Burberry The Beat

The Beat by Burberry (2008)

Released in 2008 and crafted by Olivier Polge (now the in-house perfumer at Chanel), Burberry The Beat captured the cultural energy of British music with a refined modern floral composition. Built around mandarin, pink pepper, cardamom, bluebell, tea, iris, cedarwood, vetiver, and musk, The Beat was praised for its distinctive character that balanced freshness with quiet sophistication. Many fragrance enthusiasts on Basenotes consider it one of the most underrated Burberry releases.

The Beat in its original 2008 formulation is now considered discontinued. While Burberry occasionally lists a reformulated version, fans consistently report that the new version smells different from the original, and authentic vintage bottles command premium prices on resale markets (often selling for $185 to $225). Our interpretation references the original 2008 Olivier Polge formulation as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

The Olivier Polge Signature

Olivier Polge is one of the most respected perfumers in modern fragrance, now serving as the in-house perfumer at Chanel. His other work includes Balenciaga Paris, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb, and countless luxury compositions. For Burberry The Beat, he constructed a refined modern floral that pulled away from typical designer floral conventions, with bluebell and iris giving it a distinctive cool elegance.

How It Smells

The opening is immediately fresh and slightly spicy with mandarin, pink pepper, and cardamom creating a sophisticated introduction. There is an instant sense of polished British elegance, neither floral nor fruity in obvious ways.

The heart introduces bluebell, tea, and iris, creating a refined floral bouquet with quiet cool character that distinguishes The Beat from typical designer florals. The dry-down settles on smooth cedarwood, refined vetiver, and clean musks. A base that lingers on skin for hours with refined, slightly powdery, modernist elegance.

Notes

Top: Mandarin, Pink Pepper, Cardamom
Heart: Bluebell, Tea, Iris
Base: Cedarwood, Vetiver, Musk

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation captures the mandarin-pepper-cardamom opening, bluebell-iris-tea heart, and warm cedarwood-vetiver base that defined the original 2008 Olivier Polge formulation. Built as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, typically 7 to 9 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Common Questions

Is Burberry The Beat discontinued?

The original 2008 formulation by Olivier Polge is widely considered discontinued. Authentic vintage bottles trade at $185 to $225 on resale markets. Burberry has periodically released reformulated versions, but fans consistently report the new versions smell different from the original.

Who created Burberry The Beat?

The original was crafted by Olivier Polge, now the in-house perfumer at Chanel. His other work includes Balenciaga Paris and many luxury compositions.

How long does this fragrance last on the skin?

Typically 7 to 9 hours on skin, longer on clothing.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Burberry’s The Beat, but is not identical and is not affiliated with Burberry or Coty. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.