Tiger

This is a great inclusion for Zoologist, though maybe not what people expect from them. This is frankly better than I expected it would be going in. On the opening you get a sour and fruity kumquat that eventually gives way to a well-blended mixture of smoky incense, vetiver, and ebony wood with a touch of carrot seed. It comes off as deep, earthy, and a bit of dry green grass. While it doesn't transport like other Zoologists do, the thematic of a tiger suits the fragrance really well. It is evocative of a somewhat hot and humid deep dark jungle. When I smell this fragrance, I think of some sort of den (think the incense) as well as a sort of hot and humid summer night. I think this fragrance's scent profile is best for a summer night, though it wouldn't do well in intense heat. Note-wise, its definitely something more fall/winter cold weather, however the vibe of it in practice gives me cool summer. The scent profile isn't too creative for this brand, however I don't think all of their fragrances need to be. I like when they have a mixture of "transportive" scents and more wearable thematic scents. For the latter category, this is one of their better offerings. It is a bit amusing that this is probably the only brand where its fans will rate fragrances critically for smelling wearable. It is in the sort of Encre Noire/Eilish No 2 category, at least for me but just a ton more interesting. I think I would really like if this fragrance had a long lasting accord that would stand out (like the kumquat and such) that could bring something to the middle of the sort of vetiver/wood/incense accord. As such, its a very earthy wood scent. That being said, I knew going in this just isn't my scent profile and I was more just a fanboy/curious. So I probably won't be getting this scent. But I do honestly love it! If you're thinking of trying it, I think you should.

Tiger by Zoologist opens with a dry, hot, spicy kumquat accord that quickly reveals a dose of synthetic vetiver. The saffron is seamlessly blended in, providing a tiny touch of leather while bringing the spices and woody notes together. I'm not sure if I am smelling ebony wood, but there is almost a cherry varnish type thing in the background. True to its name, Tiger is hot, dry, and diffusive. In this case, diffusive refers to molecular nature of the fragrance, not the projection, which seems modest. The dry down is heavy on the cashmeran and iso-E super to balance out the vetiver. The dry, molecular base makes Tiger suitable for both hot and cold climates. To me, Tiger is a combination of Encre Noire, Lune Feline, and Wonderwood. I love all three of the aforementioned fragrances, so Tiger is turning out to be one of my favorites from Zoologist--a very modern, wearable fragrance. The perfumer, Cristiano Canali, also created Bee, which is probably my favorite from the house. On the other hand, one could understand why some fans of Zoologist would be a little disappointed by Tiger--it just doesn't have that novelty found in Squid, Bat, Civet, and others. For me, I would rather own something that I would wear on a regular basis vs. something that I sample a couple times a year. 4.5/5 wearability 3/5 novelty 3/5 performance Edit: Given that fragrance is subjective, we need to remember that an easy-to-wear fragrance for one person could be challenging for a different person. I don't understand why many people categorize T-Rex and Moth as challenging. On the other hand, Penguin and Sea Horse are very difficult for me to wear.

A gorgeous scent, rich in vetiver, ambrette, cardamom and incense. This gives me all the feels of the best of the Amouage (masculine) lineup. One of the absolute best of this house. I also get a uniquely Canadian reference here, to Tiger Tail ice cream. Not that all Canadians share the same history (a common experience when we travel - “You’re Canadian! Do you know my old college buddy John from Saskatoon?” Yeah, it’s just the second-largest country in the world, roughly 40 times the United Kingdom. Of course I know some yahoo a nonstop day-and-a-half drive away, ya genius!). But ... well it just so happens that Zoologist HQ is a short bike ride from my house, and I’ve visited and met Victor once or twice. So anyhow Tiger Tail is an orange-flavoured ice cream, swirled through with a sticky black licorice ribbon - a strange old-school concoction still found in our ice cream parlours and supermarkets. And there’s something in this fragrance of that orange-hued base of kumquat, vetiver and carrot seed, with a swirl of the dark and anisic (with no licorice note, it’s likely the ebony, papyrus and incense). To follow another meandering (jungle) path, Georges Bataille wrote: “The sexual act is in time what the tiger is in space”. What other perfect knot of commoditized excess, of Bataille’s “accursed share” of supplemental energies, than this brand of strange, luxurious niche fragrances. The sexual act in time ... the tiger in space ... Zoologist in the marketplace ... ya get me?

To me, this smells like i would expect a newly washed and clean tiger could smell like. It doesn't have a directly "animalic" note. But it has an "animal musk" note to it. Suede, spices, incense, and woods are the first accords i notices. The suede is animalic, but pleasant. I'm not familiar with Kumquat, but i'm guessing it and the Jasmine is what's bringing a slight sweetness in to balance the composition. I would in no way call this a sweet scent, but you Need some sweetness for a suede and/or leather fragrance not to be harsh. "Tiger" has a perfect balance in that way. The woody side really shows up in the dry down, and the suede never goes away. All in all, i'd say this is a great fragrance. A masculine fragrance that has a very well balanced formula. I can't find any faults in the scent itself. I think "Tiger" is a fitting name, and it gives that little extra confidence when worn. I wouldn't say summer is the best time for it, although i think it can work for cooler overcast days. But it's perfect for spring and fall, and will work well during winter as well. Day or night. Casual to semi formal. Probably age 25+, as it's not very sweet, and that's usually what the youngest amongst us prefer. Personal score: 9/10. I love it, and i'll be getting a bottle one day. I don't really wear suede or leather fragrances often. But this isn't too suede heavy, and other notes are lifting it and making it lighter and pleasant. Definitely worth a decant.

I absolutely love this fragrance. I cannot count the number of times I picked up the sample to have a sniff, reluctant to use up the few ml I had. I’m new to perfumes and Zoologist was a big part of what got me interested; the idea of recreating animals or their environments with smell, telling a story, rather than “just” making you smell nice. This was the first sample I got, and I’m very impressed. The opening is somehow both bright and smoky, before drying to a comforting, warm, and addictive scent. I recall reading a review that felt the predatory nature was lacking, and I agree this does not feel predatory. But it makes me feel like a tiger in its den, comfortable and secure, its pleasant and familiar animal smell mixing with that of the forest that surrounds it. Which I’d argue is much more representative of a tiger, which sleeps 18-20 hours a day. If you are sensitive to strong smells however, use caution; Tiger is not only incredibly strong, but long-lasting. When I opened the sample, I could smell it despite the airtight packaging, and the whole room smelt faintly of it for the rest of the day AND the day after. I had a headache at the time, and the lingering scent made me feel somewhat nauseous.