Catch and Release.

Catch and Release emerged from Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s 2013 quest to translate a forest-by-the-sea feeling onto skin. Inspired by the Colorado foothills where pine scent drifts over distant water, she blended Petitgrain and Balsam Fir to echo fresh timber, then introduced kelp-kissed rose and a tear accord to suggest salty air. The result is a scent that feels like a painted study of early-morning light on a misty shoreline.

The combination of seaweed with rose attar is unusual for a unisex perfume, giving the heart a marine-floral tension that few houses explore. Adding a tear accord creates a subtle mineral saltiness, while the base of Choya Nakh, Hyraceum and Oakmoss grounds the composition with earthy, resinous depth. This trio of rare materials lets the fragrance evolve from bright green to a quiet, forest-rich finish.

At first spray, the pine-green spark of Petitgrain and the resinous bite of Balsam Fir cut through the air, evoking a brisk walk among fir trees at dawn. Within ten minutes the marine heart awakens: seaweed brings a briny green, rose attar adds a soft floral nuance, and the tear accord introduces a crisp, almost watery edge that feels like mist on skin. As the scent settles after thirty minutes, the base notes emerge. Choya Nakh contributes a smoky, slightly sweet resin, while Hyraceum, fossilized animal urine, adds an animalic, leathery whisper that deepens the composition. Oakmoss wraps everything in a damp forest floor vibe, allowing the perfume to linger for four to six hours before fading into a faint, earthy whisper that still hints at the original pine-green opening.

Catch and Release has quietly woven itself into the fabric of modern fragrance culture, resonating with both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Its crisp green opening evokes memories of early morning walks in pine forests, while the subtle marine undertones recall seaside breezes. Over the past few years, the scent has become a staple in boutique selections, often cited for its ability to bridge the gap between traditional woody compositions and contemporary fresh accords. Social media enthusiasts frequently pair it with minimalist fashion aesthetics, reinforcing its image as a versatile, day‑to‑evening companion.