Macaque by Zoologist Perfumes

I’ve tested this perfume multiple times across different climates. While its fruity-green base remains constant, it shifts dramatically depending on whether the temperature is above or below 25°C. In cold weather, Macaque opens with a sharp acidity—mandarin peel and green apple—quickly transitioning into green notes: galbanum, fresh moss, and a woody acidic touch, likely from sandalwood. After about two hours, it dries down to tea with honey and sour apple, though the scent becomes quite weak. In summer, the heat brings out the sweetness, making it kinder, though it still resembles the cold version. At first, you notice jasmine tea: sweet and floral, paired with Granny Smith apples and sweet clementine juice rather than sour ones. This lasts about 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 during the fruity phase and more intimate in the green phase. Longevity is slightly better in the cold but hovers around 8 hours in both cases. I found it interesting because of its two distinct, complementary phases. I prefer the opening; I loved the blend of jasmine with the juiciness of apple and mandarin, giving it a playful vibe, like a mischievous little monkey. The second phase felt a bit serious; while wearable, I’m not a big fan of Atlas cedar, and dense woods mixed with moss are tough for me. I don’t think it’s easy to buy blind, despite how light it is. Like most Zoologist scents, it was a curious test. Overall, a good unisex for nice weather (ideal in heat to highlight the sweetness), for daytime and casual occasions. Pleasant: 7/10 Interesting: 8/10 Versatile: 7/10 Original: 8/10

I just can’t get behind this fragrance. It’s not that it smells bad, but it smells like bitter medicinal herbal tea and doesn’t work as a perfume.

Macaque is a bitter, green, and acidic perfume with a dry touch. Upon spraying, 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 bit, but then gives way to a very subtle, slightly animalic honey. The base is woody and musky, with a slightly sweaty undertone that’s hard to explain—it doesn’t smell like literal sweat, but rather dirty perfume. The drydown is more balanced than the beginning, settling as dry, green, and musky with hints of honey, apple, and jasmine. It smells more masculine on me and would suit any weather except extreme heat. Performance didn’t surprise me: it seems to last hours close to the skin but loses its punch very quickly. Personally, I didn’t like it. It’s fine 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.