Burberry Brit Rhythm Intense Review: The Discontinued Gem You Need to Find
Listen closely... I'm about to tell you why this leather-clad rebel is worth hunting down.
Let's transport ourselves back to 2015. The fragrance world was buzzing with syrupy-sweet concoctions and ultra-fresh aquatics, all vying for attention. It was a time of playing it safe. Then, from the hallowed halls of Burberry—a brand synonymous with classic British elegance and rainy London afternoons—came a jolt of pure energy. Two years after the launch of the original Brit Rhythm, which aimed to capture the electricity of live music, my sources at Burberry HQ told me something bolder was coming. They weren't wrong. Burberry Brit Rhythm For Him Intense arrived not as a whisper, but as a feedback-drenched power chord.
This wasn't your grandfather's Burberry. The brand, under Christopher Bailey's creative direction, was actively courting a younger, edgier demographic. The Brit line was the olfactory equivalent of their iconic leather jackets paired with classic check scarves. Brit Rhythm Intense was the pinnacle of this concept, a fragrance designed for the front row, not the back office. It was positioned as a darker, sexier, and more potent version of its predecessor, and let me tell you, the community immediately understood the assignment. While the original was a solid release, the Intense version quickly became the fan favorite, the one whispered about in fragrance forums as the real star of the show.
The inspiration is pure, unadulterated rock and roll. Think of the adrenalized energy of a crowd, the heat of the stage lights, the feel of a worn-in black leather jacket. The brief was to create a scent that was overtly masculine and sensual, capturing that moment of anticipation just before the band comes on stage. It's a scent built on contrasts: the sharp, aromatic opening like a flash of strobe lights, and the deep, warm, leathery drydown like the lingering hum of an amplifier after the show. It’s a feeling, an attitude, bottled with the signature Burberry touch of refined rebellion.
Now, here's the part where I need you to lean in. Brit Rhythm Intense has been discontinued, a move that sent ripples of disappointment through the community. This has transformed it from a great designer fragrance into a cult classic, a modern relic that collectors and aficionados now hunt for on reseller sites. Its reputation has only grown in its absence, solidifying its status as one of Burberry's most daring and successful masculine flankers. Finding a bottle today feels like scoring a vintage concert tee from a legendary tour—it's a piece of history, and it still absolutely rocks. So, is it worth the chase? Let's get into it.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The original DNA was created by the perfumery supergroup of Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, and Olivier Polge. Ropion, a master perfumer, is known for iconic and powerful creations like Frederic Malle's 'Portrait of a Lady' and YSL's 'La Nuit de L'Homme,' and his bold touch is evident in this fragrance's structure.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An electric, aromatic blast of cool peppermint and sharp pepper, balanced by the green herbaceous quality of sage and wormwood. It's an attention-grabbing, energetic opening that sets a rebellious tone.
The initial sharpness recedes to reveal the star of the show: a smooth, modern black leather accord. It's warmed by rich amber and given a dark, earthy depth by patchouli, creating a deeply sensual and magnetic heart.
The fragrance settles into a warm, intoxicating skin scent. Creamy tonka bean adds a touch of sweetness, while guaiac wood and cashmeran provide a soft, musky, and sophisticated woody base that lingers for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent longevity, lasting a solid 7-9 hours on skin and even longer on clothes.
Projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble that isn't overwhelming.
Leaves a moderate to strong, appealing scent trail that is perfect for evening wear and close encounters.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Widely considered superior to the original Brit Rhythm
- ✅ Excellent performance in longevity and projection
- ✅ A fantastic, smooth, and modern leather note
- ✅ Sexy, masculine, and a proven compliment-puller
- ✅ Discontinued status adds to its exclusivity and appeal
- ❌ Discontinued and increasingly difficult to find at a reasonable price
- ❌ The sweet tonka base might be too much for some
- ❌ Not versatile for daytime or office wear
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for collectors and fans of the scent profile. If found near original retail price, it's an absolute must-buy.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A sharp, invigorating burst of fresh basil, verbena, and spicy cardamom, with a hint of juniper berry creating a crisp, aromatic introduction.
The initial freshness mellows into a heart of rich, smooth black leather, deepened by earthy patchouli and the warm, resinous quality of styrax.
Settles into a sensual and smoky base where the sweetness of tonka bean and the woody character of cedar are enveloped by a lingering trail of incense.
Performance Dashboard
Lighter, lasts 5-6 hours, requiring a top-up for all-day wear.
Moderate projection, noticeable but sits closer to the skin than the Intense version.
A more subtle and moderate trail, less overpowering.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ More versatile for daywear
- ✅ Fresher, crisper opening
- ✅ Lower price point
- ✅ Better for office/casual settings
- ❌ Lacks the richness of the Intense
- ❌ Weaker longevity and projection
- ❌ Less complex dry-down
- ❌ Can feel more generic to some
Price & Value
“A great value for a versatile, everyday scent; less of a statement than the Intense.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant reformulations are widely reported, but as with any fragrance, minor variations between batches can occur.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Men aged 20-40
- Individuals with a confident, slightly rebellious style
- Fans of leather and sweet-spicy fragrances
- Someone looking for a signature night-out scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, or aquatic scents
- Strictly formal or professional office settings
- High-heat summer days
The Family
The original 2013 Eau de Toilette, which is lighter, more aromatic, and less dense.
A lesser-known and rare flanker with a different floral-centric composition.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a seductive, leathery-sweet DNA but features a prominent iris note.
Offers a similar boozy, leather scent profile perfect for evenings out.
A spicy, rum-and-leather combination that shares the same dark, warm, and masculine vibe.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited by users for having a similar dark, spicy, and sweet character.
Shares a comparable spicy, woody, and dark profile that appeals to the same audience.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Appeals to those who love sophisticated, powerful evening scents with a sweet, powdery depth.
Shares a gourmand-leaning, ambery sweetness and is designed for special occasions.
Another iconic date night scent with a spicy, seductive, and smooth profile.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance to amplify the creamy tonka bean in the drydown.
- A molecule scent like ISO E Super to boost the woody, cashmeran base.
- A touch of a smoky fragrance like Maison Margiela 'By the Fireplace' to add complexity.
🏆 Final Verdict
Here's the bottom line, my friends. Burberry Brit Rhythm For Him Intense is a casualty of the designer fragrance world's relentless pace, discontinued long before its time. It is a perfectly executed modern leather scent that balances a rebellious edge with undeniable mass appeal. The blend of spicy aromatics, smooth leather, and a creamy tonka bean drydown is nothing short of addictive. It's masculine, confident, and sexy without ever trying too hard.
Its discontinuation has only cemented its legendary status. Owning a bottle now is like being part of an exclusive club. It’s a fragrance that stands out from the sea of blue and sweet scents that dominate the shelves today. It’s a statement piece. If you are a fan of leather fragrances, or if you're simply looking for a signature night-out scent that is guaranteed to get you compliments, the hunt for Brit Rhythm Intense is more than worth the effort. This isn't just a fragrance; it's an attitude in a bottle, and it's one you'll want to wear long after the show is over.