Four American Indie Perfumes and Perfumers for July 4, 2023+ Independence Day Giveaways

our American Indie Perfumes, Sarah Horowitz Parfums HereAfter, Beach Geeza Ocean Water, OSM 97

 Four American Indie Perfumes, Sarah Horowitz Parfums HereAfter, Beach Geeza Ocean Water, OSM 97,  House of Mammoth Voices photo by Steven

Nearly twelve years ago to the day I began our CaFleureBon Profiles In American Perfumery and a few days before Independence day. Video Content Steven Gavrielatos and I wanted to highlight four American indie perfumes and the perfumers we think embody the true spirit of Independence Day.

We chose these four American indie perfumes and for me it is just as much about the people as it it is the fragrances: Sarah Horowitz-Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums, Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza, Kyle Mott-Kannenberg of OSM and Benjamin Esposito of House of Mammoth, each have their own aesthetic and are independent (not owned by larger companies). Steven will review each American indie perfume and I will introduce the perfumers-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Horowitz Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums

Sarah Horowitz-Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums courtesy of Sarah©

Let’s begin our introduction to four American Indie perfumes with Sarah Horowitz-Thran who began her journey in fragrance in 1989 when she first stepped over the threshold of a bespoke perfumery shoppe on Newbury Street in Boston. As a pioneer in the indie perfume industry Sarah has lived many lives since her interest in olfaction first blossomed.. Her scent Perfect Veil is a must in any collection and recently featured on The Today Show, it sold out within minutes and is backordered but you need this in your life. In addition to her own brand, Sarah designed fragrances for brands including kai, IF and Bronzed for Ron Robinson, all the limited-edition Urban Decay fragrances and many more. I awarded Sarah Horowitz-Thran the CaFleureBon 2020 Hall of Fame as the godmother of American Indie Perfumers. In his video, Steven talks about Sarah Horowitz Parfums Hereafter which was designed “…for this present moment and all the moments to come. It was in Steven’s top spot as Number One. Notes: Blood orange, cardamom, Iso-E-Super, Virginia cedarwood, sandalwood, rich amber and vanilla.

Sarah Horowitz-Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums was one of the first in our American perfumer series which officially began on July 11, 2011.

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza creates American indie perfumes

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza  courtesy of Ryan

 I met Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza at the WPC Conference in Miami, a year ago and am so glad I did. Before becoming a perfumer, he was in the film and television business for nearly two decades. On one project he was being flown around the world as a Cameraman to capture footage of various cultures. From the crowded spice markets of Jaipur to smoky temples full of incense in Bangkok, During one leg of that journey he was in Java and smelled vetiver and that was the inspiration for his first American Indie Perfume Juniper Java. We have done quite a few  video reviews of his American Indie Perfumes, including Pearl Leather, and Jet Set was featured in Steven’s Most Unique Spring Fragrances for 2023.In today’s American Indie Perfume Video, Steven reviews Ocean Water. Notes: Cucumber, Bergamot, Sea Salt, Driftwood, Ambergris, White Musk

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza is 167th in our CaFleureBon American Perfumer Series

Kyle Mott-Kannenberg

Kyle Mott-Kannenberg of Osme courtesy of Kyle

In late 2018, Kyle released the first American indie perfumes OSM (short for Olfactory Sense Memory). Each fragrance was designed to be a visceral olfactive collage sourced from his personal memories, both his and those of his creative partner and husband, Michael. The first 4 OSM 15 Foreverness, was shortlisted as a finalist in the artisan category of the Art + Olfaction Awards in 2019.In addition, through his company Blend  he is the nose for The Art and Olfaction 2023 Finalist Blackcliff Flamingo and composed the three fragrances to date for Tempus Vitae. Steven chose OSM 97-Tarheels & Tonic to feature in our American Indie Perfumes curation. Notes: pink grapefruit, petitgrain, juniper berries, charred fennel, tonic, magnolia, hinoki wood, oakmoss, tarheels

Kyle Mott-Kannenberg of OSM and Blend is 172nd in our American Perfumer Series

Benjamin Esposito Of House of Mammoth creates American Indie Perfumes

Benjamin Esposito House of Mammoth courtesy of Benjamin

In Benjamin’s own words, “The most powerful story of America” imagery for me as a New Yorker was that of the melting pot of immigrants from all over the world looking for a better life, how each person brought something different of themselves to a community.  American perfumery is at its best when a perfumer finds their unique voice and shares their secrets with us, saying, “this is how I see the world.” His 2023  Art and Olfaction award-winning American Indie Perfume Voices (artisan) is beautifully reviewed by Sr. Contributor Rachel Watson. 10% of each full bottle sold will be donated to Stop AAPI Hate and their mission to advance equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism and building a multiracial movement to end anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate. Notes: mango, pandan, sticky rice, coconut milk, vetiver, orris, and wood

Benjamin Esposito is the 166th in CaFleureBon American Perfumer Series

 Video Contributor Steven Gavrielatos reviews for the Four American Indie Perfumes for Independence Day 2023

The wonderful Sarah Horowitz -Thran is offering  one 50 ml bottle of Hereafter to one registered reader and Redolessence Subscriber in the USA Only

Thanks to Ryan Hunts we have a draw for a 50 ml bottle of Beach Geeza Ocean Water for one registered reader in the USA and Redolessence subscriber

Kyle Mott-Kannenberg is offering 50 ml  of OSM 97 for one registered reader in the USA and Redolessence subscriber

Thanks to the generosity of Benjamin Esposito, we have a 48 ml bottle of Voices for one registered reader in the USA and Redolessence subscriber

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook and your entry will count twice. Please leave that in your comment.

You must be a registered CaFleureBon reader and Redolessence subscriber.

SUPPORT OUR AMERICAN ARTISAN PERFUMERS AND BUY DIRECTLY FROM THEIR SITES

Best American Indie Perfumes

photo by Steven

Please leave a comment with what you enjoyed knowing or learning about the American Indie Perfumes and each perfumer based on BOTH Michelyn’s Introduction AND Steven’s reviews. You can enter for all four if you live in the USA. Are you familiar with our four American indie perfumes or perfumers? Draw closes 7/4/2023 and the winner will be announced within 10 days after

Follow us on Instagram at @cafleurebonofficial @redolessence @sarahhorowitzparfums @osme_perfumery @house.of.mammoth

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our blog feed… or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

 

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36 comments

  • ramsesperez52 says:

    I never knew any of these houses so it’s always a great day when I’m introduced to new fragrances. The one that sounds the best for me is Beach Geeza’s Ocean Water and it’s a great reasonable price. As always, live Steven’s videos and Michelyn’s reviews. Cheers from the US.

  • Regis Monkton says:

    I appreciate Steven’s reviews because they cause me to know which notes are more prominent than others in the fragrances. I appreciate Michelyn’s reviews because they contain helpful insight into the fragrances, the companies, etc. which Steven might not mention in his reviews. I’d like to be entered in the giveaway draw for all four of the fragrances with Benjamin Esposito “Voices” being my first choice because of how Steven described it as unique, excellent, special, and affordable. My second choice would be OSM 97 because it’s described as high-quality and having many special characteristics. My third choice would be Sarah Horowitz -Thran “Hereafter” because it seems like one of the better sandalwood fragrances on the market. My fourth choice would be Beach Geeza “Ocean Water” because it seems like it could be a good fragrance to where during summer. I’ve certainly heard of all of these fragrance companies on account of being a Cafleurebon reader for a while now, so I’m intrigued to try them. I live in the U.S.A. I liked the post for this on Instagram.

  • Renato Carotti says:

    Wonderful write-up, and for giving a bit a recognition to indie fragrance houses in general. Happy Birthday America!!

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    It’s nice to learn about new indie perfumers and be introduced to 4 new fragrances. Ocean Water sounds like a really nice aquatic fragrance. I liked how Steven mentioned the cucumber note, since I love Polo Blue and would love to smell more interpretations of that note. I’d also like to be entered to win a bottle of OSM 97 because I love tonic water type fragrances. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Hereafter it is a beautiful, interesting scent that is somehow warm from the woods and refreshing with blood orange, cardamom cedarwood and vanilla. I am from EU

  • castlemicro says:

    Hello from Florida, and thank you to Michelyn and Steven for the reviews! I’m most interested in trying House of Mammoth’s Voices — all the notes sound beautiful, and the composition is clearly well-crafted — and Sarah Horowitz’s Hereafter — which sounds very clean and calming.

  • Amaziz89 says:

    Sarah Horowitz-Thran the CaFleureBon 2020 Hall of Fame as the godmother of American Indie Perfumers. In his video, Steven talks about Sarah Horowitz Parfums Hereafter which was designed “…for this present moment and all the moments to come. It was in Steven’s top spot as Number One. Notes: Blood orange, cardamom, Iso-E-Super, Virginia cedarwood, sandalwood, rich amber and vanilla.

    Sarah Horowitz-Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums was one of the first in our American perfumer series which officially began on July 11, 2011. All perfumes sound greatly but the Sandalwood, amber and vanilla sound sumptuous in Sarah Horowitz fragrance. I have liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Facebook page. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Arron_Q says:

    I always love hearing stories behind how fragrances come to be. As I’ve mentioned on a previous article, I adore OSM’s story and the fact that he brings the memories of the LGBTQIA+ community into his work is amazing. I have tried his entire line and they are all fantastic.

    Thanks to Michelyn’s comments, I learned about Ryan Hunt and the travels that inspired him to found Beach Geeza. It is always inspiring to see people switch careers to follow a passion. I have not tried anything from Beach Geeza yet, but have heard great things about their line. Ocean Water sounds perfect for the summer. I really appreciate it when houses put their own spin on what an aquatic fragrance can be. Steven talked about it being the epitome of summer and the notes he listed made it sound so refreshing. Cucumber and salt on top of some nice clean musk? Yes, please!

    I also loved Michelyn’s thoughts on Benjamin Esposito of House of Mammoth. “American perfumery is at its best when a perfumer finds their unique voice and shares their secrets with us, saying, ‘this is how I see the world.’ ” – – I could not agree more. I have yet to sample this house but have heard a good deal of buzz about them lately and hope to try some soon. Voices sounds really luscious. I love the idea of mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk. Steven mentioned it being gourmand but without being too sweet. I’m happy to hear that because its so easy to take that type of fragrance into the realm of being cloying.

    Overall, this sounds like a phenomenal collection of summer fragrances. My top two picks would have to be Ocean Water and Voices. Thank you all for the information and the giveaway opportunity. Best of luck to everyone. I live in NC, USA.

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    One. Notes: Blood orange, cardamom, Iso-E-Super, Virginia cedarwood, sandalwood, rich amber and vanilla.

    Sarah Horowitz-Thran of Sarah Horowitz Parfums was one of the first in our American perfumer series which officially began on July 11, 2011. All perfumes sound like great fragrances but hereafter has really piqued my interest especially the notes in particular. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • winwin818 says:

    As for House of Mammoth, I like the fact that it is more of a gourmand fragrance as per Steven and how its at a reasonable price (so I can purchase bottle on bottle if I liked!) and the combo of mango and sticky rice is so unique!
    And I absolutely adore how Benjamin is donating 10% of the sale from each bottle to stop AAPI hate. I love how he recognized his roots as a New Yorker and the melting pot of different cultures and he clearly used that influence to blend such unique notes!
    I have absolutely liked the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Facebook page.
    Manveen – from CA, USA.

  • winwin818 says:

    Beach Geeza’s Ocean Water sounds like the perfect summer pick! ‘Epitome of summer’ as Steven put it! I already like Polo Blue hence having a summer fragrance in that vibe is lovely! Cucumber and Bergamot is such an interesting blend!
    I love how Ryan has travelled far and wide as a filmmaker to really understand the nuances of notes. I loved Jaipur myself when I travelled and it’s a very unique experience to have. I developed a fondness for sandalwood after smelling burning incense there.
    I have absolutely liked the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Facebook page.
    I am from CA, USA.

  • winwin818 says:

    OSM’s 97 with notes of pink grapefruit and tonic sounds like an insane combination. Juniper and charred fennel tying into the earthy vibe sounds like it is a perfect summer fragrance.
    I am so interested in how Kyle has been a finalist in the Art + Olfaction Awards in 2019. Makes me extremely curious how this blend smells when it is curated by someone who has such a refined sense of smell!
    I have absolutely liked the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Facebook page.
    I am from CA, USA.

  • winwin818 says:

    I think I am the most excited for Hereafter. The notes sound so dreamy and perfect and just in line with what I love. After my trip to India, I fell in love with ‘chai’ and the smell of cardomom. Additionally I have become partial to the smell of sandalwood as they burn incense. I feel like this perfume has the ability to transport me! It’s so great to hear from Steven that it is a versatile scent because sometimes, strong notes like this can seem more wintery, but it’s great to know that its an all season fragrance at a great price point.
    I have been extremely familiar with Sarah since I purchased Perfect Veil. It was such a breath of fresh air and such a pleasant surprise that I was HOOKED. I am so excited for her newer fragrances.
    I love her indie perfume vibe and truly believe her time designing fragrances for brands including kai, IF and Bronzed for Ron Robinson was what helps her shine and develop some of the most unique scents having seen and done it all.
    SUPER EXCITED FOR HEREAFTER.

    I have absolutely liked the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery Facebook page.
    I am from CA, USA.

  • ianbradleyandrews says:

    I like how michelyn describes Ryan’s life before becoming a perfumer. I want to smell beach geeza. I didn’t know he was into film before. Steven always does such a good and thorough job. I’d love to win the beach geeza. I live in Indiana.

  • Steve A says:

    Thank you for recognizing Independence Day. I learned from Michelyn that the choice of these four were for her were just as much about the people as the fragrance. From the vid I was excited to learn of Hereafter.
    For the draw I’d so love the Beach Geeza Ocean Water. US

  • Ken White says:

    Independence Day has always been my favorite holiday! Beach Geeza’s Ocean Water sounds like the perfect summer scent and is exactly what I’m looking for. All four are great and I’d love to try them all. I enjoyed both Steven’s video and Michelyn’s article. New Jersey, USA

  • AleksCipri says:

    Lovely post! I really enjoyed Steven’s video too. I was actually only familiar with Beach Geez and House of Mammoth (because of this years awards), so I discovered two new brands I want to sample and learn about. I always enjoy the singer between videos where Steven focuses on the notes and Michelyn’s additional info and personal experience meeting these perfumers and brand owners. You always learn something new. First I completely agree that Sarah needs to be in the hall of fame. She did so much for American indie perfumery scene. I didn’t know Ryan from Beach Geeza was in film and television before! I sampled most of his creations they are so powerful! I didn’t know anything about Kyle or his brand, or that he is being the Flamingo fragrance! And finally my favorite …Voices..I’m wearing it from the sample right now and I love it. Combination of mango, floral notes and rice…just amazing…and again very strong. I feel this fragrance you either love or can’t stand. I love it. I didn’t know the inspiration for this fragrance was finding your own voice…I think Benjamin definitely found his. I would for sure like to win a bottle of Voices. I also liked the FB page. And I’m form Illinois US.

  • Gabriel Garcia says:

    Steven is also a creative force in the community, and I always find his review worthy of my time.
    Beach geza sound good as ocean waters
    Happy birthday America

  • Caliwas says:

    Wow!! What a very unique co-curated 4th of July fragrances list from Steven and Michelyn. I would love to win one of these beautiful fragrances based on both Steven and Michelyn reviews in order of choice interest. #1 as I truly love Sandalwood and Sarah Horowitz Hereafter is my top choice.
    1. Sarah Horowitz Hereafter
    2. OSM 97 Tarheels & Tonic
    2. House of Mammoth Voices
    3. Beach Geeza Ocean Water
    Greetings and gratitude from the USA..

  • johnmadison says:

    What fantastic selections. Thank you for the reviews Steven & Michelyn. I would love to have any four of your selections, but wow Beach Geeza Ocean Water and Hereafter sound absolutely fabulous and perfect to wear during these Summer months.
    John – Minnesota, USA

  • mdellaroc says:

    I actually am familiar with Beach Geeza but not the others. I love the idea of Indy American perfumers. It is so American! We love the “under dog”. The scents sound perfect for this time of year. Would love to try any of them. In maryland.

  • Germaine says:

    House of Mammoth: The sticky rice note scares me and intrigues me. I’m all for the charitable donations to end racism for sure though.
    Beach Geeza: I’ve only tried one scent from the house that wasn’t for me but there are several more I want to try including Ocean Water
    OSM: This one I want to try just from the note breakdown and I do also like Foreverness.
    Sarah Horowitz: I’ve know about this house for a long time but have never tried. I never know where I will land with sandlewood scents. It’s generally a toss up.

    Gilbert AZ
    I liked on FB as well

  • Diana D says:

    I enjoyed both reviews and was thrilled you both love Sarah Horowitz perfumes. I love her fragrances! The other 3 perfumers are fascinating, as well. But I am just so partial to Sarah’s fragrances. Hereafter sounds so cozy and ethereal. The notes sound like the would literally float around your body. I would definitely choose Hereafter.
    I live in the USA.

  • olgAPOISON says:

    Hereafter Sounds contradictory and Like a curious combo. Would really enjoy it! Love insight that Michelyn wrote about, how indies and companies operate, and Steven amazing note desxription. Im from eu

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    Thank you Michelyn and Steven for your article/review on these American artisans. Each of their creations sound wonderful and would be a wonderful addition to my collection.
    USA

  • Annika says:

    Cafleurebon is the best site on the web to learn about independent perfumers and I appreciate the focus on American composers for the 4th of July. Steven is always so thorough in his reviews and I would love to sample Hereafter. It must be very special to make Steven’s top spot. Michelyn always gives such interesting factual background information. Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza has a really rich history and his perfume reflects his travels and experiences. I’m in the US and would be delighted with any of the four.

  • rmsssss says:

    I always love the spotlights on these indie perfumers! Michelyn’s intros definitely highlighted how personal and inspired their fragrances are. All Steven’s reviews are great but the one that spoke to me the most OSM 97, because the tonic water accord sounds so unique. I’ve also tried 84 and 17 and really appreciated the artistry behind both. I’d honestly love to win any of these perfumes, but my first choice would be OSM 97 for sure. I’m in MN, USA.

  • Maestro says:

    I value Steven’s reviews for their ability to highlight the prominent notes in fragrances. On the other hand, I appreciate Michelyn’s reviews for providing insightful details about the fragrances, companies, and other aspects that Steven may not cover. I would like to participate in the giveaway for all four fragrances, with Beach Geeza’s “Ocean Water” as my top choice, as it appears to be a refreshing scent for the summer season. My second choice would be Sarah Horowitz-Thran’s “Hereafter” due to its reputation as one of the best sandalwood fragrances available. OSM 97 would be my third choice since it is described as a high-quality fragrance with unique characteristics. Lastly, Benjamin Esposito’s “Voices” would be my fourth choice, mainly because Steven’s description of it as a distinctive, excellent, and memorable scent caught my attention. As a long-time reader of Cafleurebon, I am familiar with these fragrance companies and I’m excited to give them a try.
    Greeting from Florida, the U.S.A., and I have also liked this post on Instagram.

  • Torax says:

    Oh boy, its such an honour to have such amazing american perfumists out there. I loved this video so I can discover some of my fellow american’s work out there.
    I have to admit that I was not familiar with these 4 American indie perfumes, I already knew Benjamin Esposito but the other 3 were great new discoveries and I hope to smell them soon.
    The one that got my attention the most was Hereafter for its vanilla and santalwood, but I think the 4 perfumes and brands have amazing things to offer.
    I hope I win this giveaway.
    USA here.

  • soviz says:

    I really enjoyed hearing about how each of these perfumers started their journey, and what pursuing independent American perfumery means to each of them. As for Steven’s video, he as usual provided a really informative and thorough breakdown of the notes and accords of each. I live in the US and would love to win OSM 97 or Voices!

  • Jimcity says:

    What a great idea to honor American Perfumers and I am happy to say I was familiar with each.
    I have perfect coconut from Sarah Horowitz-Thran and didn’t know she designed Kai !
    House of Mammoth is new to me as is Osm.
    I own Beach Geeza discovery set and hope you do a video on bay rum… it’s great
    Happy to win Hereafter

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the neat writeup and the nice video Steven.

    Being familiar with Voices, I really enjoyed both the writeup and the video about Ben and his journey into perfumery.

    I think the one I enjoyed the most was Hereafter. I haven’t had the chance to smell a Sarah Horowitz fragrance and I love the way that Steven has sold the sweet creamy sandalwood aspects of the fragrance.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Alexander says:

    Happy 4th of July!!!.
    Great choices for this video and Michelyn always has great insights. Big fan of Beach Geeza Jet Set and ordered the sample set so will hope I win Ocean Water.

  • mmerline says:

    This is a terrific list for Independence Day, featuring some of my favorite perfumers. Michelyn’s introductions capture what makes these four so special: Sarah Horowitz-Thran’s trendsetting and designs for her own label and many other brands (Tapestry is a household favorite); Ryan Hunt’s globetrotting perspective (I killed a sample of Jet Set, Juniper Java is about there, and Pearl Leather grows on me each time I use it); Kyle Mott-Kannenberg’s busy few years between OSM, Tempus Vitae, and his work with other brands; and Ben Esposito’s empathy and unique nose (if you have a chance to chat with Ben, he’s great). I also enjoyed Steven’s thoughts about each of these perfumer’s selections. Like he said, Voices is a particularly unusual gourmand, and it’s take on sticky rice is really easy to wear. I also like how he described 97; its seasonally appropriate, but with a leathery quality that takes the tonic notes in an unexpected direction. I haven’t tried Hereafter, but Steven made me want to ASAP. Excellent list of perfumers, excellent profiles, and excellent reviews of these four perfumes. Happy Independence Day!

    I’m in the midwest, USA. I like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook. Please enter me for all four giveaways, but if I had to choose, I’d select OSM 97. Thanks!

  • elocin says:

    All the perfumes sound incredible. I’m particularly interested in Voices. Growing up with pandan in Southeast Asia, I’m excited to see how this note manifests in a fragrance. Wonderful to hear that proceeds to Stop AAPI hate. Steven’s review described it as a gourmand which is lovely. Based in the UK.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I loved learning about these 4 great American Indie Perfume Brands from Steven’s video review and Michelyn’s introduction on how these American Perfumers embody Independence Day. I have only heard of two of these houses being Sarah Horowitz and Beach Geeza. All of them sound truly amazing. Sarah Horowitz Parfums Hereafter sounds amazing eith that creamy Sandalwood and Vanilla combo. Beach Geeza Ocean Water sounds like an amazing and realistic ozonic aquatic fragrance with Sea Salt, Driftwood, and Cucumber. I’m not familiar with Benjamin Esposito or Kyle Mott-Kannenberg. I would love the opportunity to win any of these amazing fragrances. I am from the USA. I liked CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook I would like to win.

    1. Sarah Horwitz Parfums Hereafter
    2. Beach Geeza Ocean Water
    3. Kyle Mott-Kannenberg OSM-97
    4. Benjamin Esposito Voices