
Base Notes
Costus
Violet
OrrisSmokeWood
Ambrarome
Sandalwood
MuskAbout BEAUFORT LONDON
BeauFort London is a British niche fragrance house founded by musician and writer Leo Crabtree. Inspired by Britain’s maritime history, literature, and raw natural forces, the brand is known for its dark, dramatic, and unapologetically bold perfumes. Each scent explores themes of identity, memory, and heritage, often evoking smoke, gunpowder, ink, and the sea. With its distinctive storytelling and atmospheric intensity, BeauFort London has become a cult name in avant-garde perfumery.
Perfumer
Julie Dunkley
Julie Dunkley is a British perfumer and Senior Perfumer at Sozio UK. She served as President of the British Society of Perfumers for 2023–24 and began her career via a lab apprenticeship at FD&O in 1988. She’s best known for her work with Beaufort London, creating brooding, evocative compositions such as Tonnerre (1805), Vi et Armis, Coeur de Noir, Fathom V, Lignum Vitae, Iron Duke, and Rake & Ruin.
Reviews
3.7
Good3 reviews
Ministry of Scent
3.7/5 • 3 reviews
Community Insights
Rake & Ruin by Beaufort London is widely recognized for its uncompromising smoky and boozy woods profile, praised for powerful storytelling and evocative atmosphere but noted as polarizing among wearers. Reviewers consistently mention its outstanding performance, dramatic artistic vision, and overwhelming presence, making it a special occasion statement rather than an everyday choice.
Pros
Performance excellence: Most reviewers praise its exceptional longevity, lasting over 8 hours, and its beastly projection—the scent fills a room easily even with modest application.
Versatile appeal: Enthusiasts recommend it especially in cold weather or for distinctive statement settings like themed events, evenings out, or moments demanding something atmospheric and dramatic.
Quality composition: The blend is often described as a masterful orchestration of bitter smoke, gin, woods, and spicy botanicals, reflecting a high level of creativity and storytelling depth.
Cons
Challenging wearability: The prominent acrid, realistic smoke can be anxiety-inducing and overwhelming, making it unsuitable for those sensitive to strong or bitter scents.
Situational drawback: Reviewers widely agree that Rake & Ruin is difficult to wear casually or daily and works poorly in warm or crowded environments due to its sheer intensity.
Limited evolution: Some find the scent to be monotone, as the unyielding smoke note dominates from start to finish and may overshadow the more subtle facets.
Comparisons
Similar to Beaufort London 'Fathom V': Both share a uniquely dark, smoky signature and a penchant for atmospheric storytelling, though Rake & Ruin leans more into the boozy tavern and burnt woods side.
Reminds reviewers of Nasomatto 'Black Afgano': Like Black Afgano, Rake & Ruin delivers a dense, smoky experience, yet Rake & Ruin is considered more bitter, less sweet, and more dramatic in its historical context.
Vibe & Emotions
Sense of drama: Reviewers feel transported to a historic, debauched tavern scene where the air is thick, charged, and mysterious.
Introspection: The fragrance evokes moments of contemplation—wearers often experience a sense of narrative depth and emotional storytelling.
Rebellion: Many describe a mood of boldness or defiance, most apparent when wearing Rake & Ruin for special occasions or artistic self-expression in cold, moody weather.
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