Patchouli Nobile by Nobile 1942

Lemon, Incense, Pepper, Jasmine, Labdanum, Patchouli, Cedar, Guaiac, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Tonka Bean.

Patchouli is a love-it or deal breaking note to many enthusiasts. It's earthiness and connection to bygone days is simply unpleasant to the folks who eschew it and a reason to love it for those who do.

I suppose my perception of a smooth patchouli can be found in a few Reminiscence releases, with the more bold and unadulterated renditions readily available in numerous others. Naturally, there are houses other than Reminiscence that create upscale patch perfumes, but the majority showcase a more stripped down and in your face version of the note. Patchouli Nobile leans more toward upscale than it does anything else and its presence has been tuned to display a more conservative stance.

What tempers the note best for me and directs a patch dominant scent from rugged to refined is the addition of Labdanum and spicy smoke. The success is in the ratio of these players augmenting the patchouli note. Right out of the bottle, Patchouli Nobile has the potential to be just another middle of the road patch release. What you get is a blast of alcoholic patchouli accented with mild spice and hard to perceive citrus. You also cannot know from the first few minutes that the overall volume dissipates to a conservative level within 5 minutes.

Patchouli Nobile begins to display its more elegant, genetic footprint once 10 minutes has elapsed. Labdanum, subtle smokiness and woods quietly make their entrance. They remain for the life of the wearing and reign in the coarseness that an all-patchouli fragrance sometimes exhibits. This is uncomplicated, very wearable and evolves a nice sensuality once the heart and base accord get involved.

Patchouli, for all its connotations, is an extremely versatile note in the hands of a parfumeur. It's included in most perfumes to some degree and it's one I've always liked when blended correctly with others that I'm fond of. Patchouli Nobile succeeds because it recruits the help of other, very pleasant notes. It succeeds because it morphs into an earthy and sexy aroma that can be worn by either gender. Lastly, it succeeds because it is blended and tuned for contemporary sensibilities.

Sillage is average, yet longevity is very good, affording the wearer 3-4 hours of vitality before morphing into a personal space scent. Thumbs up from Aromi for Patchouli Nobile and as always, a sample wear is highly recommended.