Let's face it - everyone is tightening their budget these days.  Although I'd love to give Mr. Man every bottle of cologne he desires (and that's A LOT), I simply cannot afford to.  When times turn tough, sometimes one must turn to drugstore.  The word drugstore has a connotation similar to the words "plus-size", as if there is something wrong with either.  Drugstore products don't always mean lower quality, as is certainly the case with All American Stetson.

I have spent my fair share of hours pouring over the men's cologne area at Sephora, trying to find a fragrance that both Mr. Man and I like, most of the time striking out completely. All American Stetson is a rare exception - a fragrance we both enjoy.

All American Stetson features notes of Cedar Leave, Black Suede, and Amber Wood, bringing the classic Stetson family to a fresh new modern audience.  The best part? All American Stetson retails for $14 - $26 nationwide.  To help get you in the All American spirit, you can challenge the face of Stetson, Tom Brady, to a series of sports in the All American Challenge.  As if beating Tom Brady wasn't reward enough, you can also snag autographed gear or win a 2 day adventure challenge if you've got the skills.  If you don't have the skills of a gamer, you can win a Tom Brady autographed bottle of All American Stetson over at Eye4Style.  Or if you want a man's opinion of the fragrance, check out Jake at Exschlub's in depth review.

Master Perfumer Harry Fremont created All American Stetson.  It's no wonder I enjoy it - he also created cK One, Harajuku Lovers Baby, Juciy Couture, Kenneth Cole Black, Lancome Miracle, and Ralph Lauren Romance just to name a few.    Peer inside his genius mind with this Q&A:

1.    Tell us about what it means to create a new Stetson fragrance?

My vision was to capture the essence of the “American” man and the Western spirit.

2.    What makes All American different from Stetson Original? Any similarities?

Stetson Original is very classic and warm, being more of a classic oriental.  The All American is more modern and youthful, as its fresh aromatic woody character gives a very outdoorsy feeling.  Both fragrances are bold and masculine.

3.    What was your inspiration for All American Stetson?

The inspiration behind this fragrance was the outdoorsy, adventurous guy that everyone admires. He has a very likeable, youthful “All American” spirit, with an exciting modern edge. 

4.    What are the core values of this fragrance from your point of view?

Authentic, modern, outdoorsy, performance

5.    How would you describe the fragrance in general terms?

All American is fresh yet warm, vibrant yet sensual.

6.    Which family does it belong to?

The fragrance is in the Aromatic Woody family.

7.    Could you tell us about the olfactive structure? Top/heart/base notes?

All American opens with the cooling freshness of cedar leaf, ginger root and guava     NaturePrint®, exuding an invigorating sensation. The heart of the fragrance is built around rich notes of black suede and nutmeg offering an intriguing sensuality, while notes of sage and water fern capture a vibrant confidence that is both rugged and modern. The fragrance dries down with the sensual warmth of amber wood and musks, flawlessly blended with notes of vetiver and patchouli giving it depth and masculinity.

8.    Are there any unique ingredients that make All American Stetson special or different?

A unique combination of top Firmenich aromatic raw materials (plicatone), blended with Firmenich musks (muscenone) and woody notes (norlimbanol, z11)

9.    When and where should All American Stetson be worn?

All American Stetson should be worn all the time!  It has a rugged freshness for daytime and warm rich tones that are perfect for the evening.

10.    Could you tell us how you would imagine the All American Stetson man?

Bold and adventurous, fearless, always pushing his limits, always looking at the brighter side of life.