Stag

I'm going to be outside for most of today traversing gloomy skies so I reached into my bag of samples for something long lasting that I could refresh once to get me all the way into late evening; The Maker Stag should fit the bill. In the open I get a blast of bitter grapefruit sprayed across a sprig of pine; it is reminiscent for me of the 1970s "wake up" open I've come to love in masculine fragrances. The heart notes are really interesting as the scent profile shifts into a dark luxurious leather and wooden furniture creating a scene that you might find in a gentleman's private study. I never have smelled palo santo prior to this, but now I think I understand it, as the wooden structure takes hold in the base amongst incense, pencil shavings, and patchouli. The impression I get from Stag is that of a distinguished gentlemen sitting in an overstuffed leather chair, at his desk hand sharpening a pencil with a pocket knife while incense burns off in the corner of his office near a roaring fire place, providing an evening haze. All it's missing is a single malt scotch.

SEXY. This fragrance is what romance novel fantasies are made of. Like going on a late-night date with a sexy mob boss in the 1920’s. It is sexy, woody, smoky, a tiny bit sweet, and masculine. It is also STRONG so a little goes a long way. When I took a direct snif from my wrist where I sprayed it was like I was being attacked with pure smoke, but every time I caught wafts of it in the air it was just this gorgeous airy incensey smoky sweetness that is just so so good. I love this by itself and feels it’s quite unisex, but if someone felt it was too masculine for them then I think this scent could easily pair with something a little more feminine to make an amazing fragrance combination. Great projection and the scent has lasted me a good 12 hours on a single spray. I asked my bf what he thought and he scrunched up his nose and said, “it’s not ugly, but I’m not a fan.” Oh well, his loss. I’ll probably use this (sparingly) on a night out anyways 😈 8/10

Stag is a stunning fragrance. Probably my favourite out of the entire library - I thought the Lover was going to be my favourite but this is out of this world. It reminds me a lot of Ile Pourpre by Les Liquides Imaginaires but not as sweet and with a touch of well worn leather - although it doesn’t share very many notes except for bergamot in the top and patchouli in the base. I can see how people opposed to the scent of leather may not enjoy this - as it is prominent. However it is not at all musty smelling, think less old leather car seats sat in the sun for hours and more new suede leather jacket. This is addictive, unisex but slightly masc leaning with its leather facet, perfectly balanced and just like the rest of the fragrances from this house - it lasts all day long. Beautiful.

This is my newest sexy super masculine fragrance. It lives in a space between Tam Dao and This is Him, but definitely has an identity of its own. I pick up the sweet grapefruit and leather straight from the bottle. The wood, incense and patchouli combination on the base gives it a spicy sandalwood-like scent that makes you think there's cardamom or cinnamon somewhere in the mix. This is one of those fragrances that you keep to yourself. It goes on a special shelf like Nasomato, Beaufort London or Orto Parisi fragrances would and it takes the turn of two keys simultaneously to access. It may be your newest Sex Panther "60% of the time, it works every time!"

This smells so fucking good― I rarely say that. It's creamy yet masculine. But still unisex. The woods in here are so yummy. It's musky and milky and so good. When I sniffed it realllly close, I worried it might be a touch too smokey, like literal cigarette smoke. But as long as I'm not pressing my nose up against my skin, it's literally perfect. My only concern is that it (so far) is not a compliment getter like my other favorites, but I want to keep wearing it to see if that changes. I also see most do not consider it a summer fragrance, so maybe I will come back to it this fall and get a different reaction.

It started kinda weak at first, but the scent got more pronounced and nuanced at the drydown. It has a very dry, smoky vintage scent on me, with a tinge of boozy sweetness, which reminds me of those black and white movie actors that made smoking look cool and sophisticated. If you like smelling like a sexy Film Noir detective, or like a guest to one of Jay Gatsby's parties as the night mellows out, this warm, opulent fragrance that is Stag is meant for you!

Ugh I am OBSESSED with this scent. It's quite masc but I love it so much that I wear it anyway. The opening is a zesty burst of citrus that wakes up the senses. That leathery Palo Santo drydown is so grounding and beautiful. It makes me feel meditative and serene. I have a decant from scent bird that I'm trying to make last...idk if I'll buy a full bottle when it runs out.

INSTANT purchase the second I was finally able to smell this in person. Truly a sexy fragrance, unisex with a masculine edge. Smoky, woody, leathery. A far more sophisticated version of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather, less in your face and more planty in a way - the labdanum really comes through. Absolutely obsessed. It could last a little longer but I'll take it as it is.

love love love this. it weirdly enough smells like picking from wild blackberry bushes nearby a freshly burning campfire with a scent of incense hanging on your clothes. very magical and gender euphoric for me as a trans masc person, though i would say it is still androgynous. gorgeous initial notes and dry down! very sensual and elegant in my opinion!

Stag is absolutely gorgeous. Smells like a dry sauna, then on me it goes campfire but in a super cozy, wonderful way. It feels very autumnal. So excited it’s the beginning of fall so I can wear this.

This is such a classy complex fragrance! I absolutely love it and can see why it’s an award winner. Every stage of this fantastic woody citrus is a revelation. My favorite in The Maker line.

Elegant, sexy, mature and refined. These words come to mind. As for when I could imagine myself wearing it? Black tie social setting.

This perfume is delicious. Reminds me of when I used to go hiking in Maine in the summertime as a child, wearing my corduroy pants.

Smokey woody incense. Very masculine and sexy

Bought this at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, NY on a cold day. It smelled great to my nose under those conditions. Things changed when I returned to Texas. First, it leans masculine. Second, it smells foresty. Neither of those are bad. In fact, I'd enjoy this on a man--it's fresh, crisp, and outdoorsmanly. It's very attractive. But since I purchased it for myself and I like to wear feminine fragrances, I'll either layer this or, more than likely, use it as home fragrance for the holidays. Either way, it's a fall/winter fragrance when it's cold outside.

Despite the citrus top notes, I immediately got the leather and agarwood. To me, this fragrance seems sharp, dry, and smokey the moment it's applied. I really should have seen it coming given how intense oud can be, but I expected a little more balance from the listed notes. It's not to my taste, but it seems incredibly well made regardless. If you enjoy oud fragrances and other dry, bold woods, I'd definitely suggest giving this a try, especially if you like unisex scents that have a more masculine lean to them.

The leather and citrus and Palo Santo are really interesting together. Smells like an amalgamation of Indiana Jones and Tom Ford himself. I could see wearing this well at an art gallery or a défilé for a high end fashion house.

First impression: (on paper sample) Even though this is definitely more for men. I really like this one. Edit 1: Okay actually smelling this on my skin, it’s a nope for me. I like lover better. IMO.

Love all the notes, really wanted to like this. There is something too sweet and disharmonious about this on my and my husband's skin. Projection is low. Disappointing and uninteresting, but maybe we got a weak decant because I'm not smelling what the other reviewers are raving about unfortunately.

Eewwwwww!! Top note is very strong of burnt wood. Dry down is a bit nicer; but, I never did smell not even a hint of citrus. Shame It reminded me of 'Spicebomb' for men. Not my favorite by the least.

Leans extremely masculine and dark. Straight up citrusy leather and overall vintage, grandpa smelling. I gave the sample to my boyfriend who also didn’t like it but used it up to go to work.

What I imagine a forest fire smells like.

this is a very strong scent and smells like a random guy’s car 😭😭

By far my favorite of The Maker perfumes. So much so that I can hardly stand the others and I’m begging for a full bottle of this (I only have 10ml). The Maker has a sort of sharp aromatic DNA that only suits this one, in my opinion. But here it’s perfectly balanced with the deep and almost sweet leather/oud combo, spiced up with the incense and palo santo. A perfect spring fragrance for those who still need that depth in the warmer months. Like a fall fairy doing a spring incense ritual. I love it.

I get something very old and smoky from this. Smells like my 90 year old grandpas house. He’s lived there 40+ years and has been a smoker all his life. One time I left a wool scarf there, this is what it smelled like after being there for half a year or so. Not sure what to make of it, it’s nostalgic in a way, but not something I had necessarily thought of as a good smell.

Elemi wood first on, no citrus notable. Slightly boozy note, some kelp-y leather, thin wood with a resinous tone. Kind of light and sheer while being solid at the same time. Not impressed, but it’s okay. Too dry and oddly flat for my tastes though.

Good for girls who like to use every part of the animal. I could shoot a gun. I could learn to forgive

a less pleasant Stash by SJP... 6/10.