DSH Perfumes Tigercat (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) 2025 + Purring Fantasy Fur Giveaway

 DSH Perfumes TigerCat

DSH Perfumes Tigercat image via the brand

 “The inspiration for Tigercat is two-fold: the opening accord refers to a bohemian moonshine, distilled at the height of Prohibition, that was called “Tigercat”. (It was an orange peel concoction with an apparent “bite” when imbibed). The underlying animalic-ambery design is inspired by that fantasy feline…complete with lusciously thick orange and black fur, who purrs when stroked and loves to love.” ~ Dawn Spencer Hurwitz

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes

  Dawn Spencer Hurwitz courtesy of the perfumer

Artisanal perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is a master of the nouveau-vintage genre. I have noticed that several perfumers over the past few years (and their targeted audience) find this fragrance category intriguing and are exploring it for themselves. In my opinion, few are able to translate it as effectively as Dawn does: her thoroughly modern perfumes capture the true vintage spirit, all the while enjoining the wearer to embark upon an adventurous aromatic journey. This expedition is what sets her work apart from the ever-burgeoning number of perfumers on the market – and why I often say that I would trust Dawn to compose the perfume-score my life. Her latest (Heirloom Elixir No.39) DSH Perfumes Tigercat, is as luscious as one could hope for – especially if you are an unrepentant voluptuary like me.

Vintage House of Weil Ad 1921 common use

DSH Perfumes Tigercat is a honeyed fur perfume in the tradition of the House Of Weil, founded in 1927 – French furriers who had seductive perfumes created for them by famous noses such as Claude Fraysse and his children Jacqueline and Hubert Fraysse. These fragrances were intended to cling passionately to minks, sables, and other luxurious pelts, and Dawn has been inspired by them (Zibeline, for example). Her L’Étole de Vison (Mink Stole), Une Robe de Zibeline (A Cloak of Sable), and Chinchilla are prime examples – and there are many more, such as Foxy and Rendezvous. What is singular is how relevant all of these glowingly animalic scents continue to be, with their ongoing capacity to fascinate despite the passage of time.

Tigercat by DSH Perfumes

image via the brand

Tigercat is a purring fantasy fur which unfolds obligingly upon flesh; I can only imagine how it would sidle up cozily to real fur garments. It has spectacular longevity as well: a tiny spritz applied midday was still discernible the next morning. From Tigercat’s bright, cheekily bitter/tart/citrus/spicy opening to its resinous denouement, one is in the presence of a languorous, gently domesticated big cat. Bitter orange and its illicit moonshine accord deliver a lovely sense of debauchery predicated on indolent honeyed jasmines and orange blossom. Dawn is fond of Bulgarian rose (who can fault that?) and it integrates seamlessly, imparting its rondeur as the fragrance segues into a deeply satisfying ambery base. The cornerstone of this perfume is a sybarite’s delight: a marriage of precious woods (oud, sandalwood, Himalayan cedar) and the unctuous balms of Arabian myrrh, opoponax, Peru and Tolu balsam, and benzoin Siam. The pot is sweetened further with sensuous notes of tonka, vanilla, leather, musk, and ambergris. We want for nothing in this eminently lovable animalic fragrance.

DSH Perfumes Tigercat is one of my favorite fragrances of 2025 – so much so, that I couldn’t wait to order some (by this reading, it will have arrived!) for myself. Whenever an opportunity arises where I can feel soothed and sophisticated at the same time, it’s a win-win. I detest fuss and appreciate a perfume which satiates my desire to smell like a goddess without any effort. DSH Perfumes Tigercat delivers on all fronts.

Notes: bergamot, bitter orange, lemon, mandarin, black pepper, coriander seed, cinnamon bark, honey, honey musk, grandiflorum jasmine, juhi jasmine absolute, Bulgarian rose absolute, orange blossom, orange peel moonshine accord, orris, leather, musk, ambergris, oud/agarwood, opoponax, true Arabian myrrh, civet, Himalayan cedar, Australian sandalwood, Peru balsam, Siam benzoin, Tolu balsam, tonka bean absolute, vanilla absolute

 Sample kindly provided by the perfumer – many thanks! My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

Elixir No.39 Tigercat by DSH Perfumes

DSH Perfumes Tigercat flacon via brand

Thanks to the generosity of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes, we have one  ¼ oz extrait flacon of Tigercat for one registered reader in the continental USA. To be eligible, please leave a comment regarding what sparked your interest about Ida’s review of DSH Perfumes Tigercat and where you live in the continental USA. Draw closes 10/26/2025

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Enjoy Michelyn’s Interview with Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes

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19 comments

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for great review Ida!

    DSH Tigercat sounds like a velvet-leather fantasy—think dark fur, a whisper of whiskey, and the soft snap of citrus peel as it meets a cabin fire. The blend of tiger’s eye wood and creamy suede with just a hint of wild vetiver gives it that “predator at dusk” edge without feeling heavy. I’d love to try Tigercat!
    Cheers from WI, USA

  • reyessence89 says:

    When you see “bohemian moonshine”, “fantasy feline”, “nouveau-vintage genre”, you just have to keep on reading, haven’t you? And after reading more about Tigercat, I too, now want to smell like a goddess. I visited the DSH Perfumes website, and I’m not waiting to win this one to acquire my first perfume from this house.
    I live in Nebraska, USA. We don’t have any independent artisanal perfumery shops where I live.

  • Agent47 says:

    Ida’s article on DSH Perfumes Tigercat 2025 instantly pulled me in. Her vivid description of Tigercat’s ambery, animalic character captured the bold spirit of Dawn Spencer Hurwitz’s work. It’s a scent that prowls with intention.

    As a niche fragrance fan, I’ve long admired Dawn’s artistry. Her Vetyver is crisp and grounding, while Vintage Patchouli offers deep, earthy elegance. Both are staples in my collection and reflect her mastery of mood and material.

    Tigercat feels like a natural evolution. It is confident, layered, and full of personality. Ida’s review reminded me why I love niche perfumery. Every scent tells a story, and every note is crafted with care. Scented regards from NY, USA.

  • Akimon says:

    I’m a big fan of DSH and this new scent sounds purrfect 😉 Thanks to Ida for zooming in on its luxurious, sensuous and feline aspects, and intriguing moonshine notes.
    I’m in the continental US. Thanks for the draw!

  • crownroyale47 says:

    I’ve never heard of DSH Perfumes before and I literally thought this was a review about a fur lol. But I was instantly pulled in. The way Tigercat is described feels rich, textured, and unapologetically classy. Like something that wraps you in warmth but still leaves a trace of mystery. I love that balance between sophistication and comfort, that whole “honeyed fur” vibe that feels sensual without trying too hard. This sounds like the kind of scent that’s unexpected, niche, and quietly luxurious that would catch everyone off guard when they smell it. Great description. I live in New Jersey!

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    Ida’s review sparked my imagination with the idea of a forbidden orange-peel moonshine transforming into a sensual “purring fantasy fur” that clings to the skin like a living creature. The marriage of animalic amber and vintage fur house inspiration makes Tigercat feel decadent, emotional, and alive—exactly the kind of olfactory escape I crave. I live in California, USA.

  • Ayush Modi says:

    Wow — I’m utterly intrigued by both DSH Perfumes Tiger Cat and Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Purring Fantasy Fur! The idea of combining bold feline energy with a plush, dreamy fur fantasy is so creative. I’d absolutely love to be part of this and bring a little of that wild elegance into my fragrance collection. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

  • Kathleen Smith says:

    The unique blend of bold vintage notes and its reputation for being both fierce and elegant sparked my interest in DSH Perfumes Tigercat. I am a long-time fan of Dawn’s animalics and vintage style perfumes and her artistry and vision. I live in Littleton, CO.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    For years now, I’ve been very intrigued to try many fragrances from DSH Perfumes, but I haven’t had a chance to try even one yet. I’d like to try “Tigercat” because I can like woody/resinous fragrances. Also, I’d like to familiarize myself with more vintage-leaning and animalic fragrances. Please count me in. I live in MD, USA.

  • Gary M says:

    Love DSH
    I own samples of Le Serval and Seul Loup. I agree with Ida Mister that Dawn has a way with neo-vintage perfumes. When I read about Tigercat, I knew I would love it, especially because of the moonshine orange peel and soft fur.
    USA

  • Elizabeth Grimaldi says:

    The name “Tigercat” alone was enough to pull me in! Big fan of big cats, and of DSH. I live in Colorado, and am blessed to have met Dawn in person at her physical location in Boulder. Hope to try this soon, it sounds incredible. Thank you for the in depth review, Ida.

  • SandiL says:

    I cannot resist Dawn’s artistic creations, and this one sounds beautiful—bitter, tart, and spicy, with the addition of basenotes, creating an animalic, moonshine-like vibe. Ida has a way of inspiring intrigue. I am in the USA.

  • Annika says:

    Tigercat sounds like an homage to the great animalic perfumes of the 1920s with a complex and luxurious slant on animalic notes. There is a strong feminine component with the honey and range of rich floral notes. This is definitely a perfume that was composed with care and intention. Ida mentioned at the end of her review that this was one of her favorite releases of 2025. High praise indeed. MD, USA

  • Teresa C says:

    The crowning comment that made me dive into this comments box is the effortless comforted and sophisticated at the same time appeal of Tigercat! Who doesn’t want to smell like a goddess! I do live in the US.

  • mmerline says:

    Dawn’s fur accords are among her most interesting recurring highlights, varying in concept and texture. The nod to a citrus-rind moonshine makes Tigercat more appealing than some others (though Foxy and Le Serval are great), plus she’s often at her best invoking vintage styles. I’m surprised Tigercat reads as relatively mild on the scale of animalics; plush, and full of the usual suspects, but not as expressive in that way. Really curious about the boozy citrus opening paired with a long drydown.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • scenternet says:

    Ida’s review of Tigercat really caught my attention with the way she described it as both comforting and sophisticated. The mix of citrusy moonshine notes with a deep animalic and amber base sounds like such a unique balance. I love how Dawn blends vintage inspiration with modern artistry, and Tigercat feels like it would be one of those scents that wraps around you and leaves an unforgettable impression. I live in the USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    When it comes to nouveau-vintage fragrances, Dawn is the master. I have tried both Foxy and Rendezvous, and they are absolutely gorgeous. I am not really a big fan of seeking out vintage perfumes, but I don’t really need to because Dawn has so many beautiful fragrances that recall vintage formulations. Tigercat has so many beautiful notes. I am intrigued by the orange peel moonshine accord.
    I live in the USA.

  • opalbear says:

    Just for it being a DSH I’m completely interested. But then she had to do her creative magic and add in things like “orange peel moonshine accord” and make this haunt me until I try it! lol jeez and look at all the rich ingredients? The florals, resins, citruses and woods? Sign me up!!!
    Located in USA.