Chatillon Lux Admiral Review (Shawn Maher) + Take Me To The River Draw

 

Chatillon Lux Admiral by Shawn Maher

SSAdmiral, photo by riverfronttimes.com

An aquatic-leaning perfume coming from the perfumer that’s not really a fan of most of the popular scents that fall into that perfume family? St. Louis based Shawn Maher, an independent artisanal perfumer and an Art&Olfacion Awards Finalist 2020/Artisan Category with Weinstrasse, made his own interpretation: less watery, never oceanic, more sunlit, transparent yet sturdy, and smoothly rounded up with an atmosphere of being close to a riverfront in the bright summer sunshine. The inspiration behind this fragrance is the iconic SS Admiral, a vessel that was designed in magnificent Art Deco style in 1940s: a ship of then unheard-of luxury, cruising along the St. Louis waterfront for almost forty years until she was first docked, then sold, and finally dismantled in 2011.

Chatillon Lux Admiral review

Chatillon Lux Admiral apped by Elena©

The memory of this magnificent boat took Shawn on a course he admits he never explored before, and while he sailed along the process of creating Chatillon Lux Admiral, he managed to dock the fragrance in the port he designed by himself: adjacent to the river, yet floating above it. And what a unique experience it is!  Admiral’s top notes create an illusion of a sunny summer day, with reflections of light ricocheting around open windows and smooth surfaces surrounding you. A soft citrusy opening gently ushers you into a fine lemongrass and verbena haze. This mist feels bright, fresh, and green yet so delicate and without any dampness or earthiness, like small ripples of waves carrying diamond-shaped reflections of light as far as you can see.

And there’s movement, undercurrents of a playful fruity accord that adds depth as the most volatile notes take their leave, with blackcurrant bud and sage contrasts that somehow flow together, and above all feel spontaneous in their movements.

Best american artisan perfumes

Take me to the river, photo by Elena Cvjetkovic©

Chatillon Lux Admiral then stirs into yet another direction, as the sage accord eases you into the aquatic heart of the fragrance, and this is where the magic happens. The way Shawn Maher twists and swirls some of the most known materials used in popular aquatics is quite unique and painstakingly creative, resulting in a sense of a peacefully flowing river, a never ending passage of water that’s compelling and soothing, even when you are aware of the power of its movement hidden deep below the surface.

Admiral moves, shifts, floats, and just when you might think this is the perfect moment in the whole development of the fragrance, whiffs of smoke rise. Not the fresh smoke coming from a riverboat, which one would expect, this smoking cade is more a distant memory of the puffs that once floated above the river surface, touched by what feels like smooth, old suede tamed with sweeter-leaning notes. I’m absolutely smitten by the originality of this accord, and if this pairing of smoke, leather, and tonka in the dry down is what the whole fragrance was leading to, it’s superb.

Chatillon Lux Admiral is a unique artisan fragrance that might change your opinion on aquatics for good, a highly creative, enchanting, and soothing flow of a river you’d want to be near on a perfect summer day. Or anytime.

Notes (as listed by the brand): Lemongrass, verbena, bergamot, aquatic notes, sage, black currant bud, riverboat smoke, tonka bean, musk.

Elena Cvjetkovic, Editor and Author of The Plum Girl

Disclaimer: A 3ml sample of Admiral was kindly sent to me by Chatillon Lux for my consideration. Opinions and feelings are – as always – of my own.

Chatillon Lux Admiral

Chatillon Lux Admiral by Shawn Maher taken for this review… Thank you !!

Thanks to the generosity of Chatillon Lux, we have a 2 oz bottle of Chatillon Lux Admiral for one registered reader ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD (you must register on our site or your comment will not count). To be eligible, please tell us what you enjoyed about Elena’s review, if you have tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance before and where you live.  Draw closes 8/14/2020

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

Photos: Elena Cvjetkovic, Chatillon Lux

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63 comments

  • Shamrock1313 says:

    Beautiful description by Elena.
    I’m a huge fan of Aquatics and haven’t tried these, I’m intrigued by the different take. Not the aquatic you were expecting is what caught my eye. Sounds so good.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • Elena, thank you for the great review. Shawn, you know I love your work, and this, I’m sure will be no exception. Thank you for your generosity of this draw.

    I love how Elena really captured the movement of this fragrance in her review, not only can you smell the notes, but you can feel this shifting gears through each layer. I’m really interested on the lemongrass note, that has been a note I’ve been exploring recently.

    I’m in the US.

  • After the first paragraph, I was reminded of a mix I heard of “river flows in you” by an artist named Jerome – the review brought a huge smile to my face and enjoyed the idea of a green fresh aquatic fragrance with depth. Would love to try this and explore the rest of Shawns work as well
    NY, USA

  • Aquatics are tricky for me. More often than not I’m disappointed by an over reliance on Calone. I like the inclusion of the bright citrus top notes, the sage and ‘riverboat smoke’. This reminds me more of a fresh water experience than an ocean fragrance. It sounds really interesting. Thanks for the review Elena! Commenting from USA.

  • I have not tried any of Shawn Maher fragrances but I need to! Chatillon Lux Admiral sounds just what we need now. As Elena describes so beautifully,” Chatillon Lux Admiral is a unique artisan fragrance that might change your opinion on aquatics for good, a highly creative, enchanting, and soothing flow of a river you’d want to be near on a perfect summer day. Or anytime.” California.

  • I have never tried a Maher Olfactive Fragrance before, but the perfumer really intrigues me. I love the story of the perfumer and the idea of the perfume is super unique.

  • patrick_348 says:

    Elena’s review was so vivid, written in terms that were precise and poetic at the same time. I love the idea of a fragrance rooted in a specific place, like St. Louis, that is not usually the subject for that kind of creativity. To me, aquatics go off track when they become too sweet, so I like the idea of how any sweetness here is apparently balanced with sage, smoke, and leather. I have been reading about Shawn Maher’s fragrances for some time without trying them, and this only gets me more interested. I am in the US, in North Carolina.

  • Honeydew Crenshaw says:

    the visual descriptions of the scents really plays the scent up; always good to read well written prose

  • While I am admittedly not a fan of aquatic fragrances, the sense of a peacefully flowing river sounds very nice. Adding on to that “undercurrents of a playful fruity accord that adds depth” makes this quite intriguing a perfume. Thanks for the introduction to the Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive line as I have not heard of it before. I live in the US.

  • Thank you for this amazing trip down a river of memory. Although I’ve never tried one of the fragrances from Chatillon Lux, this certainly must be my first. I don’t think I own an aquatic perfume, so this would be a whole new experience. I love lemongrass and verbena. Many thanks to Chatillon Lux for this generous draw. I’m in the USA

  • I’m usually not a fan of aquatic fragrances and would love to be converted to one by the Admieal.
    I’m in Slovenia

  • I am not the biggest aquatics fan but I do have some that I enjoy and I love a unique take on the dna.
    So to have an added smokey touch is really interesting to me and how they managed to balance that to not overtake the core dna was facinating to learn about.

    I’ve not tried anything from either unfortunately.

    I’m from Ireland, EU

  • marcopietro says:

    That is an aquatic that I would like to try, apparently more complex and mobile than others in marine family. Then I love blackcurrant bud and sage, it might be perfect to me.
    I’m in EU and I never tried .Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance.
    Thanks!

  • Chatillon Lux Admiral is a unique artisan fragrance that might change your opinion on aquatics for good, a highly creative, enchanting, and soothing flow of a river you’d want to be near on a perfect summer day. Or anytime.

    Notes (as listed by the brand): Lemongrass, verbena, bergamot, aquatic notes, sage, black currant bud, riverboat smoke, tonka bean, musk. A beautiful description by Elena I am not a fan of aquatics but I am intrigued the perfumers take on this note and particularly the note of river boat smoke. A house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by perfumer. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • Admiral moves, shifts, floats, and just when you might think this is the perfect moment in the whole development of the fragrance, whiffs of smoke rise. Not the fresh smoke coming from a riverboat, which one would expect, this smoking cade is more a distant memory of the puffs that once floated above the river surface, touched by what feels like smooth, old suede tamed with sweeter-leaning notes. I’m absolutely smitten by the originality of this accord, and if this pairing of smoke, leather, and tonka in the dry down is what the whole fragrance was leading to, it’s superb. I am intrigued by this description by Elena especially by the notes of river boat smoke, tonka and musk. A house that I am not familiar with but I am intrigued by nonetheless. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Thanks for the wonderful review Elena, this truly sounds like a scent that is right up my alley and really suits this time of the year, i was already eyeing Weinstrasse, but would love to try this one as well. Shawn thanks for your generosity, would really love to try Chatillon Lux Admiral! Living in the EU

  • Fascinating article, the vivid imagery painted by the author shows a very different construct on the Aquatics theme.
    This happens to be one of my favourite genres of perfume, the Verbena, Tonka Bean and Black Current Bud notes are very creative, and with the addition of Smoke, I really need to try this.
    SK, Canada

  • Oh, I’d love SOOO much to try Chatillon Lux perfumes, which are still not available in Europe, and so much more after Elena’s review!
    I live in Italy.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • I got really curious about the idea of an aquatic fragrance with a unique spirit! Would love to try this work as the first from the brand. Greetings from Slovakia!

  • I liked the ending part where Elena says this one is a unique fragrance created by an artisan house and that it can change one’s perception when it comes to aquatics.
    EU. Thanks!

  • Sam Andrew Geller says:

    Word! I bought a bottle from him unconditional surrender. Shawn sent me a sample of admiral. Was blown away! Great review you nailed it!

  • Love summer frag with citrus , remind you of the easy days and great days in your life, mix that with tonka beans will be a summer hits, for me at least. I in Sweden EU

  • Love the idea of changing my mind on aquatics for good! Great review! I’ve spent plenty of time at the river in my younger days. This fragrance sounds like a masterpiece. I’ve never tried any from the brands. USA

  • I really enjoyed Elena’s review. Though I also don’t usually like aquatics, I am always trying to find one that does it for me. Maybe this will be the one! I have not tried anything from Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance. I am in the US.

  • I agree with Elena. Very happy to see an aquatic with a unique touch of cade and suede. A caded and sueded aquatic. lol Really could use that sense of a peacefully flowing river in these times, but I’m most intrigued with Shawn’s addition of verbena (one of my favourite citrusy materials), which isn’t as common these days. Would’ve been awesome to experience a trip on the SS Admiral, but more likely than not, I probably would’ve found myself fishing off of the stern rather than enjoying its creature comforts. I’ve heard it’s where the smells are most prominent. 😉 Canada.

  • Love those aquatic notes. Not sure I’ve experienced one with a smoke aspect before. I have not tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive fragrance. US

  • I enjoyed this review since I am currently reading a novel set in the days of riverboats and steamboats making their way along the rivers of America. This fragrance would be a perfect match for the time I spend reading this novel. I haven’t had the pleasure of trying Chatillon or Maher yet. I am from Canada!

  • I love the history of the river boat you included! Also enjoyed your descriptions of the scents! Shawn included a 3 ml sample with my La Petite Prairie EdT and I’m so glad he did. I love how gentle the smoke is in Admiral. Really happy I got to try it! I also own Weinstrasse and a few Chatillon Lux aftershave splashes. My fave is La Petite Prairie, it evokes childhood memories and I really enjoy that. I would love to own Admiral! I live in Colorado.

  • I’m a huge fan of Chatillon Lux. Enjoyed the review, I’ve smelled Admiral and liked it, but haven’t gotten a bottle yet. The review evoked so much of what speaks to me about it. Living in Florida now, Shawn’s scents evoke the Illinois of my childhood and Admiral especially reminds me of the Mississippi. As he says in his own write-up, it’s truly a “Summer in St Louis” scent.

  • I am quote fond of aquatic fragrances. I like to wear them often because I feel they are so versatile.I’m interested in trying this one, because it’s more complex than the designer fragrance I own.

    I have not tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance yet.

    UK

  • Beautiful description by Elena, the marine is something I love to know about. I never tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance yet. It’s a good chance for a new fragrance.
    Im from EU

  • Same as Shawn, I don’t usually fall for aquatic scents, but this one has piqued my curiosity: Elena’s review makes Admiral seem like something rare. I’ve been disappointed by so many new releases, maybe this one will surprise me (sure hope so!).

    I’ve tried Sylva not long ago, such an exquisite scent!

    Thanks for the draw! Russia

  • That note of riverboat smoke is quite something, isn’t it? You sure don’t get to see that everyday! Kudos to the nose behind this perfume for coming up with it and being ingenious!
    I am based in EU. Thanks!

  • Elena’s review make this sound like an adventure in a bottle! I’ve wanted to try both of Shawn’s Chatillon Lux and Maher Olfactive Fragrance’s but its not easy to get over where I am.
    I’m in Ireland

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Enjoyed this review by Elena. Never tried anything from this house but the notes in this fragrance sound dope, especially the drydown. Appreciate the review and the opportunity for the giveaway! Best from Virginia, USA.

  • Sara Patterson says:

    This fragrance sounds like my mother would be in heaven. Anything fresh, anything lemongrass, anything adventure. In the hot Texas heat, reading this review made me automatically cool.

    Writing from the US

  • Enjoyed the review by Elena. Shawn Maher has a great way of bringing history into his olfactory creations. Admiral seems to be a pleasant, fresh, uplifting perfume. Thanks for the review and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • doveskylark says:

    Oh, how I would have loved to take a cruise on the art deco SS Admiral. Th lemongrass and verbena notes certainly suggest sunshine. The sage becomes the river and the tonka and leather become the smoke of the boat surging along the river. Brilliant.
    I haven’t tried anything from Chantillon Lux.
    I live in the USA.

  • Excellent job describing the inspiration behind the fragrance. I have not tried a scent from this house before. USA

  • Thank you for this review Elena! Admiral sounds quite unique, the idea of cade smoke emerging from light watery notes and lemongrass/verbena is very intriguing!

    I haven’t gotten to sample any of Chatillon Lux YET but will be very interested to try it once travel opens up again!

    In Canada.

  • Was poetic and beautiful. I’m very interested in fragrance even though I don’t normally find myself looking at aquatics. Glad I read this. I have actually not heard of the house before but I’m going to start my research!
    PA, USA

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Elena.
    Shawn has created a masterpiece in melding smoke in an aquatic. I enjoyed your description of the evolution of the fragrance. It most certainly is slow, like a steambot huffing along a river, but it surely happens and when you realiz it, it’s become something beautiful. I’m also a huge fan of the verbena in the opening.

    I’ve smelt a number of his frgrances and Weinstrasse, Yuzu Rose Patchouli and Eau de Treget are amongst my favorites.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Aquatic perfumes are such a mistery to me because I am not very familiar with the concept. Never tried this house, I know that Shawn Mayer is very talented and has not one, but two fragrance houses and I would love someday to smell something from it. I fantasy the most around Chestnut. Valentine, EU

  • Wow, I was already quite triggered about this not so conventional aquatic, but when I read “smoke”, that changed the game for me. I don’t think I have ever seen this pairing of notes, or even contexts, before. Aquatics tend to stay quite light, perhaps a bit floral, citrusy or just a bit metallic. Smoke tends to accompany heavy oriental constructions, balsams or so-called dark Flowers. I am utterly curious to smell this unique combo. I am in the EU and have never tried Chatillon Lux / MOF before.

  • That’s quite a nice review and it would be interesting to see the interpretation of an aquatic fragrance from a perfumer who does not fancy them. That dry down sounds rather intriguing. I’ve not yet tried any Chatillon Lux and would love to start with Admiral. I’m in USA

  • wow, I like aquatic fragrances, and this just sounds so unique. what a beautiful description of it! i have not tried anything from Chatillon Lux, so this will be new for me. thank you for the draw and the review!

  • This seems like an interesting spin on an aquatic fragrance, which Elena described beautifully. I’m very curious to see how the smoky accord works here! I’ve been meaning to try the fragrances from this house as they all sound intriguing. I am in the USA.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I really appreciated Elena’s way of showing how the fragrance develops, the uniqueness of the fragrance m, as well as what sets it apart from other fragrances in its genre. Looking forward to getting my nose on this.

    I haven’t tried any Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance before, unfortunately.

    I live in Waldorf m, MD, USA.

  • wandering_nose says:

    I love citrusy aquatics, at least when I’m in the mood for them, and the temperature allows. But a smokey aquatic sweetened by tonka? That’s an entirely new level! Well done to Shawn for the amazing idea. I would be delighted to try this creation of his, and possibly the others over time. I am in the EU

  • I enjoyed how Elena conveyed how this aquatic fragrance is different than most conventional aquatics. I still haven’t tried Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance, but they are on my list! I live in the USA.

  • Jed Or Alive says:

    Great description. I normally don’t go for traditional aquatics but Admiral really flips the script. I’m a big fan of Chatillon Lux (especially Weinstrasse & Gratiot League Square) and would love to add Admiral to my lineup as well. Located in California, USA.

  • O how I would love the feeling of sailing on a 1940s river boat. This sounds absolutely amazing and a novel interpretation of an aquatic fragrance. I would love to experience of riverboat smoke in a fragrance. Elena has done a great job again of describing the scent and Shawn Maher’s talent beautifully. I have yet to try one of his, but hope to get Weinstrasse sometime soon. Marit UK

  • I agree, the aquatics have never drawn me, but this one does sound interesting! I love it when fragrances evoke a time and place and memory, and this one sounds like a warm summer day in the river. I’ve never tried anything from this house before. I live in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Michael Prince says:

    Elena, great review of Chatillon Lux Admiral. This fragrance sounds amazing a fruity, citrus, and aquatic fragrance with a unique twist of steamboat smoke and a sweet tonka bean. I haven’t tried any Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive fragrances. I am from the USA.

  • I love this review, thank Elena for making it so in depth and really insightful. While maybe my fondest memories of the Admiral were on sunny summer days, now that Elena says it a description of a night cruise with citrusy cocktails would be a more apt description. I love it!
    USA

  • I love the poetic description of the fragrance, an unusual aquatic one. It still reminds me of a summer holiday by a river. I never tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance before.
    I live in Romania.

  • Since the moment i’ve read the title, the song River – Leon Bridges started to play in my mind.
    So on this soundtrack I had a very watery experience full of light and lemon zest, like “like small ripples of waves carrying diamond-shaped reflections of light as far as you can see.”
    So thank you for this emotion, Elena!

    I haven’t tried a Chatillon Lux or Maher Olfactive Fragrance.
    I live in Romania.

  • What an informative review! The notes seem so beautiful. I have yet to find an aquatic perfume that I truly love. I haven’t heard of the house yet hope I get to try it out.
    Writing from Hong Kong

  • Lemonbgrass+ tonka beans: Im in love the smell of the mix. Its first time I hear about Chatillon lux, Hope soon will smelled. Im in Sweden EU.