Gothic II Loree Rodkin 2004
2
Hot Hermit
Snagged a sample of Gothic II after Lucky Scent’s IG included it in a spooky-season scent roundup (they got me). Rodkin’s site describes it simply as a “rich, deep, earthy blend of aged musky patchouli incense,” and I mostly agree. Rich and deep, yes - but this is a resinous, sweet, almost powdery patchouli, not one I’d characterize as earthy. The incense is Nag Champa-adjacent if I really look for it, but it wasn’t the first thing that came to mind.
What *did* immediately come to mind was a Trappist monastery I visited with my family in Huntsville, Utah as a child, and the creamed honey with black walnuts they made there. And a favorite bookstore specializing in esoterica and the occult that I frequented as a teen. But it captures something timeless, too: sunlight and dust motes beaming across dark hardwoods. Rustling robes in quiet cloisters. The pleasant kind of decay. It feels very warm and meditative and meets squarely at the intersection of celibate clergyman and goth girl. I wouldn't say no to a full bottle.
Smells like: incense in an apiary
Looks like: hot Rider-Waite hermit
Sounds like: the 90's Gregorian chant craze
What *did* immediately come to mind was a Trappist monastery I visited with my family in Huntsville, Utah as a child, and the creamed honey with black walnuts they made there. And a favorite bookstore specializing in esoterica and the occult that I frequented as a teen. But it captures something timeless, too: sunlight and dust motes beaming across dark hardwoods. Rustling robes in quiet cloisters. The pleasant kind of decay. It feels very warm and meditative and meets squarely at the intersection of celibate clergyman and goth girl. I wouldn't say no to a full bottle.
Smells like: incense in an apiary
Looks like: hot Rider-Waite hermit
Sounds like: the 90's Gregorian chant craze
Updated on 01/14/2026