Inoubliable Elixir Patchouli by Reminiscence

Exchange Fruit caught me off guard: I was giving patchouli a wide berth, as it’s not my favourite note, but after a few days of testing it, it pleasantly surprised me. It’s unforgettable, just like its name. Alongside Jungle, I believe these are scents we should try at least once in our lives. It won’t appeal to everyone; I’m not saying you must buy it, but it’s a perfumery adventure I’m glad I didn’t miss. It smells of very natural patchouli in all its glory, with a potent, intoxicating opening. Warm, spiced woods join the liquor: balsam of Peru, myrrh, sandalwood and vanilla make up the base. It’s a hot, resinous, smoky and dry patchouli, followed by a dirty, strong vetiver note. The patchouli turns damp, sandy and dark, as if sinking your hands into a bag of fertilised earth or walking through a forest after the rain, stepping in mud and wet leaf litter. Musk, cedar, tonka bean and bursts of vanilla add sweetness and a powdery freshness. It has a carnal scent, like warm, sweaty skin. I’d give it at least three diamonds. It’s a tremendously aromatic and balsamic fragrance you can’t help but smell; it intoxicates you from a distance, so hiding is pointless. A sweetly oriental, spiced, earthy and woody patchouli. Unisex, though I think it leans more towards the masculine side, with a wild trail and longevity of over 12 hours. Perfect for the coldest nights, as it warms you to your very core. I don’t see it as very versatile; better suited as a personal or intimate fragrance to enjoy when you feel like it, or apply sparingly so as not to overwhelm those around you. The bottle is very hippy, looking as if designed by a child. Be careful, as its dark liquid can ruin light-coloured clothes. It reminded me of those bell-bottom jeans, the foreigners (guiris, as we call them) at their campings with those caravans from the 70s, their aromatic cigarettes so poorly rolled, and my friend Corina’s two-horsepower Citroën, painted with daisies on a purple background, which became our second home and barely got us anywhere. During fair week, we’d tune it up and the daisies would give way to polka dots; we went in camouflage, heh, heh, heh. What times those were. Reminiscence surprises me again; another undervalued brand I’d like to keep exploring.