Behold, Patchouli

The latest release from the Maryland-based Gallagher Fragrances is Behold, Patchouli, a standout mix of patchouli and chocolate, principally, that really makes quite the impression upon first spray. It’s very dark, dense, and rich, really an explosion of chocolate and patchouli with slightly subtle vibes of orange and spices underneath. It’s mostly sweet but slightly dirty and earthy in the way that patchouli often is, and it feels like a good compromise for patchouli lovers and chocolate lovers alike. It walks the tightrope between being playful/experimental/artistic and being serious and for special occasions. I think this could be pulled off by anyone who wants to be a bit audacious, especially in colder weather, and favors something opulent. Still, for all its daringness, Behold, Patchouli feels reasonably balanced. Though it leans toward the chocolate, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet and the patchouli feels appropriately proportionate. More patchouli would make it too dirty and not sweet enough, and more chocolate would make it too close to a full gourmand. Overall, this is an impressive creation that warrants trying. It’s great to see releases like this that push boundaries and it’s the perfect time of year (in the northern hemisphere) for a dark concoction like this. Bravo to Daniel Gallagher for this fun perfume. Currently priced at $185 for 100ml, Behold, Patchouli is priced on the higher end of the line, but given the ingredients and performance, this makes sense to me, and the pricing is reasonable, again under that $2/ml line I cite as quite great for niche/independent companies. 8 out of 10

A lovely evolving scent anchored by a gorgeous light Indian patchouli. The multiplicity of notes is skilfuly blended: it opens brightly; citrus notes twirl gracefully ceding to mid-tone notes of chocolate, frankincense, amber, and tonka without tilting into "too sweet". The cream soda is unusual note, and triggered flashbulb sense memory of drinking it lukewarm at Girl Scout camp-outs. The many quality notes in this are so well blended entertaining you until it settles down to the longest finale of sandalwood and musk settle down with the last of patchouli. This one was important -- it overcame my total avoidance of patchouli. When I was a kid, my Sis split hippy patchouli oil down heating vent system, all winter when the heat kicked on...phew, when I read patchouli as a note of a perfume, I'd avoid it like a plague . NOW I know I can try all those scents I'd written off! My thanks to Daniel Gallagher for making the scent good enough on the paper strip, I was willing to take a chance; and to Dave at American Perfumer for sending me a free sample with a recent purchase. Without both of them, I'd still be avoiding a really wonderful note.

Oh my goodness. I got these little samples from Daniel and I started my day today with just one spritz of this. It opened with beautiful slightly sweet citrus, honey and of course patchouli. I won’t wear this every day cause it’s a little overwhelming to me but listen. Hope it will make you understand the power of his simple yet complex and beautifully composed fragrances. Six hours later me and my little daughter went down for a nap and fell asleep in each other’s arms in this soft, warm cloud of patchouli, amber, honey and chocolate. It has never been so sweet and full of love and feeling of closeness. She said I smell great and if she doesn’t like something she wouldn’t lie. Try at least a sample, it is definitely worth trying. 8 hours plus longevity on cold skin - fantastic. Sillage is medium - I can smell it in the car but not very much around me. Beautiful perfume creation thanks Daniel.

I have to admit, that's a pretty original way to approach patchouli. It opens up sweet, ambery warm, undoubtedly patchouli with cream, orange, chocolate, and leather. This smells like a creamy orange and touch of mint filling bar of chocolate with a bit of leather, while still hitting the gourmand territory. A very surprising, and out of the box way. This is a 8-10 hours lasting strong to moderate in the dry down unisex approach to making patchouli gourmand in a very different way with some creamy, woody, leathery back. Absolute unisex, will be grate for autumn days and cozy evenings. I love it, to be honest with you.

Rich and underrated chocolate patchouli. Daniel Gallagher searched for high quality patch and blended it to create an exceptional fragrance of the utmost richness and quality. The depth of the patchouli is ideal for a colder day where the fragrance warms you up, hopefully you are wearing warm cashmere and the natural chocolate patch smell is enhanced by more chocolate and orange. A Little nutty smell that is very comforting and unisex, not too sweet and not too earthy, just right and worthy to behold. 4.25/5