Patchouly Indonesiano Farmacia SS. Annunziata

Oh, has my sample gone off? I sense a hint of Maggi - the esteemed Palonera once pointed out to me that this can be a sign of such things. Hmm, it could also be interpreted as … (I realized this only later!) or salty licorice. On the other hand, a sample from December 2013 is unfortunately not the freshest material anymore. However, within the first minute, the Maggi-XXX… (I realized this only later!)-licorice idea initially fades away and earthy notes emerge from below.

The initial impression doesn’t completely vanish, but I now remember that I experienced a similar sharp-herb-spicy sting some time ago during a store test of the Patchouly by Etro (it must have been the EdT). Well, today it certainly doesn’t smell “spoiled” in any way, but simply like patchouli, sharp-spicy and earthy at the same time.

As it progresses, I find myself - although I don't know pure patchouli oil - somewhat in agreement with a previous commentator. The linearity of the scent easily justifies a feeling of boredom, and I occasionally ask myself: Is there more to come?

Not much. It glides through the day; the only change is that the herb-spicy note very slowly shifts towards… - and then, only in retrospect, a thought of an aroma that also fits at the front arises: The thing slowly moves towards dusty bitters(!), while the continental drift whizzes by.

Conclusion: For purists.

I thank MisterE for the sample.