Exploring a Cavern of Scent with Olm

Zoologist Squid’s mysterious sibling, Zoologist Olm, is one of the most concept-driven fragrances of 2026 so far, a scent that doesn’t just evoke a place, but transports you deep into it. Inspired by the blind aquatic salamander known as the olm, Olm unfolds like an olfactory cave expedition, with mineralic water, damp stone and shadowy undercurrents at its core.

A Scent Concept Rooted in Nature and Myth

Perfumer Spyros Drosopoulos crafted Olm to reflect the austere beauty of Slovenia’s limestone caves, a space untouched by sunlight yet teeming with sensory texture. The opening is dominated by a water cave accord, limestone, iodine and algae, conjuring subterranean rivers and damp stone walls. The heart then reveals soft amber, sandalwood and musks, creating a resonance that feels both earthy and strangely intimate. Personal perception of the scent’s progression varies widely, with some wearers noting the mineral quality as more “felt” than overtly smelt.

How It Smells & Community Impressions

Perfume enthusiasts on Fragrantica often describe Olm as a mineral-heavy aquatic, more atmospheric than literal, drifting between damp stone and ambered warmth. Some find it uniquely compelling for its eerie cave-like aura; others feel the concept overshadows the composition itself, calling it one-note or uncomplex at times.

Alternative reviews highlight Olm’s earthy, wet, and almost petrichor-like opening, likening it to the smell of summer rain on stone, which slowly transitions into a softer, ambered musk with sandalwood undertones. Wearers say this dry-down brings a comforting, almost cosy feel that defies the starkness of the concept.

Reddit reviewers also note that while Olm might not be a loud projection or statement scent, it’s strangely wearable and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the sensorial mood of dark, ancient caves.

Where Olm Fits in Your Collection

Unlike typical fresh aquatics, Olm occupies a space that’s more introspective than invigorating, think of an aquatic but stripped of sea breeze, citrus or surf. It’s a niche niche: atmospheric, mineralic, and contemplative. This makes it a fascinating choice for those seeking:

• A subtle yet memorable daily fragrance
• A scent that leans more conceptual than literal
• Something unisex with aquatic moodiness but not classic marine freshness

In regionally temperate seasons like spring and autumn, its deep, complex personality plays well with cooler air, while its quiet warmth makes it comfortable for indoor wear.

Fragrance Classification

According to our signature system, Olm can be described as:

• Aquatic (Ozonic) – mineralic water, algae and iodine evokes an underground current
• Woody – sandalwood and cashmeran add structure
• Animalic – musks and earthy depth give a gentle skin-like character

This blend situates Olm as both evocative and avant-garde, a scent for the curious rather than the conventional.

Shop Now