Confluence.

Confluence was born from the meeting of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers that define St. Louis, a concept the house calls a “confluence of cultures and scents.” Shawn Maher translated that geography into scent in 2021, blending the pine‑laden air of the surrounding forests with the incense‑filled hearths of early settlers. The result is a map of river‑side timber, captured in a single‑person studio.

Choosing Black Spruce, Balsam Fir and Juniper gives the opening a crisp, needle‑sharp punch, while Elemi adds a bright, slightly citrus resin that lifts the forest veil. Guaiac Wood anchors the heart with smoky warmth, and the base of Atlas Cedar, Frankincense and Benzoin creates a lingering resinous trail that outlasts the initial spray, echoing the slow drift of river mist.

At first, the spray erupts with a burst of black spruce and fir, the scent of a freshly felled conifer forest after rain. Juniper needles cut through, and elemi injects a subtle citrus‑resin sparkle that keeps the opening from feeling too dry. Within ten minutes the heart settles into guaiac wood, its smoky, slightly sweet timber, while a whisper of Palo Santo adds an earthy incense. As the fragrance dries, Atlas cedar deepens the woodiness, and frankincense and benzoin melt together into a warm, amber‑like resin that clings to skin like lingering river fog. The drydown persists for six to eight hours, offering a moderate sillage that stays close enough to feel personal yet leaves a memorable trace.

Since its 2021 debut, Confluence has cultivated a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate its authentic forest vibe. It is respected for evoking a sense of place without relying on synthetic trends, and it continues to spark thoughtful discussion in the fragrance community.