WHAT IS A PATCHOULI SCENT?

Native to India, Malaysia and many regions in south-east Asia, patchouli's deep and aromatic fragrance has now travelled around the world. After centuries to the Middle East it first made its way to Europe in Napoleonic times, the emperor is rumoured to have introduced this exotic scent to the Europeans, where it became coveted.

Although the patchouli scent carries a strong woody fragrance, its oils actually come from a leafy-green herb that is part of the mint family.

The quality of its oil can vary hugely based on when the leaf was picked and also how close leaves are from the top of the plant. The higher the leaves, the higher the concentration of fragrant oils that can be distilled. The traditional drying process of this leaf is one that requires a lot of time and care.

The top 3 – 5 tufts of leaves are carefully picked, placed side by side on bamboo sheets and left in the sun to dry.

During this process, the leaves are frequently turned and shifted to ensure they are not touching, become mouldy, ferment or dry too quickly. Once this initial process is complete, the oil is then extracted from the leaves.

Young patchouli oil is amber and opaque in colour and releases a lighter, fruitier fragrance but as the oil matures – just like wine, it gets better.

The patchouli scent evolves, deepens and becomes a deep amber colour, releasing woody, exotic and completely intoxicating notes.

This is the essence we blend within each one of our Clive Christian patchouli enriched perfumes.

If you want the depth and richness of the patchouli fragrance, but are looking for a lighter scent that transitions you from the end of summer and into autumn, we recommend one of the 1872 perfumes part of Clive Christian's Original Collection.

The soft floral heart-notes and citrusy top-notes, blended with a patchouli base note in 1872 Feminine Edition provides a textured but light fragrance perfect for autumn months.

However, if it is a perfume for men you desire, we recommend 1872 Masculine Edition as one of our favourite transitional fragrances. Due to the rich base note of sandalwood and cedarwood balanced with top notes of petitgrain and pressed citrus fruits, this perfume prepares the mind for the upcoming winter season.

As you enter winter, a patchouli rich perfume has the ability to cocoon and comfort your senses.
You can also experience the diverse effects patchouli in E Gourmande Orienta l for a fruity rum and oak or for a citrusy and spicier notes, try I Woody Floral or L Floral Chypre.