It's no secret that I'm a creature of habit when it comes to selecting fragrances for everyday wear. I've found security in the notes I know complement me best (fresh florals, vibrant citrus, and the occasional sparkling champagne), but the more "untraditional" a fragrance is, the more I worry it won't be one I can wear confidently. That was until I discovered fragrances by Ranger Station. In 2015, in a refurbished ranger station in Nashville, Tennessee, touring musician Steve Soderholm crafted a soy-based candle in a reusable eight-ounce cocktail glass.
From there, the fragrance house bloomed to include unisex perfumes, room spray, and bodycare with bold, long-lasting, and ingredient-honest formulas. Claiming the identifier of "scents for the pioneering spirit," Ranger Station offers products inspired by the great outdoors and the memories created while experiencing it. The fragrances, in particular, are available at an affordable price point (starting at $94) and have double the fragrance saturation and a bold scent profile; resulting in inoffensive scents that last all day. To identify my true perfume pairing, I decided to take the fragrance quiz provided online. Questions ranged from how I would describe my personality and my favorite binge-worthy television shows to my go-to drink order and favorite scent types.
The result? A selection of four fragrances I'm absolutely obsessed with. If you too are ready to saddle up and explore the world of Ranger Station fragrances, keep scrolling to discover the 15 perfumes and candles I'll be adding to my collection to embrace my inner cowgirl. I may have yet to wear a wide-brimmed hat and leather boots, but I'll be wearing these American heritage–inspired fragrances nonstop.
Key notes: tanned leather, pinesap, amber, sandalwood. As someone who spent their entire childhood (and early adult years) in the Pacific Northwest, the scent of pine has always evoked the most precious of memories. So, naturally, I loved this one. Described by the brand as, "a scent derived from experience," Leather + Pine is inspired by coming of age in the Minnesota north woods. It's altogether sticky, sweet, savory, and completely capable of winning you over. Customer review: "This is one of the best scents I have found in years. It is subtle enough I can wear it any time, but the fragrance lingers all day. It makes me so happy to wear, being a lover of the woods. And I get compliments on it every time I go out. I can’t wait to try the other scents offered by Ranger Station."
Key notes: moss, cedarwood, amber, bergamot, lavender. I never expected moss to be one of my favorite fragrance notes, but I truly can't get enough of it! According to the brand, the inspiration for Oakmoss came from a unique source: the smell of vintage Brut aftershave. Clean and crisp, Oakmoss combines bright, botanical notes with a base note of warm wood. Customer review: "I've been looking for something that's a little more obscure, subtle yet rememberable. This oakmoss perfume hits all the marks and will definitely be my new daily scent! Love it."
Key notes: sandalwood, ambergris, cedarwood, rose, jasmine. Trust me when I say this is perhaps one of the most multifaceted and complex fragrances I've experienced. A true departure from your traditional florals, Jordan's Perfume leads with full-bodied, woodsy notes before shifting into something more clean and powdery fresh with whispers of rose and jasmine. Fair warning: A little goes a long way with this one; two to three sprays is all you'll need for the full experience. Customer review: "Love this scent. This scent is perfect. I prefer non-floral scents that are not too masculine. This is perfect. Santalum and Jordan will be fighting for my attention."
Key notes: sandalwood, amber resin, iris, leather. To be completely honesty, sandalwood-heavy fragrances can be a hit-or-miss for me. I naturally gravitate toward light florals (commonly accompanied by notes of amber or pink pepper), but Ranger Station's Santalum may have fully converted me into a sandalwood devotee. What's more, the unexpected addition of powdery iris and smooth leather make this fragrance feel like a welcome warm hug on chilly day. Customer review: "I absolutely adore this scent. I haven’t worn perfume in years because I hadn’t found one that I liked enough or that felt 'like me'. I took one whiff of this and knew it was the one. Soft and musky."
Key notes: rose, sandalwood, amber, musk. Rose has an oddly polarizing effect on people. While some crave its softness, others often feel as if it smells overly mature. No matter which camp you're in, Ranger Station's Woodland Rose offers a nontraditional take on a typical rose fragrance by underscoring it with warm, woodsy notes of sandalwood, amber, and musk for a scent that's beyond versatile. Customer review: "Not only is woodland rose heavenly, but I also ordered tobacco musk—it has literally brought tears to my eyes with its beauty. It has sparked so many amazing memories and emotions. In love for life. And the quality… bar none."
Key notes: amber, ambroxan, woods, musk. Ranger Station's Two Tricky Pony sets the standard for versatility, offering a blend of notes that exudes elegance when worn alone or layered with other fragrances for added depth and dimension. If a one-trick pony by definition is someone or something adept at only one thing, this fragrance is definitely a two tricky pony (and aptly named). Customer review: "I could not love this fragrance more! I absolutely love the notes of amber and how it is an overall subtle scent. I’ve gotten many compliments since starting to wear it. It is also great to blend with other scents, but I think I most prefer it by itself!"
Key notes: smoked wood, honey, cedarwood, clove, rose. Fact: Yippee Ki-Yay can transport its wearer from the city to the country and back again in a couple spritzes. The fragrance is best described as the brand's answer to the perfect urban cowboy perfume with rich notes of whiskey, tobacco, and leather accompanied by smoked wood and powdery-fresh florals. Customer review: "Masterfully crafted scent! One of my top three from the discovery set. I had to order the full size. Absolutely matches the description of being comfortable in the city and the country. Smokey yet subtly sweet. Love it."
Key notes: sandalwood, bergamot, vetiver, smoke. Described by Ranger Station as "combining the old-world classicism of sharp, citrusy bergamot with the depth and heaviness of Australian sandalwood," this perfume strikes the delicate balance between bold and traditional. It reminds me of those brilliantly rainy afternoons spent at my family's cabin up north. Customer review: "I think I’ve purchased all the cologne scents here, and am on the rotating roll-on shipment program. This by far is my favorite one. It also has the best mix of bergamot for any soap or spray that I’ve ever purchased. You guys nailed it."
Remember how each of Ranger Station's eight-ounce soy-based are hand-poured in whiskey glasses? Well, they also come with a cocktail recipe that pairs perfectly to the scent. That's right—these glass candles can transform into cocktail glasses by simply freezing them overnight, removing the wax, plucking out wick tabs, and giving them a good wash. Reusable and chic.
Key notes: tanned leather, whiskey and water, lake superior bonfire. Customer review: "Was intrigued by the promise that it would smell reminiscent of Lake Superior, and it came through and more. It has a sweet, leathery fall scent that will truly make you feel like you’re waking up to a sunrise up North. Incredible candle."
Key notes: amber, black pepper, jasmine, birch tar. Customer review: "A friend who loves these candles recommended this scent and i was stunned when i smelled it. This scent is an instant transport to somewhere still, beautiful and restful. I light it anytime i need to focus or during early A.M. yoga. Thank you for making this."
Key notes: fresh-cut cedar, leather, musk, juniper. Customer reviews: "This is such a lovely candle for when the weather turns chilly. It instantly makes your home feel warm, inviting and cozy. I've purchased several times and will continue to use during the fall and winter seasons."
Key notes: oak barrels, demerara sugar, lemon, orange. Customer reviews: "Absolutely adore everything about this candle and Ranger Station Products from the packaging, to the wonderful instructions, sweet Old Fashion smell, and the perfect cocktail pairing recipes!"
Key notes: citrus, patchouli, cedarwood, musk. Customer review: "The High Horse Candle is by far the most refreshing Ranger Station scent to date! I purchased this as a gift to see how the new fragrance smelt and I will definitely be purchasing one as a me to me gift as well."
Key notes: magnolia, dogwood, amber, musk. Customer review: "I was a bit hesitant about this candle when reading the description but was pleasantly surprised when i opened the box and lit it for the first time. This has a delightful scent—one that is light and airy with a hint of sweetness. It's perfect for summertime."
Key notes: jasmine, tuberose, petitgrain, citrus. Customer review: "Both my wife and I commented how great the house smells! Great work and I’m loving my new whiskey glass collection!"
