Freetrapper

I wear Freetrapper as a signature. It's an easy-to-wear but evocative scent, which I've interpreted as a slightly dirtier twist on a cologne-like architecture. It opens with mostly bergamot and a distant hint of flowers, but soon a shimmery oiliness comes out from under the freshness. I think this is supported by the synth castoreum (I've never smelt a castoreum note in isolation) and may be the "distilled incense" note that DS describes, but there's an accord here that I've always smelt as kerosene (lantern oil). I love that accord for how it evokes the story of the perfume, and how it evokes childhood camping trips for me. In the drydown (~7h), I end up with mostly synthetic sandalwood (which can be a tiresome note sometimes) and cedar with a bit of the leathery castoreum. The sandalwood preserves a "soapiness" throughout that prevents Freetrapper from ever feeling too pungent, sharp, or leathery. Part of why I wear Freetrapper regularly is that it is a soft and reasonably polite scent. Many of the ~2011-era DSDs (besides maybe Burning Barbershop) seem closer in their performance to French-style perfumes – where their projection settles down fast but the notes keep poking their head out throughout the day – than later, heavier releases from the house. Freetrapper is long-lived on my skin (especially if it rubs onto some textile) but for most of the day only becomes apparent when I'm moving or when someone gets close to me and comments. I appreciate this, because it makes it an easy spray, and I've very rarely felt overwhelmed or scent-fatigued by this one. Year-round (leaning toward shoulder seasons). Day or night, leaning toward morning, after which the scent will follow in gentle wisps for most of the day.

Well named, for this is truly the smell of the Great Outdoors. Sharply refreshing, sinus-clearing, brain-tingling conifers and woods - definitely the aroma of cool lakeside forest, not tropical jungle or sere desert scrub. There's plenty of moist, humid, chilly earth in there. Not aquatic, but something - I guess the bergamot - does give a flash of glinting water as well. Truly the scent equivalent of a raccoon fur hat complete with a tail - one for the mucky, rough-n-tumble tomboys (of all genders) who care more for nature than hanging out in the mall in town with the cool kids. If Tom Sawyer or Davy Crockett ever wore a scent (I know, unlikely, but bear with me...) it would be this one. Seemed true unisex to me, and thankfully free of any of the Pavlovian associations to pine-scented cleaning product or air fresheners that could have ruined this (as they did, to me, with the legendary Caron Yataghan) ... definitely a win in my view. Liked it a whole lot.

This one wears so easily—bergamot and citrus opening that’s tempered beautifully with arid woods and sappy incense. The castoreum and osmanthus give this light, almost anise, sweetness to the background. It’s airy and fresh while being dark enough to have some character. It’s very handsome in an unshaven sort of way. For those familiar with the brand’s other scents, this one is somehow between Mississippi Medicine and Coriander—lightly citrus and green but with a dark woodiness. Unfortunately, the wearing easily also means it wears lightly, and it doesn’t stick around for too long. I like that it’s vers, but am usually inclined to go for something with a bit more power.

A masculine, understated and minimalist beauty, this fragrance is designed to evoke the aura of the mountaineers of the 1800s who cut through mountain trails to trap beavers. The aura is right on as the perfume has notes of wild bergamont, pine, cedar, snakeroot and a hint of castoreum, lending it a slight animalic touch. Fresh and lightly radiant this is an energizing scent that has a quiet resilience and personality. Moderate sillage and projection. Beautifully composed and can be worn in almost any setting without having to raise any eyebrows.

Identifiable as a D.S Durga perfume. To me Freetrappers shares a similar feeling/trait to Bowmakers and Mississippi Medicine. I really love this pine-y concoction! Slightly medicinal, no-surprise! But I love that. Definitely something I would wear.