Zoologist Bat Review: Earthy Fruity Gothic Masterpiece
A subterranean symphony of soil, banana, and tropical resins—the original 2015 formulation
By Dr. Laurent Beaumont, Fragrance Analyst & Historian··Updated
Laurent holds a PhD in olfactory chemistry from Université de Versailles. He writes about composition, materials sourcing, and the lineage of perfumery houses.
Zoologist Perfumes, founded by Victor Wong, has built a reputation for olfactory narratives that are as audacious as they are educational. Each fragrance is named after an animal, aiming to capture not just the creature’s scent but its entire ecosystem. Bat (2015), the third release in the collection, remains a landmark—a fragrance so divisive that it has achieved cult status among connoisseurs who crave the authentically strange.
The original formulation, composed by Dr. Ellen Covey, is a study in dissonance: a damp, fungal earthiness collides with overripe tropical fruit and a syrupy sweetness that borders on the unsettling. It is not a fragrance that seeks to please; it demands engagement. Yet beneath its challenging exterior lies a masterful balance of raw materials—soil tincture, banana, fig, and a leathery base—that evokes the humid twilight of a cave where fruit bats have left their mark.
This review examines the 2015 Eau de Parfum formulation in depth, dissecting its accords, performance, and place within the Zoologist canon. While a reformulation was released in 2020, the original remains the reference point for those who seek fragrance as avant-garde art.
3.7Overall
Longevity
0.0
Projection
0.0
Sillage
0.0
$70-$130
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter
Accords
fruityearthysweettropicalwoodyambergreenmusky
Notes Pyramid
Top
soil tincturebananafruity notes
Heart
tropical fruitsfiggreen notesresinsmyrrh
Base
muskvetiverleathersandalwoodtonka bean
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity
8-12 hours
📢 Projection
Moderate—can be detected from arm’s length initially, then becomes closer to the skin after three hours
💨 Sillage
Moderate to heavy—projects confidently for the first two hours, then settles into a noticeable bubble
When to Wear
🌸SpringBest
☀️SummerOK
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterOK
📌 night out📌 fall weather📌 cool weather📌 unique occasion
Community Verdict
⭐ Overall
3.7
⏱️ Longevity
4.1
💨 Sillage
3.8
💰 Value
4.0
💌 Compliment Factor0.0/5
6/10 – Bat is polarizing; many find it challenging or even off-putting. However, within the niche community, it garners deep appreciation and curiosity. Compliments from non-enthusiasts are rare, but enthusiasts will admire its artistry.
Pros & Cons
✅ Unforgettably unique and evocative scent profile
✅ Exceptional longevity and presence
✅ Masterful use of natural soil tincture and fruit notes
✅ A conversation piece and collector’s item in original formulation
❌ Extremely polarizing; may be unwearable for many
❌ The opening can be jarring (fermented banana, damp earth)
❌ Original formulation is discontinued and prices have risen on secondary market
❌ Not suitable for formal or office settings
Price & Value
$70-$130
“Given its niche status and the discontinued original formulation, current market prices can be higher. For the olfactory experience alone, it offers excellent value to those who appreciate it, but it is not a blind-buy-friendly price point.”
📜 Reformulation History
Significant batch variations reported between the original 2015 formulation and the 2020 reformulation (perfumed by Cristiano Canali). The original has a more pronounced soil tincture and a rawer fruit accord; the reformulation is smoother, less challenging, and more wearable.
Combine with a woody vetiver like Guerlain Vetiver for added depth
Spritz over a vanilla base to balance the sour fruit notes
🏆 Final Verdict
Zoologist Bat (2015) is a landmark in animalic, naturalistic perfumery—a fearless exploration of decay and sweetness that few other houses would dare to bottle. It is not for everyone, but for those who seek olfactory adventure, it remains an essential pilgrimage. Wear it when you want to commune with the twilight world of bats and jungle fruit.
