Penhaligon's captures the quirks of the British aristocracy in a new fragrance collection

The UK fragrance brand is revealing the secrets of the British aristocracy, telling a fictional tale of establishment, humor and provocation through a collection of scents. The first four fragrant characters in this "Portraits" collection land in stores and online from Friday.

Penhaligon's is launching its blue-blooded "Portraits" family with four founding members. However, the perfume maker already has plans for new additions, set to expand this quirky clan in February 2017.

The secrets of the aristocracy

The brand hints at the secrets of the British aristocracy with a new perfume collection featuring scents evoking a Lord, a Lady, a Duke and a Duchess.

"The Tragedy of Lord George" is inspired by a respectable character, faithful to King and Country, who maintains an air of mystery around his real character and thoughts. This is captured in a masculine and elegant scent developed by Alberto Morillas. It's a woody amber fougère fragrance with notes of brandy, tonka bean and shaving soap.

Next comes "The Revenge of Lady Blanche," based on a social butterfly with a dangerous bite. Hers is a green floral scent, designed by Daphné Bugey, with iris, narcissus and hyacinth.

Daphné Bugey also concocted "Much Ado About the Duke," evoking an intriguing and ambivalent Duke with a spicy scent of rose, gin and woody notes.

The final character in this opening chapter is "The Coveted Duchess Rose," a fresh, sweet and shy Duchess, urgently desirous of passion and romance. The scent, from Christophe Raynaud, captures the mood with notes of mandarin, rose and musky wood.

The first fragrances from the "Portraits" collection are rolling out this week in Penhaligon's stores, concessions and on www.penhaligons.com. Each 75ml bottle is priced €225 or £178 (approx $253).