ZOOLOGIST
MUSK DEER
2020
PERFUMER
Pascal Gaurin
Cardamom
Calamus
Rose
Atlas Cedar
Labdanum
Patchouli
Jasmine Sambac
Ambrette
Sandalwood
Laotian Oud
Orris
THOUGHTS
While I was most intrigued to sample Sacred Scarab from the newer Zoologist releases, Musk Deer was the one I had the highest hopes for as far as being one I’d personally love. And I do.
Musk Deer smells mostly like a patchouli fragrance to me. And I don’t always appreciate patchouli, but in this case it’s sweet and it has that musky edge. This doesn’t smell like for example Parfum D’Empire Musc Tonkin, which has a pissy, animalic and acidic opening. Also, the sweet and ‘smooth’ Ensar Oud Tonkin Musk and Tibetan Musk have more of an animalic tinge for sure.
Maybe it’s because I was sampling another Pekji the day that I wore Musk Deer, but it reminded me most of my favoute Pekji, Battaniye. Very earthy, slightly daring, but really sweet, with ambrette playing a huge role as it dries down.
I really enjoyed this. I was expecting more of a brightness and acidity in the opening hour; perhaps along the lines of Zoologist Civet. But even without that ‘sparkling’ aspect, this was a really nice first wear.
