Patchouli by Franck Boclet

A very pleasant surprise, thanks to Jerry Drake. The patchouli doesn’t smell of orange as its name might suggest, but rather invites you to taste it. At first, it’s potent with an 80s and 90s profile, earthy and almost chocolatey. Then it shifts to a sharper, brighter, fresher phase, less heavy. After a few minutes, the fragrance moves decades forward, settling into a modern era with a soft, honeyed sweetness, likely from the benzoin, vanilla and tonka bean, which is more resinous than sweet. It blends with soft, creamy woods. The musk tempers the sharpness of the patchouli, though sometimes I recall that initial wet, earthy note that gives it movement. I liked it because Melanie Leroux, the nose, took 90s patchouli and gave it a modern twist, creating a signature fragrance that is elegant, urban and alive. Honeyed patchouli with soft woods and lasting creaminess, with good projection. It’s all-rounder except in very hot climates, ideal for work and casual settings. Although it has 90s echoes, it doesn’t resemble anything used today, so I’m sure those who enjoy this pleasant surprise will love it.

Smells of patchouli but with a classic sweet, resinous, and spicy base. I was surprised that, despite not being an official note, the rum is very noticeable upon opening. It’s a beautiful, warm, almost hot, earthy, and sweet scent. A powerful masculine fragrance; his grandfather was probably the type who never asks questions. In the mid-phase and as it dries down, it blends into what I call a ‘masculine accord’, without a more precise term. The patchouli with an old-school vibe and plenty of tonka create that motorcycle and leather jacket image that defines the brand. The pleasant, massive sandalwood appears more towards the end, with vanilla edging in and being punchy, making it a very macho fragrance that shines more after an hour. But you must love the main note because the longevity is notable and it’s ideal for autumn and winter.