EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve Review + Classy Cologne Draw

EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve review

EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve collage by Michelyn stock photos except Humphrey Bogart drinking gin with Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca

I first came across EastWest Bottlers via our CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumers Series. Matt Moore, the co-founder, is a bestselling novelist and musician from Georgia who along with his ex-fraternity brothers started EastWest Bottlers, an authentic line of indie fragrances. His first memories of scent are those of his grandfather, a veteran of the Second World War. Matt fondly remembers “Giddy”, getting ready in front of his wooden armoire splashing on colognes such Old Spice. Splash colognes aren’t as popular as they were but they evoke a 40s Old Hollywood type of every day elegance that I really like. I mentioned the line to Editor Sebastian Jara, and that one of my favorites was a powerhouse masculine called EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve. Now when you hear Moonshine you might think whiskey, but at the heart is actually Appalachian gin. Add aged leather,  flaxseed, tobacco and a big burst of black pepper and you have a classic fragrance reimagined for a modern audience. So Splash it on, because a spritz is just a spritz –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Editor Sebastian Jara reviews EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve

Disclosure: Sebastian was provided with a bottle, opinions are his own

EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve Review

Photo by Sebastian©

Thanks to EastWest Bottlers, one registered CafleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid)  is eligible to win a full 100 ml bottle ($168) of EastWest Bottlers Moonshine Reserve. To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review. Do you like to splash or spritz… or both? Draw closes 9/15/2019.

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64 comments

  • isunnychaudhary says:

    WoW. What a lovely bottle 😉
    Moonshine Reserve seems a wonderful scent by your review.
    As soon as you said to act, you got me then and there.
    And gin, like seriously this is for me.
    Sebastian is traveling and still working on his channel. Hats off to his professionalism.

    A great admirer of his reviews and videos.

    I love both splash and spritz as thats quite cool too.

    Sunny
    USA

  • Tyler J Sweeney says:

    Sebastian is the perfect blend of curious and knowledgeable! Great review and I’m very interested in this fragrance!

  • hkmadani says:

    Although befitting this particular fragrance, splashing is messy and soooo outdated and inconvenient. I’m very curious about the linen note Sebastian mentioned; patchouli is always welcome. VA, USA.

  • David Barta says:

    Sebastian introduced me to this fragrance and I would love an opportunity to check this out. I find it to have a great presentation as the leather takes it to another level. I am also drawn to Sebastian’s description that this is a masculine nature of this fragrance since there are far too many unisex scents on the market. I do not have a great deal of experience with “splash on” but it is very low on the list when purchasing any type scent.

  • Burhman Smith says:

    I enjoyed Sabastian review because he comes of knowledgeable without being stuffy. I also enjoy how he relates a personal story to the fragrance.

  • Wayne Curlew says:

    this is a house i have never heard of myself but then again there are many houses out there. I love the notes in this frag as i love the pepper and leather a lot. The bottle encased in leather is a nice touch and looks all that much appropriate for this scent. The review is very explanatory and describes the juice very well so with that i am definitely interested in this for myself to wear and enjoy. As for the non atomizer sprayer and just being a splash that will be something to get used to

  • Barb Schmidt says:

    I would so love to win this for my son! What a great sounding fragrance, cool bottle and fun it’s a splash. For a second I thought Sebastion was going to actually show us the splash. I love the idea of a splash like the old days. I love that Sebastian mentioned he always researches before reviews and keeps learning. Easy to imagine a person already knows it all and just needs to grab the bottle and comment. But of course you don’t know so much without doing your homework. I live in CA, USA

  • Van Sokol says:

    Really like Sebastians reviews and videos. I trust his comments and recommendations. Would love to try this because of his recommendation.

  • gtabasso says:

    I liked how Sebastian described this as clean. That’s how linen smells and is worn. Linseed though reminds me of dark oily oil paintings. I’m in USA. This sounds very interesting. I’ve had this house on my radar since they came out but haven’t gotten a sniff. I’m in USA.

  • ZachA says:

    As always another great review from Sebastian love the way he breaks down the fragrance. I prefer spray but would love to try this fragrance. USA

  • luisquezada1 says:

    Always a fan of a black pepper fragrance. Vetiver, leather and tobacco notes makes me think it’s very manly. I’m in Reisterstown MD, USA.

  • ianmichaelstone says:

    I like how Sebastian mentioned the smokiness coming through the clean scents of the pepper and linen. It’s intriguing. Spritzing may be easier, but I have some experience with splashes from a few the of the mini sample fragrances I’ve collected.

  • PatoLoco says:

    I liked Sebastion’s concise and descriptive review of Moonshine Reserve. Leather and tobacco are two of my favorite accords. I enjoy a spritz and an occasional splash. Cheers, from Oregon.

  • Brygantor says:

    This sounds like an awesome fragrance. Sebastian really made it sound quite desirable, as it was very detailed (including his “research” on linen). I look forward to, literally, getting my hands on the bottle. And I like both, spritzing and splashing.

  • Brygantor says:

    This sounds like an awesome fragrance. Sebastian really made it sound quite desirable, as it was very detailed (including his “research” on linen). I look forward to, literally, getting my hands on the bottle. And I like both, spritzing and splashing.

  • fazalcheema says:

    Sebastian says flax notes gives nuttiness to Moonshine Reserve. It has leathery tone but also a bit animallic. I prefer spritz and splash only for too strong fragrances. I am in US

  • Katchawiff says:

    Splash ? I tend to use an index finger and stripe the cologne on like a perfume oil. Sometimes I have used a Q-tip (which you can throw in a pocket as a little added sillage / duration).
    Did you say linseed ? The same linseed we paint on raw wood and wooden tool handles for preservation ? Interesting !

  • Hendrix Wilson says:

    The Description of how they get the linen ingredient from a flower was my favorite part of the video. I prefer the spritzer bottles. USA

  • Gabriel Garcia Leyva says:

    Wow I love old school scents, and this reviews are really great, I like those notes specifically the black pepper. I’m not familiar with the brand.
    Las Vegas NV

  • Tyler Cashman says:

    What a great looking bottle. I splash and spritz personally. Sebastian provides such great insight into fragrances I would have never heard of otherwise.

  • Scott W. says:

    Love Sebastian’s reviews! Vetiver, Tobacco, Leather with an animalic edge. What’s not to like? While I prefer spary fragrances I own a few vintage splash bottles. Thanks so much for this opportunity! S~

  • Amirpasha says:

    I liked the linen ( flax seed) patchouli and leather combination, it sounds very dark and mysterious to me. I’m a sprayer but I guess I can line with a splash too!
    Thank you so much
    California, USA

  • riddlemo says:

    This fragrance’s concept is just incredible. From the aged leather wrapping around the bottle, to the splash-on design, it’s a beautiful flask of cologne. (I love both splash and spritz bottles). And the aged leather, Appalachian gin, and tobacco on the inside of the bottle makes it the perfect moonlight concoction. (Commenting from FL, USA.)

  • Steve A. says:

    Once in a while I prefer a splash over a spray. This sounds great for the impending cool weather. US

  • drewactor says:

    Good review as usual. The fragrance sounds appealing. I love boozy frags bu this one sounds more refined and the gin adds something without a big alcohol note. I like black pepper but it can be overwhelming so glad it goes away. Bottle looks really nice. I hate splash fragrances..oh well it is the only way it comes so you take what you can get. In the USA.

  • Randomnoisebursts says:

    Always love watching Sebastian’s reviews. With the notes of black pepper, tobacco and leather, this sounds right up my alley. I do have to side with Sebastian with the spray being less messy for application, but if I love the scent, it’s not a big deal.

    I live in WA, USA.

  • NiceVULady says:

    “…you have a classic fragrance reimagined for a modern audience. ” That certainly includes that marvelous bottle. Great review. Thanks and thanks for the generous draw. I’m in the USA

  • Dan W says:

    I’m a big fan of black pepper which left me intrigued by this review. There doesn’t appear to be samples on the market yet but I’m looking forward to trying it in the near future.

    I am definitely a spray v. splash.

    Appreciate the review.

  • char98 says:

    I loved his review as always, he really is good at describing the scent of the fragrance

    i live in the USA

  • Hasib says:

    Always enjoy Sebastian’s reviews and other videos. He is one of my favorite Fragrance Reviewers. Heard of this once before and like to try it out. Sounds like this’ll be good for the cooler days. Bottle reminds me of Old Western times. Thanks, Ca

  • jbs1 says:

    Who doesn’t enjoy a splash from a manly cologne bottle . I have a couple bottles that I enjoy splashing/using, and yes it does hearken you back Sebastian.I very much like the looks of the bottle, and Sebastian’s description of the fragrance does sound appealing.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I liked how Sebastian went through the stages of the fragrance, and his description made me curious to smell the linen note, and I was intrigued by how he described the way the gin note made the vetiver and tobacco notes “cleaner.” I like to splash on a not very strong cologne, but I prefer to spritz anything stronger.

  • adteutla says:

    Sebastian’s reviews area always informative and entertaining. I appreciate his curiosity and knowledge about fragrance notes. It would be interesting to try a splash bottle cologne.
    From California, USA.

  • RobertNicolasB says:

    I love the contrasting clean a smoky description. Great review as always, Sebastian! I am most definitely a spritzer. Thanks for the opportunity. – USA

  • Ben A says:

    I always love Sebastian’s reviews. This one sounds great. I’m afraid I prefer spraying to splashing….but beggars can’t be choosers: thanks for the draw. OK, USA

  • Harbinger says:

    I really love how Sebastian always introduces me to new houses. Never heard of this one. I splash and spray. USA Thanks for the draw

  • Caliwas says:

    I just love the bottle design! Sebastian review of this fragrance Moonshine Reserve explains this fragrance very well with the black pepper, animalic and vetiver. I prefer a sprayer but if the scent is amazing I would not mind splashing it on all over. Thanks for the draw. I live in USA.

  • Diana D says:

    Love Sebastian and his reviews. This sounds like a perfect scent for the upcoming Fall season. Love that it has such rich notes of leather, patchouli and gin. I think my boyfriend would enjoy this, too.
    I live in the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Sebastian, this fragrance sounds so good. A classic mens fragrance with a modern touch. A boozy, leather, and tobacco fragrance with a touch of spice. Thank you EastWest Bottlers. I am from the USA.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    I much prefer to spray than splash so I always decant some into an atomizer when I get a splash bottle. Although I love the look of Moonshine’s bottle with the leather and the reference to a flask. I was intrigued by this house since it featured in the American Perfumers series. Thanks Sebastian for another great review! I’m in the US.

  • nocowboy says:

    Always love Sebastian’s reviews never feel like i am being talked down to and I always learn something. I find splashing hard to control so I usually spritz

  • jeremyn87 says:

    Sounds interesting. I dont think Ive ever tried flaxseed/linen note. The pepper, vetiver, patchouli, with leather sounds dark, especially since its sort of animalic. Though gin sounds like it freshens it a bit. I prefer to spray, but the bottle is gorgeous, and I could always decant it.
    Im in US. thanks for the draw

  • Onyinye says:

    I like that Sebastian touched a lot of important stuff about the fragrance namely, that it has animalic leather, notes of pepper , and doesn’t have a spray. I think I prefer spritz because it’s not so messy and wasteful. I love the leather packaging also.
    I live in USA.

  • Uncle1979 says:

    Funky and smoky Leather fragrance, with tobacco? Count me in for this 19th century kind of bottle.
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign.
    USA

  • Barber82 says:

    As a barber I’m instantly drawn to scents like Moonshine Reserve. Classy manly , not overbearing fragrance. Who does not like to smell like this in the fall? Fells like a fall fragrance to me.
    I’ll be happy to win, and wear it.
    Thank you for the opportunity. USA

  • IvanVelikov says:

    The flask with Leather piece on it , and copper tube instead of the box are both piece of art. All of this brought me back to my childhood, and grandpa wearing splash scents Dior Eau Sauvage. I’m not sure if it was aftershave, or fragrance in the 80s, but there was no sprayer.
    I imagine a fragrance perfectly suitable for office environment.
    Thank you. USA

  • Gig84 says:

    Leather + tobacco + gin + spiciness = manly fragrance I know my dad would love. I’ll give him the bottle if I happen to be the winner. He’s old school kind of guy, and he still uses splash fragrances and aftershaves. Thank you. From USA

  • doveskylark says:

    Black pepper is one of my current favorites. And I have always loved vetiver and tobacco. I am in the mood for classy and elegant. I have so many vintage colognes that are splash, so I’ve gotten used to splashing. I also love the bottle. I’d love to display it on my dresser.
    I live in the USA.

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    “EastWest Bottlers, an authentic line of indie fragrances. His first memories of scent are those of his grandfather, a veteran of the Second World War. Matt fondly remembers “Giddy”, getting ready in front of his wooden armoire splashing on colognes such Old Spice. Splash colognes aren’t as popular as they were but they evoke a 40s Old Hollywood type of every day elegance that I really like. ”

    I get all of this Michelyn , plus we all know everything vintage in popular now , but splashing is really outdated , and sometimes not even healthy. If it’s aftershave , or some big decanter you can split with your friends – sure , but splashing it directly on skin is messy , you’re loosing a lot of juice , and also there are people with allergies on their hands , my cousin for example . And on top of all don’t forget all the guys with beards. Putting too much cologne on your beard , could damage it really bad. I know , because it happen to my husband .
    I would suggest Eastwest putting a sprayer in the the box , so customer could choose to splash , or spritz .
    Tobacco and leather combination picked up my interest here. I’m glad Sebastian said Moonshine reserve is not super strong scent. Ultra potent leather fragrances even i’m not a fan of.
    Thanks a lot.
    USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    To me EastWest Bottlers = Southern Living 1966. Such a nice grown up fragrance. If Moonshine Reserve is on pair, I will consider getting a bottle.
    All things Sebastian said in his review about Moonshine Reserve are suiting me , except for the splash bottle. Fingers crossed I’ll be the winner, but I’ll instantly put some sort of atomizer on it.
    Spray > splash all day, every day.
    Virginia USA

  • James2473 says:

    I always love Sebastian’s reviews. He’s very trustworthy and detailed with his descriptions of the fragrances. He made me want to get my nose on this one for sure! I LOVE the bottle design, and I feel like making it a splash suits it well. I like to both spray and splash my fragrances. Thanks for the draw!

  • colimur says:

    Sebastian’s video was awesome as it captured the vintage spirit of this cologne including the reality of its splash application versus spray..truly inspirational and brings back memories of a gentler and more gentile time.