Rhinoceros Zoologist 2014

I have already tested Camel, Elephant, Moth, Bee & Bat from Zooloist, and Rhinoceros was the fragrance I found the hardest to rate. I simply enjoy Camel and Bee from the opening to the dry down. I couldn't really connect with Elephant, Moth & Bat.

The rhinoceros doesn't immediately appeal to you. I had to test it several times because I initially found it very repulsive. In short: You have to give it several chances and not run straight to the sink if you don't like the opening.

When I received my sample, I only smelled disinfectant and strong, smoky leather. I put the sample back in the cupboard and focused on other samples.
Recently, however, I sprayed the rhinoceros on my wrist and eventually around my neck. I received consistently negative feedback from everyone I showed the fragrance to, but I just couldn't let it go.

The top note is really extremely intrusive and clears you out of the way from nowhere. The mix of powerful rum and citrusy bergamot makes you gasp for air. However, it is by no means unpleasant or even disgusting to my nose.

The fragrance gradually becomes drier and settles in the room. Heavy and always perceptible.
Now and then, you can catch a slight breeze of smoky sand that picks up the theme of the rhinoceros and transports you to the blazing heat of the savannah with a gentle wind. The leather base is always present and resonates for many hours.

Just imagine a rhinoceros crashing through your front door and settling into your old leather armchair in front of the fireplace, demanding a glass of whisky from you and lighting up a thick Cuba cigar.

After about 10 hours, the rhinoceros seems to have exhausted itself and lies down to sleep. By then, many hours have passed during which the fragrance becomes drier.
The base then essentially consists of the dusty sand of the desert and the smoky breath of the behemoth.

It is absolutely understandable if you can't relate to this composition; however, for me, it is perfectly executed and simply top-notch. It is an exceptional fragrance. A scent that takes no prisoners. Either you like it or you stay out of my way.

In the meantime, a bottle of the 2014 edition is on its way to me (thankfully, I managed to get one) and I am very curious about what this year's reissue will offer.