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ikimaru2007 – :
Grogeous. Strong contender for my holy grail. Strong patchouli, complex balsamics, herbal, but not bitter or too intensely so…Celery / caraway seeds are just mildly questionable, gives it a slight bitter twist but overall may not be an issue. Still testing, will add on notes upon drydown.
Second testing: I am getting rum! I’m fairly sure it’s the tobacco association, but first spray is definitely rum. Love it though.
*Does feel like it may be a bit overwhelming in strength.
*Second testing, not strong enough! Scent always amazes me. I went for the ambre sultan, similar in my opinion and more characteristic.
dimitrucchi – :
I don’t know why it’s named real patchouly. It does not smell like real patchouly and it is to bitter to my nose. I dislike this fragrance.
tanya12345 – :
I love a good patch! I would like to get a full bottle. It’s a mixture of dirty and elegant. If anyone wants to swap me I would trade multiple. Lovely. And long lasting
1970sergei38 – :
This was a blind buy I made on a whim because I’m always on the hunt for the perfect patchouli scent. Well, all I can say is that I’ll have to keep searching because this isn’t the “one” BUT this is actually surprisingly very good. It took a month of spritzes and sprays for this to grow on me. It morphs into something different minute by minute so it takes a while for it to reach its full expression. Its name is deceiving because there’s nothing really “real” about this patchouli. It doesn’t have the traditional musky-earthy, wet soil note we usually attribute to a patchouli scent. This won’t conjure up images of neon green VW buses with flowers and peace signs and nature-loving dancing hippies at Woodstock. Nope. The patchouli here is combined with so many other notes that this becomes the sort of scent you imagine a barber shop quartet from the 1920’s would wear. It has “that” kind of vibe. And there’s nothing wrong with that; I rather like it. There’s a strong blast of cedar that is very prominent early on and I could swear I smell clove for a long time although clove isn’t listed as an ingredient but there’s a note here that reminds me of these little round Necco clove wafer candies I loved as a little girl. That scent is so distinct and I know I smell it. It might be the caraway. The patchouli and tobacco make its introduction after about five minutes in and you also get a hint of the eucalyptus. After about a half hour it all settles down into a sweet boozy tobacco vanilla amber fusion. This is very, very refined and elegant. It is mature and from another time. I’m rather smitten with it now and it will be beautiful to wear in the colder months ahead. Perfect for men and women.
cobalt154 – :
Middle aged woman reviewer here. My signature is Coromandel, so patch is something I’m fond of if done well (IE not stinky hippy). This is wonderful. Different than the patch in Coromandel but just as beautiful. And the addition of beautiful pipe tobacco and sweet amber make this utterly delicious.
My husband *does not like perfume.* But he walked into the bedroom the evening I was testing this and said “wow I can smell your beautiful perfume!” Full bottle worthy.
filnv-ilya – :
Over 40 male reviewer:
As a patchouli comparison, I would associate a “dirty” patchouli to be the likes of the standard Mugler dry-down DNA, a sort of patchouli reminiscent of the Craigslist early AM hours gigolo on a slower night of the week (which would be Tuesdays).
Bois’ Patchouli is not this at all. It is a smoother variety, but by the same token, I def agree with others here that the fragrance is NOT a pronounced patchouli, as the name would suggest.
Or, perhaps that’s why it’s not “patchouli”…but rather “patchoul-Y.”
It’s a simple breakdown for me: there is a definite slightly sweet thickness to it that is in my limited opinion caused by the amber-y/labdanum swirling into the patchouli. Then factor in the vanilla and you have your scent in total here, I’m not picking up any of the other alleged notes.
I am new to this house, have tried two of their offerings, will be commenting on Oltremare shortly. The scents are not bad, but in my opinion they are not worthwhile, and both strongly resemble fragrances I have smelled in the distant past, some 30 or so years ago (an experience I’ve had with a good bunch of frags I’ve tried since I’ve re-started the hobby a couple years ago, after a ten year absence).
So I get how/why some people would like this, it does have a sort of cozy vibe to it, but I’ve smelled this before, it’s not new to me, and isn’t something I would therefore be interested in exploring further.
I will add it to my list of niche samples to trade, right after I log off Craigslist.
WEST62 – :
I tried a decant of this out of curiuosity, still I have not found a patchouli perfume that I like (sadly)
This is very linear perfume built around heavy patchouli at the beginnning, turning into heavy amber after 15-20 minutes.
If you like patchouli and amber, then you will love this one.
Another pass
zhulichek – :
I LOVE this!! I love patchouli so much, and labdanum, and they are both fabulous in Real Patchouly. All the herbs and spices, the wonderful citrus! The gentle soothing heavenly tobacco! The eucalyptus is a lovely touch. Sweet, citrusy, tangy, smooth, creamy, herby, woody, resiny – wonderful – sublime – and mostly patchouli, and labdanum!! Fabulous!!
Perfect for me. I’m in bliss wearing this gorgeous wonderful perfume. It’s the best!!
pyzan8383 – :
At first spray, I thought maybe I should send this back. After a small sprits on my wrist, I went to bed thinking I’ll revisit this in the morning…..
Well, I am glad I didn’t give up; I took a shower and sprayed some on and went off to a meeting and MAN O’MAN was I impressed!!!! This fragrance has to be given some time to macerate (on you that is); a blind buy and I am glad I did!! If you like Sushi Imperiale you will like this!! Sushi Imperiale is sort of sweet with a minty kind of a feel…great by the way; this is different in that it possesses a kind of sweet musk.
This fragrance gives you that Christmas in a bottle feel, again very different than Sushi Imperiale. Give this a minute to dry down before giving up. Unlike Sushi Imperiale, this is not as pungent. This fragrance is a bit more reserved as it dries. I recommend buying a sample first and wearing it to decide whether or not you like it. I can sometime act on impulse rather than with logic; you may not be that kind of a person, if so, again try before buying.
By the way, if you have this you don’t need Relativamente Rosso!!
mox777 – :
i really loved this the minute i smelled it on the box it had arrived in (and leaked into.) i put it on immediately — and oh, patchouli-cistus heaven. i don’t get the “this is luke-warm & boring” comments for this — on me it is deep and intense and beyond lovely. (and both patchouli and labdanum have been among my most favored notes for neigh on 2 decades — so this is saying something.)
starpo1991 – :
Real Patchouly is a misnomer, which is to say that it’s pretty bare on… you guessed it, Patchouli. What should we call this instead? Real Labdanum, because the parfum has got to consist of 80% or more of the stuff. This doesn’t make the juice bad, it’s simply dishonest. It’s like selling someone chocolate ice cream and when they open up the tub they find strawberry instead.
That said, being mostly labdanum it has all of the traits you might expect with the dark, sticky, pungent goo: a powerful, persistent scent with crazy sillage and a very linear progression. There is no dry down: what you get the second it hits your skin is what you get (more or less) the next day when you take a whiff. It’s a one-note-wonder, but it’s not for everyone, and it’s definitely not patchouli.
boss8022 – :
This is a good starter labdanum patchouli blend. It’s like a chord from Amber Absolute minus the vanilla and the heft. It’s long lasting and has projection and is easy and inoffensive, unisex. If you want to smell like a patchouli amber and don’t want to think about it this is a decent option.
Personally I tend to agree with Colin Maillard, in the world of patchouli fragrances and labdanum amber there are far more interesting frags.
panasoniczv – :
This is fabulous. Nothing new here, it smells like a very good, qualitative niche brown juice. Non-edgy, simple, no-nonsense amber with patchouli, vanilla, and musky undertones. I can name many similar perfumes: Coromandel, Prada Amber, Alambar, and the closest (in my opinion) – Ambre 114. Still, this one is a bliss for those who like their powdery sweet amber with chocolatey patchouli.
The scent is quite safe, no mold, not that much of earthiness, it’s also genderless.
I’m wearing it now, it’s a very hot and sunny Middle Eastern day today, and it still works: sweet, but gracious, airy, although quite strong. Projects very well, I sprayed 10 jours ago and it’s going strong. I’m going to enjoy it in winter as well, it’s so warm, like a good mug of hot chocolate. The drydown is delicious: amber, vanilla, chocolate, coke. It’s a typical comfort scent.
ruslanmafia2 – :
REAL PATCHOULY, a box of ‘assorted chocolate’ for you oriental lovers. It has all your favorite notes beautifully and thoughtfully laid out, guaranteeing to hit the spot for your amber/patchouli/vanilla cravings.
It’s thick, luscious, creamy, decadent, classy and well calibrated.
Sweet, full, plush and resinous, with excellent sillage and staying power.
It has common genes with other decadent patchouli-centric orientals such as Chanel COROMANDEL and PRADA EDP. It’s got personality but also quite likable.
I smell a lovely plummy-nutty note which cuts through the thickness and heat well, making REAL PATCHOULY an all year round fabulous choice.
kolao21 – :
I went to one of favorite stores where they carry higher quality fragrance’s. They showed me Bois, after trying it. I found the aroma from Bois very herbal, sweeter, mysterious, seductive having a animalistic quality.
Patchouli as a note has been introduced in fragrances as a sweeter note maybe that’s why I found myself gravitating toward Bois…a real patucchli aroma.
Longevity and Silage is excellent lasting over 8hrs
Finally thoughts
Bois has created a juice that’s definitely worth having as part of personal collection. I wholeheartedly agree 100% with those who find it LUXURIOUS AND SEXY. What’s key that makes this juice ABOUSOTLEY SEXY is Amber and Benzion with a hint of woodsy base from sandalwood. There’s nothing else that could be added to enhance the fragrance, it’s 99% perfect. I’m very happy that I bought it thou it was slightly more than what I wanted to spend but I have no regrets. 8.5/10
ys65 – :
یه دوست عزیز باعث شد من یه سر به این پیج بزنم
این کار اونقدر که شبیه میکالیف پچولی هست،شباهتی به جووی نداره
من نمیدونم چرا از رو نت های ذکر شده،نسبت به رایحه نظر میدن
بعضیا
نتهایی که در خیلی از موارد اشتباه و یا کم و زیاد اشاره شده
Reotintorgo – :
Apparently “real patchouly” smells like amber. Because that’s primarily what I’m smelling. I get the patchouli primarily in the opening which is a gorgeous, deep, boozy patch, really great actually. It doesn’t last more than five minutes though before bowing out in favor of the amber. The amber is also very nice, reminiscent of Ambre 114. It fades to a skin scent after a few hours but otherwise it’s beautiful amber scent with a patch opening.
Dmozing – :
This fragrance is a heavy patchouli bomb. I have some P oil and it smells exactly like this scent, so I am not sure what other notes are really being showcased here. If you like a heavy patchouli, you will certainly go nuts for this one.
My Score 6
lehahab – :
أذا كنت محبا للباتشولي او محبا لعنبر سلطان او عنبر بريشيو لا اعني تطابق هنا لرائحة العطور التي ذكرت وانما نفس الاجواء سيعجبك كثيرا ايضا محبي رائحة التبغ.
الحقيقه امتزاج رائع بين الباتشولي والتبغ ولمسة الفانيلا اللتي لطفت الاجواء بتقليلها من حدة المكونين الشتاء قادم وانصح محبي العطور التشوية باقتناء هذا العطر
جمال الرائحة 10/9
اتقان التوليفة 9/10
مناسبا لمحبي العطور الشرقية والمكونات العميقة
WerEagero – :
I get a very forward pine/fir incense smell that is quite pleasing, rounded with a sweetness of vanilla, amber, sandalwood and sweet spices. This is interesting considering that incense isn’t even in the notes profile. I was really looking for a patchouli note but I don’t find it to be the most forward smell like most others. I smell just like an incense cone that I burned in the past which I loved for a homey, pine smell in my house but I am not sure I want this as a signature scent. Its pleasant, but nothing I expect to garner compliments except maybe from those who are reminded of pleasant camping trips as I walk by them.
Edit= My review was based on a sample that might not have been pure or real.
I’ve read a number of reviews and I see some truth in all of them.
Boring?- yes, but only in the fact that its fairly patchouli forward which is what most people want.
Strong?- yes! Be careful with this stuff! I don’t at all get when people say this is a light, skin-scent.
Amber and Labdanum?- I’d agree with that. Its not PURE patchouli. It has a creamy, vanillaness to it. Thick and resinous might be a descriptor for the scent labdanum.
I’m keeping it!
mahachisk – :
Madly in love with this interpretation of patchouli!
Like an image of walking through a spice market or the Grand Bazar. It’s a rush of scents coming to you from everywhere.
Despite the name, patchouli is not the only star here but in very good company. The first thing I get in the opening is a sweet scent of burned caramel which will gently fade. Then it is patchouli wrapped and surrounded by spices, some dark & sweet textures and also some more luminous. All of this combined creates this warmth that surround you all day. Extra-long lasting power on me. If applied lightly, you will have it for hours close to you without intoxicating people around you, cause it can be strong… at least on me.
A very good companion for cold winter days!
Leaves an amazing scent on your shirt at the end of the day.
In one word… warmth!
imighella – :
Real Patchouly is sweet, yet not cloying or synthetic in the least bit. Sweet Amber and Vanilla compliment the nice rounded patchouli which possesses a touch of earth. I have steered clear of vanilla for a while due to being severely let down by the cheap synthetic junk used in some fragrances. Real Patchouly has one of the richest authentic vanilla sitting beside patchouli I’ve tried so far. The rest pale in comparison. The amber and patchouli are legendary. Light tobacco and sandalwood compliment this. There is some development, however stays relatively linear on me.
If you like sweet Amber/Patchouli this is a must have.
10/10
Bamperenok – :
I´m rather ambivalent about patchouli in fragrances, especially those that place the note in the limelight. I´ll never forget sampling my first patchouli fragrance which was none other than Lorenzo Villoresi´s “Patchouli”. I consider myself to be tolerant when it comes to perfumes, but soon after applying the fragrance, I felt an overwhelming urge to scrub it off my wrist. Villoresi´s patchouli note possesses an intensely earthy (I´d even say dirty-smelling) character. From that time on, I´ve been approaching patchouli-centred scents with a considerable degree of caution. A couple of months ago I tested Histoires de Parfums´ “Noir Patchouli”, which (to my surprise) presented a ”friendlier” face of the note, mainly thanks to its menthol-y vibe. That sampling gave me hope that patchouli was not necessarily a no-go area for me. The most recent patchouli fragrance I´ve tested is “Real Patchouly” by Bois 1920.
“Real Patchouly” starts off with the unmistakable smell of patchouli. Albeit a tad earthy, this is in general a well-behaved patchouli note. It gradually mellows down and a hint of sweetness becomes detectable, signalling the arrival of the second dominant note in the composition, namely amber. The amber in “Real Patchouly” exudes subdued sweetness and stays “glued” to the skin for quite some time. It´s not an extroverted type of amber like the one you´ll find in Parfum d´Empire´s “Ambre Russe”, yet it´s still immensely pleasant and satisfying.
“Real Patchouly” is all about patchouli and amber. I´m sure there´s a whole host of supporting notes, but my nose does not pick them up. I must confess I enjoy the metamorphosis which takes place as the scent develops on my skin. Although it´s not a groundbreaking fragrance and its price may raise a few eyebrows, I do recommend this perfume to anyone looking for a solid, well-structured patchouli/amber composition.
edouard1202 – :
Good fragrance based on patchouly, but nothing sensational. Without infamy and without praise.
othetuehogs – :
What an amazing fragrance. I wear only a handful of over the counter scents. My signature cologne is a custom blend, BUT this fragrance may quickly become my new signature scent. Wow Real Patchouli is just amazing. Warm and inviting, sultry and just absolutely intoxicating for me. Amber, vanilla and tobacco mingled with the scent of patchouli, the citrus is so very slight the addition of eucalyptus is rather unusual but is much more agreeable than had it been mint. If a fragrance can make you sexy this one will blow the scale off the chart. It ages on the skin with a nice mellowing doesn’t last with good longevity but still its and amazing fragrance. As a patchouli fragrance this is tops I was blessed and fortunate enough to find my bottle on clearance at an amazing $40.
pashet – :
A bit harsh in the opening, but then – wow! really good! I smell leathery-woody labdanum and dusty ambery notes with spice. But what really surprised me here was the eucalyptus, it seems juxtaposed to the the balmy woodiness and provides with cool freshness, it almost makes me think of sauna where you smell the wooden logs and they add eucalyptus oil to the water or something like that… I like the tobacco in here too, it’s blended nicely and discreetly into the composition. In any case, it smells awesome, like when you get out of hot steamy “banya” in winter and take a breath of icy cold air in the woods!
artec – :
absolutely loved this fragrance, tried it at a fragrance meeting, and I couldnt stop smelling it, it was so morish, I haven’t smelt a fragrance as good as this in a long time…..
not sure if id buy this for myself or my man it was that addictive !!!
Sivui74 – :
Urgh, what an odd concoction! Very ‘different’.
I’m not too sure about pacthouli and I’m certainly no expert on it! But the opening I find is that of very musty/’damp’ yet slightly sweet play-doh/tobacco liquor- being boiled n’ bubbled up in a barn!
Vanilla, tobacco and benzion? Like, really? Lemon? There’s nothing remotely that sweet, nor pleasant here!
It resembles the aroma of a well-kept hamster cage, with the hay, the strange earthy notes and damply-sweet, raw tobacco.
Sounds a bit gross; I think more an acquired taste but not mine this time, no way.
It’s not the unsanitary, cat-pee ranchy animal pen sort by any real means, just picture ‘clean’ unused hay just sitting near the entrance to a barn, waiting to be used next, lol. But maybe the ‘hamster-hay’ is better suited.
Certainly I do not detect any real citruses on top, nor Caraway, vanilla, thyme and labdanum?! No resinous/rich amber here either, or it’s drowned out by the tobacco (not smoky).
Strangely soothing at times, but a little to ‘farmyard’ for me to be thinking of wearing this about!
Scent: 3/10.
Quality: 8/10.
Bolotnik – :
The moment I donned Bois 1920 REAL PATCHOULY, I thought immediately of Montale BLUE AMBER. I was expecting a chewy patchouli perfume–instead I’m wearing rich labdanum amber! Is my memory playing tricks on me? I’ll have to compare these two gorgeous creations side-by-side in order to determine the answer to that question. Fortunately, this will be possible, as I have been collecting samples from Montale–the house whose mission is obviously to cater to perfumistas afflicted with hard-core OCD. Is it even humanly possibly to test all of the Montale perfumes? I ask most sincerely. In any case, BLUE AMBER awaits another sniff. Be back in a jiff…
Whoops: definitely *not* BLUE AMBER! There is no blue facet to REAL PATCHOULY whatsoever! So I wonder which labdanum amber I am remembering? Well, it’s something that I need to acquire–either that or this splendid labdanum amber patchouli. Smooth, golden, and–could it be Histoires de Parfums AMBRE 114? I do not believe that it is Serge Lutens AMBRE SULTAN. In any case, Bois 1920 REAL PATCHOULY will do quite fine to fill my amber yearnings come wintertime. This composition manages to avoid what some regard as the “boring” quality of unadorned ambers such as L’Artisan Parfumeur by including a dose of patchouli hefty enough to notice but not overwhelming and not very sweet.
Beautiful!
zellis – :
LOVE it! It’s a dead ringer for Prada (Amber) Prada. Slightly bolder than Prada they are nearly interchangeable to my nose. Both are rich and Divine…
gordiknik – :
This is difficult to describe…but patchouli is like that in general.
It starts warm and spicy, but soon developes into an earthy dirtiness, reminding me of wet rotten leaves in early spring. Luckily the flavor in enhanced by some sort or liquer-like subtle sweetness, and becomes warmer and warmer; tobacco is definitely there, more like a Cuban cigar than cigarettes, but not green enought to remember of the plant itself.
A little bit of amber and vanilla too make this very very smooth. There is a hint of “body odour” mixed with mint or something resembling mint. It must be the patcouli! The juice turns more more more woody after a while.
The silage and lasting power are average.
While this is an expensive perfume, like all other Bois 1920, it doesn’t disappoint. Do I wish is had more power? Yes, but as it is, I still find it seductive and mysterious.
I haven’t smelled it on anyone other than myself, it’s surely not popular. Very unisex and unique, I think it’s a masterpice!
Talking about how unique it is, it just occured to me that I have “tasted” this scent before: not in a perfume, in a very distinct drink made by French monks since the 17th century to present called “Chartreuse”. If you know what that is, well, this is it in a perfume version!
Paradoxx – :
Love this potion – although it’s hard for me to accept the name sometimes. Most patchouli smells nothing like this – but most people smell young/unaged patchouli and I mean REALLY aged when it achieves that wine-like effect.
This fragrance can come across a good bit more ambery than one might expect too – in the manner of Ambre Sultan. This has a dry, herbal element to it the way that the Lutens juice does. However, it’s very, very smooth and very hypnotic – delicious, actually. Lighter that one might expect – but it has great depth, sillage and longevity.
tix – :
I agree with all of these reviews. Its amazing!
The largest part of me wants to keep it a secret and wonders why I’m even writing this, but the other part of me says this sent is too beautiful and needs to be honored and praised.
Yes, women can and should wear this. very sophisticated and comforting, this starts out like a new dresser, or wood chips but with a warm citrus burst. Then turns into a yummy pipe tobacco (the kind you want to keep smelling), but stays fresh and lovely.
Very special.
Zloy_Roker – :
Trying to describe the smell of patchouli to someone who has never smelt it is nigh on impossible. The closest I could get to it is that good patchouli tastes like a mouthful of dirt. And this IS good patchouli.
Beginning rather raspy, deep and throaty, RP is rather masculine due to the dryness and the tobacco, which is very prominent.
About half an hour in, after some ungracious thoughts about the monotony and skeletal nature of it all, a sonic bomb seems to go off and all of a sudden there is a glorious rich warm aftershock. It reminds me of the image (not the smell) of dim libraries filled with old books, warm swirling cognac and horses.
It is a wonderful fragrance and while I can see women rocking this scent, I think this would be glorious on male skin.
While I find it all a bit too much for my personal use, this is my reference samle for patchouli. It truly captures the full breadth of the patch experience.
msfi – :
Real patchouli is sweet and cosy.It is easily wearable even by someone who doesn’t like that much the note of dusty and mature patchouli.Spicy,woody and milky balanced really well.
Keencemooks – :
Not like any other patchouli I’ve ever smelled. This is the Real Patchouly! It’s more like magical spiced patchouli liquer aged in exotic wood barrels, decanted only in stealth and by the light of a blue moon. It was so special, I felt I didn’t want anyone to know what I was wearing when I tested it. It inspired greed for the scent itself.
mce968speagoessenda – :
Yes, this is for certain real patchouli. The top notes are very aromatic, spicy, hot and kind of raw. The citruses add a bit of freshness.
When the heart notes settles it become smoth and very pleasant. Woody, powdery and some gentle strokes of sweetness. Not at all a hippie kind of patchouli, much to tasteful for that. A pathchouli for confident grown-ups with expensive taste. Like a handcarved wooden box filled with fragrant sachets with strange, unfamiliar but very pleasant herbs. You can sit and sniff in the box such a long time, forgetting about the things that you have to do.
So, it´s a pleasure to test Real Patchouli, what are you waiting for?