Lonestar Memories (2006)
by Tauer

Smokey, florals with a bit of a meat-factory weirdness to it. Very strange.

Sweet, smokey. The birch tar smells dry and rubbery. More of an environmental scent, but people shouldn't smell like this, the outdoors should.

Anybody remember Slim Jims? The slender, rather greasy sausage sticks were a favorite snack of mine, with a distinctive smell derived, no doubt, from a heavy dose of artificial "smoke" flavoring. Rub yourself down with a Slim Jim, and you've got Lonestar Memories.

The stuff goes on in a potent burst of barbecue smoke and dry leather. Both notes persist all the way through the development, to be joined by some candied amber in the Serge Lutens style, and then perhaps a bit of cedar and some black pepper. I can see Lonestar Memories as a room spray for the kitchen when you want to feel as if you've just had a barbecue, but I'm not tempted to wear it. Besides, Slim Jims (if they're still made,) are cheaper.

The opening blast was just too harsh but, within a couple of hours, it did settle into something almost wearable. I easily noticed the tar notes throughout its development, while the drydown was slightly creamy.

Unfortunately, my overall impression (especially when compared to L’Air) was that it came across as somewhat unfinished. I also found the drydown in need of a slight kick (but not as OTT as the top notes).

It’s pretty good (after a little patience) but not really for me.

Intense smoke and leather. Deep, penetrating, and lasting. Tar mixed with sweet woods, like a woodpile near a campfire.
This is an unusual, intense, and completely manly scent. Wear it to outdoor events in the country, like a bonfire or a hayride, or just for hanging out at the local sports bar with the guys, watching the game.

EGAD!!!

If you want an idea of what this smells like imagine mesquite wood chips being smoked, a damp horse blanket that has been sitting in the barn for a few months, a cheap pine air freshener, and a touch of cheap leather all being right under your nose. Now imagine you are sniffing these items together with a mouth full of trail dust and you have the experience that is Lonestar Memories.

Being from Texas I thought this could be a great signature scent and I really wanted to like it, but there is no way I can wear this, it flat out stinks.