Patchouli 1969

There are several reviews below mine from reviewers whose commentary I have found excellent in the past. In spite of the fact that the sum of their reviews might be characterized as "meh", I must say I love Patchouli 1969. I am a big fan of mentholated scents, and this fragrance opens with a momentary dry, spicy citrus that is soon subsumed under a wave of menthol-heavy patchouli. As a menthol and patchouli fan, I enjoy this scent quite a bit. As the spicy, mentholated patchouli aroma leads this fragrance into its heart, a rich resin adds a depth to the patchouli. Lurking in the background is a faint indole from some jasmine that shifts slowly into an unusual, rosy tropical accent tone (surely the lotus weaving itself in and around a nice rose note). This accent on the patchouli as the scent moves toward the base is fascinating, and deftly done. I think the subtle accents in the heart here are really well chosen and that they expand the fragrance profile beyond a simple hippie patch into something more interesting. As with all MPetG fragrances, the ingredients here are palpably high quality and the blending is fantastic. In the base, a faint sandalwood appears, but the patchouli utterly dominates it. In the end, then, this fragrance is almost all patchouli, but a clean, green version of the hippie staple, not the dirty, rough stuff that was common during the year mentioned on the label. Longevity is considerable and the projection is noticeable. Spray cautiously. This scent is unisex, which in this case means all genders will need to test this before deciding on it--this fragrance will prove divisive. Presentation includes a nod to 1969 in the form of a paisley overwrap on the traditional MPetG box and a dangling peace sign with which the elegant, heavy bottle is also adorned. Atomizers are excellent. If, like me, you like brisk, mentholated green scents, you'll love this fragrance, if not you will either join the chorus of mehs, like those below, or loathe this fragrance. But the craft on display here, as well as the great ingredient quality, make this fragrance well worth sampling to see where on the continuum from love to loathe you will end up.

I'm starting to appreciate patchouli perfumes in a whole new way from my dalliances into amateur perfumery. In a technical sense it's hard to extend and exalt patchouli and yet conversely it's also a very forgiving material, which blends very well with many other materials. It's either in a crucial support role, or it's the star of the show (like in this instance) and in order to get depth and do something interesting with it, you have to know what you're doing. I think this one is stunning, I really do. The quality here is astonishing. It's deep but it's not a heavy or hippy patchouli despite the kind of Hendrix-esque packaging of psychedelic, paisley. I get sandalwood, and discrete support, perhaps some resins, just helping to soften the hard bits and sharpen the duller aspects of patchouli. The result is a very fluid, smooth experience of smoky earth and mild, damp, camphor to sweeter truffle (I kinda mean mushroom and chocolate) the opening is actually quite bright, perhaps orange like? Then held down both warm and sweet with musks and resin. I think it's divine and my wardrobe is criminally under-subscribed with patchouli fragrances I can think of Zino and L'Instant homme and that's about it folks. This is really good for patch fans and just fans of nicely balanced perfume. I think if you are expecting a really, witchy, next level, power patchouli you would look elsewhere but still it can't be denied that this is one of if not the finest in this genre, certainly that I've ever sniffed. UPDATE:07/07/21 I think I forgot to say how much a lovely rose note is actually part of this composition, but it's quite veiled by all the Patchouli.

Well I should probably start by saying I’m quite a patch head....& I tend to love heavier scents. Now, this is a beautiful cologne that features a quite simple transparent patchouli. On my skin this is elemi resin, patchouli and plenty, plenty of cardamom. Imagine freshly grinding a lot of cardamom and sprinkling it on top of a mango lassi...yes that’s it. Even more on clothes this comes through as a very fresh concoction, fizzy and happy. It does open up with some bitter orange, but I would argue it comes of to me as unripe mango.... I was kindly gifted 2 original samples and have been testing this fragrance for the past 3-4 days... It’s not a potent patchouli. This is a different take in patchouli that os very light and very easy going. I have to say that longevity is 4h-6h, not more....it does stay on clothes and I actually love it on cotton. Overall I enjoy this. It’s absolutely unisex. The dry down is musky and remotely creamy...maybe the vanilla or sandalwood.... Aromatic & although this can be worn all year round and it’s absolutely safe for an business environment I feel this would shine best in the summer.

Patchouli purists this scent is for you. This is just 100% pure patchouli, no other notes are apparent to me. The notes listed may be present in minute amounts but all my nose can really detect is pure patchouli. The accords are that warm, woody, resinous scent that we all know and love (or hate, depending on your preference). The longevity for this one is absurd; realize that liberal spraying will last over 12+ hours including efforts at in-shower removal (aka scrubbing). The price point seems a bit much since you can get the same effect from liberally applying patchouli essential oils or wearing a patchouli doused lava bead bracelet. But the bottle is absolutely beautiful, including a very 1969 fringe with gold peace sign. The bottle is substantial and beautifully made and would look wonderful on anyone's vanity. Unboxing this beaut was very much a process so it would be a fantastic gift for someone who truly loves patchouli.

With a name like Patchouli 1969 I was expecting a Parisian twist on Hair, The Musical, but this is nothing like the hippy stuff. I'm not entirely sure what it is to be truthful. There's a momentary, confusing, animal-like smell in the opening, possibly caused by elemi mixed with sandalwood and cardamom, I can't be sure. This quickly fades and I'm left 8 miles high in the clouds with only the patchouli. And it's so airy and transparent up here, I'm not even sure it's there. A tiny, but lovely, sandalwood skin scent remains and a sense of a disturbance in the air, the occasional beautiful waft of scent returning when I move around.