Soul Patch: Real Patchouly

Today, while most of New York congregated for the Marathon, the boyfriend and I brunched at Fred's (the chicken liver crostini get high marks!) and shopped for a new fragrance for him. In Atique's absence, Marlene and Tyler helped us at the niche fragrance counter on the Lower Level. Basing their selections on the boyfriend’s comfort with Serge Lutens Chergui and Maître Parfumeur et Gantier Ambre Precieux, they produced an adorable frosted bottle of Bois 1920 Real Patchouly. On hearing that it was a patchouli scent, I cringed a bit on the inside. He does not like patchouli, I said to myself. I knew this from a run-in, early in our relationship, with Etro Patchouli. (Apparently, he'd been scandalized by a former coworker on one too many occasions.) We all have our patchouli stories. Well, Bois 1920 Real Patchouly is light-years from cheap hippie juice. With super-rich top notes of Indian sandalwood and amber tinged – radiantly, I might add – with refreshing lemon, this is like sunlight filtered through honey-gold glass and fragrant wood lattices. After a few minutes on the skin, some sweet vanilla comes through, alloyed with something resembling black licorice. (“Yummy” sounds.) But where was the elusive patchouli? Hours later, I still can't say. It may be that the accord we were sniffing equated a good patchouli experience without employing the eponymous note. Bottom line: this is a great, sensual cold-weather scent for amber-lovers and their admirers. The boyfriend agrees.