Bentley’s Latest Fragrances Is Its Best Yet

2 months ago

What to expect from Bentley BECOME

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

The latest scent from Bentley Fragrances is eco-friendly, inclusive and defies gender stereotypes – with nary a whiff of car leather.

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

Bentley BECOME: Inside The New Fragrance

In the world of luxury car brand fragrances, Bentley Motors has just upped the olfactory ante with the release of its latest scent, Bentley BECOME Eau de Parfum. In what the iconic automobile company is describing as a new direction, the ‘forward-looking’ and youthful scent, part of the Bentley Fragrances range, has been created using mainly natural and upcycled ingredients.

All plants and flowers harnessed in its production have been artisanally sourced through a partnership with German supplier Symrise, and the glass bottle is entirely recyclable, including its aluminium cap.

We fell instantly for the woody spicy-floral scent, both invigorating and warmly comforting. Opening with a burst of sweet orange and bergamot, combined with a hit of black Madagascar pepper oil, it gives way to zesty notes of juniper and myrrh – set against an earthy base of santal album, vetiver and patchouli oils.

In line with Bentley Motors Beyond 100 sustainability strategy and long-term commitment to environmental responsibility, the niche fragrance boasts sustainability ratings with 70.81 percent renewable carbon and nearly 50 percent upcycled materials.

‘I started to write my formula with a white page,’ explains Symrise’s master perfumer Alienor Massenet at a sneak preview, appropriately held at the car manufacturer’s swanky new brand home, Bentley Mews, in Crewe, Cheshire. ‘It is challenging for perfumers to use natural ingredients and upcycling but I love a challenge,’ she adds.

‘Sustainability was considered from the very early stages of the process. Each ingredient aims to positively impact the planet and people. Great examples include patchouli and vetiver oil, which are UEBT certified and come from our direct sourcing program in Madagascar, which ensures long-term supply chain security, respects biodiversity and enhances farmers’ livelihoods.’

While the spicy, balsamic notes could be considered typically masculine, Bentley BECOME blurs the line between male and female fragrances and is aimed at whoever happens to fall in love with it. ‘When I create a fragrance, I don’t put a gender on it,’ insists Massenet. ‘There is no rule. Fragrances transcend gender boundaries.’

It’s also lighter than previous scents from Bentley Fragrances, established 11 years ago, and targeted at a younger, ‘open-minded and conscious’ customer.

Inspired by Bentley’s classic codes and designed with a ‘less is more’ approach in collaboration with Lalique Beauty, the seriously sleek bottle introduces new eco details, including the recyclable cap (inspired by the brand’s distinctive diamond-patterned grids) and biodegradable green colour gradient.

While best known for its engineering expertise and automotive craftsmanship, this definitive British heritage company has been quietly extending its ethos into luxury furniture, architecture and lifestyle accessories over the past decade – culminating in the opening of its first showcase home in Crewe, a short drive (in a Bentayga SUV, naturally) from its world-renowned carbon neutral factory. Formerly the stables and carriage block of nearby Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, the newly transformed Bentley Mews is now an exclusive, experiential venue – fully kitted out with beautifully-crafted pieces from the Bentley Home 2024 collection – for entertaining customers, partners and friends of the brand.