After having tested 13 Zoologist fragrances and already having 2 in my collection, today I am dedicating myself to the octopus.
First of all, I must say that I am not a fan of aquatic scents. However, this one intrigued me so much due to its reviews that I had to test it.
Regarding the design of the bottle, Zoologist truly demonstrates above-average quality, which is naturally reflected in the price. The bottle of the squid somehow brings back "Pirates of the Caribbean" vibes for me. Even though Davy Jones doesn't look anything like the image, I still can't help but think of it.
Now to what you are probably all here for. The scent!
After the first spray, I detect a lot of incense, pepper, salty notes, and a hint of ink. However, the scent is anything but an unpleasant, fishy aquatic. No!
It brings a very pleasant sweetness to my nose, and the incense keeps all the notes that could become unpleasant in excess very well in check.
The benzoin and amber, of course, ensure that the animalic aspect is not neglected. However, for me, it is definitely not an animalic fragrance, as it absolutely does not smell like a fish market or anything similar.
Squid is one of the most wearable Zoologists alongside Camel, as all the notes are perfectly balanced. It remains consistently salty, but not overly so. Squid is a very mystical scent, where the theme has been implemented more than perfectly. It smells like the sea.
Not like summer, sun, beach-sea (as Soleil Blanc does, for example). But like the sea from "Pirates of the Caribbean." The octopus rises from the depths and pulls the ship along with its crew.
Due to the ink, it always reminds me of my first tattoo appointment and the fear I had of getting under the needle.
Initially, I had Oud Mineralè on my wish list and suspected that the two would be similar. After my test, I can say that they are two completely different fragrances with no similarities. While Oud Mineralè was more of a salty, seaweed wave with a gentle breeze for me, Squid is a warm, spicy aquatic that knows how to showcase its strengths and convinced me from the very first second.
The longevity is about 6-7 hours, and the sillage is absolutely fine. It is not a complete showstopper that puts others in their place, but you will be noticed. Especially due to the unique scent composition.
In conclusion, it can be said that Squid is really very, very complex, but that does not mean it is not suitable for beginners. On the contrary. The scent is a perfect entry into the animalic house from Canada. Definitely worth testing!
I also think it's a very wearable scent from the house of Zoologist. And: it's a different kind of aquatic! But I'm not sure if it fits into the octopus theme for me, which feels more like the dark, salty sea than the sunny Mediterranean.
@Daneh Thanks for your reply.
Chameleon is also very wearable, but it's way too sweet for me. Macaque is great too, but I couldn't convince myself to buy a bottle of it.
Well described. However, I have to disagree about Squid and Camel being the most wearable zoologists. The most wearable is Chameleon. I would also include Macaque.
I don't know that one either. However, I suspect I would have a hard time with this one as well. Ocean scents aren't really my thing. Wonderfully described.
I've noticed the unusual bottles too... but I haven't had the chance to test one yet. From your description, this one sounds particularly interesting to me... maybe it's because of Davy Jones, who I really liked in the movies ;) Great review!!
Chameleon is also very wearable, but it's way too sweet for me. Macaque is great too, but I couldn't convince myself to buy a bottle of it.