Macaque by Zoologist Perfumes

I’ve tested the perfume several times in different climates. Although its fruity-green base remains constant, it changes significantly depending on whether the temperature is above or below 25°C. In the cold, Macaque opens very acid with tangerine and green apple skin, quickly moving to the green notes: galbanum, fresh moss and an acidic woody touch, probably from sandalwood. After about two hours of drying, it smells of tea with honey and sour apple, but it’s quite weak. In summer, the heat brings out the sweetness, making it kinder, though it still resembles the cold version. At first, you can detect jasmine tea, sweet and floral, with Granny Smith apples and sweet clementine juice, not acidic. This lasts an hour before the green facet emerges: damp, bitter and astringent, which I associate with moss, Atlas cedar and perhaps petitgrain or green tea. Projection is moderate in the fruity phase and more intimate in the green one. Longevity is slightly longer in the cold but hovers around 8 hours in both cases. I found it interesting due to its two distinct complementary phases. I prefer the opening: I loved the mix of jasmine with the juiciness of apple and tangerine, giving it a playful air, like a mischievous monkey. The second phase felt a bit serious; while wearable, I’m not a big fan of Atlas cedar and moss with dense woods is difficult for me. I don’t think it’s easy to buy blind, despite how light it is. Like most Zoologist fragrances, it was a curious test. In summary, a good unisex for good weather (ideal with heat to highlight the sweetness), for daytime and informal occasions. Pleasant: 7/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 7/10 Original: 8/10

Macaque is a bitter, green and acid perfume with a dry touch. Upon application, a super-sour apple dominates alongside those green and bitter nuances. Galbanum is key to that green scent that lasts from the start to the finish. The apple lingers for a while but then yields slightly to a very subtle honey and something animalic. The base is woody and musky, with a slightly sweaty background, difficult to explain, but it doesn’t smell of literal sweat, more like dirty perfume. The dry down is more balanced than the beginning, remaining dry, green and musky with a touch of honey, apple and jasmine. It smells more masculine to me and would suit any climate, except extreme heat. The performance didn’t surprise me: it seems to last hours close to the skin but loses strength very soon. Personally, I didn’t like it. It’s okay as an olfactory experience, but it’s not a scent I’d wear, I can’t see myself with it. Macaque is complicated and not for everyone, so I recommend testing it before buying blind.