Makers75

Gorgeous Fragrance! I first encountered Patchouli Intense while sampling the offerings of NICOLAÏ PARFUMEUR-CREATEUR and soon I purchased 30 ml bottles of Patchouli Intense, New York Intense, Cuir Cuba Intense, and Neroli Intense. All Patricia de Nicolaï’s creations are beautiful and each have unique character. Patchouli Intense is a much loved all-time favorite of mine. Patchouli Intense by Nicolaï is like walking through a blooming manicured garden on an early spring morning at first light as frost dusts the ground – your senses awakened to the announcement of new life and a new season as the sun breaks over the horizon and the dark spices of winter linger closely by. PI is enchanting, regal, and alluring.

I recall the first compliment I received wearing Patchouli Intense. I was in Washington DC on business early February 2019. While preparing to leave the hotel for the conference, I walked to the front lobby to request the car and grab coffee. The early February morning was cold, windy, but sunny. While returning to the elevator, I passed a woman walking her small white dog. I noticed her to the side as she grabbed up the pup like a handbag and quickly made her way behind me to get on the elevator. She promptly asked, "Sir, may I ask what you are wearing? You smell amazing!" I smiled and replied, "Thank you! It's Patchouli Intense by Patricia de Nicolaï." If I remember correctly, the pooch was less than amused but the encounter was memorable for me.

Back to the fragrance: scent: 10/10 with exceptional durability and sillage.

Patchouli 1854 reveals the complex character of this solo star. Confident in his natural DNA, there is no need for a chorus of accompanying notes to complete the ensemble. His mystique is showcased for everyone to experience – bold but subtle, tender but deep, gentry but earthy, refined but rugged. He was not born into privilege rather endured the trials of life to obtain glory – meet Patchouli 1854.

Patchouli 1854 has come at the end of a long search which began some time ago for me. I first encountered patchouli while sampling the offerings of NICOLAÏ PARFUMEUR-CREATEUR. Patricia de Nicolaï’s work is beautiful and Patchouli Intense is a much loved all-time favorite of mine. However, with every artistic expression, Patchouli Intense reveals the artist’s interpretation of patchouli, whereas Patchouli 1854 allows you to discover his intrinsic value – not an idealistic representation, but truly who he is.

It’s oddly comforting to finally pierce the veneer to discover the natural beauty he holds. If I were to compare Patchouli Intense to Patchouli 1854, I would say Patchouli Intense by Nicolaï is walking through a blooming manicured garden early spring at first light as frost dusts the ground – your senses awakened to the announcement of new life and a new season while the dark spices of winter linger closely by, whereas Patchouli 1854 is walking through a virgin forest late on a fall evening after a soaking rain – hints of summer still persist but leaves cover the ground, the damp humid air fills with the aromas of earth, wood, and vegetation. It’s raw, natural, and enchanting.

Patchouli 1854 is a treasure.

First, I'd like state I did not purchase the perfume from the official ATH site due to the exorbitant shipping, but a reputable fragrance site stateside. I received this perfume with great anticipation after reading the reviews and watching fragrance reviews on YouTube - reviews read like an award ceremony as reviewers easily dispatched star after star, a 10/10. As a Patch lover, the fragrance description intrigued me... "dark, mysterious, patchouli, chocolate," and with an "impressive 20% concentration." Nothing could be further from the truth. At first spray upon opening the fragrance, I thought this must be fake... no one could even try to pass this for patchouli. The juice I received was packaged as described, but smelled like glorified Windex... not even Patchouli Windex, just straight chemicals which thankfully evaporated soon after application. The site's service agent assured me the fragrance is "handmade and has recently been reformulated by Aaron Terence Hughes himself." If true and the perfume I received was truly from the house of ATH , my confidence in the perfumer has been greatly shaken, and this will be the first and last testing of his line. I seldom write reviews especially if my words could be interpreted as negative, but my experience with Patchouli Noir by ATH has been so disappointing I felt sharing could help someone else. If my experience was due to purchasing a counterfeit, I extend an apology to ATH. That's my two cents for what's worth. Regards!

Thank you to Honoré Payan! Patchouli Original is a beautiful timeless vintage scent with exceptional quality materials. The opening burst of earthy chocolaty patchouli is wonderful and the dry-down is alluring with a powdery nuance. This was my first introduction to the house and I am grateful. Patchouli Original stays true to the name as patchouli remains center stage throughout. The perfume does not have a hippie or head-shop vibe. The longevity and sillage is excellent. Also, I ordered the 100ml Patchouli 1854 which is a different perfume from Honoré Payan. According to the site, Patchouli 1854 is "Our most concentrated patchouli. With this patchouli, we decided to return to the original formula created by Mr. Honoré Payan in 1854.This patchouli is aged in a tank for 2 months. Result a patchouli where the scents are more powerful and more concentrated." I was very pleased with the Original and excited to receive 1854. Patchouli 1854 list for € 45.00 and after the additional € 33.90 for shipping to the United States, the total cost was €78.90 EUR or $94.19 USD. For the price point, it is a must have for patch lovers.