Northern Cardinal
“Northern Cardinal by Zoologist Perfumes is a Chypre fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a citrus, green composition with a aromatic undertone. Voted best for year-round wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Northern Cardinal, crafted by Rosendo Mateu and launched in 2022 by Zoologist Perfumes, is an exploration of fresh greenery and earthy depth. The fragrance opens with a vibrant citrus-aromatic accord, featuring bergamot, lemon, and mandarin orange that evoke the crispness of early morning walks through dew-kissed gardens. As it evolves, clary sage and rose add a subtle herbal and floral touch before leather, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, and musk ground the composition in rich, earthy tones. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic interplay between freshness and warmth.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Top
Opening
Heart
The Soul
How It Wears
Application Tips
Northern Cardinal has a strong opening with its citrus notes, which subside within an hour. The leather and patchouli base develops more fully over time, so applying it in layers can enhance its longevity. Given its fresh yet grounding nature, it pairs well with casual daytime wear as much as evening ensembles.
Rosendo Mateu
Founding perfumer · 59 fragrances
Designer Zoologist Perfumes
More from Zoologist Perfumes
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The scent of moss-covered stones after a rain shower, where the freshness of green leaves meets the rich earthiness of damp soil and warm wood.
Fig. 01 — Northern Cardinal, Zoologist Perfumes
Where to buy.
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