Borneo 1834 is not the skanky patchouli beast I expected to encounter. It doesn't feel particularly dark either. If you're a hardcore patchouli lover who is expecting something intense, I think you'll be surprised. To my nose this is an incredibly smooth scent dominated by a well blended accord of powdery chocolate that smells like it was made from heliotrope and fractionated patchouli that feels very of purple. Those familiar with the powdery chocolate accord in Amouage's Lilac Love will recognize whatever material these two have in common here. The other listed notes are certainly present, particularly the labdanum which gives it a soft, furry, resinous warmth and a touch of leather. I found it startlingly easy and comfortable to wear given it's reputation. There's nothing raw or unrefined about this. It's lovely stuff but less distinctive and out there than I thought it would be. Far less intense or complex than it's sister Coromandel but lovely in it's own right.
