Aura of Patchouli

Caswell-Massey's Aura of Patchouli is not the pure wet-earth patchouli scent you'd find at a Grateful Dead concert or other gathering of sixties aficionados, but a sophisticated blend with patchouli as the dominant note, framed with topnotes of bergamot and citrus and undertones of hay, vetiver, smoky woods, oakmoss and musk, with some hints of amber and carnation along the way. It is VERY close to the scent of the much-beloved (and long-discontinued) Oleg Cassini For Men by Jovan, and probably the best alternative currently available. It's also a close relative of Givenchy Gentleman, though it lacks some of the floral, spice and honey accords of its French cousin. This is a hippie that's grown up a bit and traded in the tie-dye for some more stylish and well-fitting garb, but still has fond and vivid memories of the high times of yore. Patchouli on its own is a fragrance that people seem to either love or loathe, and your feeling about patchouli will likely be an indicator of how you'll react to this fragrance, as long as you don't expect it to be patchouli-and-nothing-but. If you're a fan (as I am), and can appreciate an artful blending of patchouli with some other harmonious notes, you'll probably find Caswell Massey's Aura of Patchouli delightful. If you're one of those unfortunates for whom patchouli is in the same league as old gym socks (or worse), be forewarned --- stay away!

Aura of Patchouli is one of the most wonderful fragrances for both men and women. Unfortunately, Caswell Massey was purchased by outside buyers with absolutely no knowledge of fragrances. Aura of Patchouli's formula was changed practically overnight, the eau de toilette, which was incredibly long lasting, was replaced by cologne and the scent went from being fabulous to insipid. For those of you who remember patchouli oil from the sixties and seventies, this is not it! This particular patchouli scent was herbal, green and pungent with just a hint of smokiness. It really is hard to describe! I can't tell you the number of people, particularly women, who asked me what kind of perfume I was wearing. My last bottle is nearly finished and I'm hoping to find another patchouli scent similar to this one.