Notes you don't like by themselves, but don't mind in a fragrance or accord

[Marty McFly]

Are there any notes that you don't like by themselves, but enjoy or at least tolerate within a fragrance or accord?

Personally, I cannot stand patchouli. I find it pungent and dirty smelling, and I don't like very patchouli forward fragrances like Angel & AMen.

However, I seem to like some fragrances that use patchouli, even prominently. I like Aventus which seems to me to have some patchouli, and more so Electimuss Imperium. I think patchouli mixes well with vanilla and other notes and I enjoy fragrances like Tuxedo and Rochas Moustache EDP and especially PdM Layton. Many fragrances that I enjoy claim to carry patchouli somewhere therein (though I often cannot detect it) such as BDC, ADG Absolu, TDH, even Invictus (and Invictus-adjacent type fragrances.)

 

[lfc1892]

Cumin

 

[Ken_Russell]

Too many to mention, including cinnamon, certain varietals of apple along with either fruit and of rose as well as more jammy/overly sweet florals, certain types of incense.
And yet they can be anywhere from stunning to at least skillfully blended just enough to contribute to the total result of a well rounded scent.

 

[Marty McFly]

Cumin

I also don't like cumin, but I cannot think of an example of a fragrance that I do like which contains a cumin note.

 

[The Cologne Cabinet]

Vetiver

 

[RedRaider430]

Rose

 

[hednic]

Tuberose

 

[DeathArrow]

I think it depends on the concentration. Some things can be too much, whether in perfumes or not. I might dislike some smell if it's too pregnant, but might not be disturbed by it if it's less pronounced. If I dislike some kind of smell, I probably wouldn't enjoy it in perfumes, too.

 

[rum]

Too many to mention

Same for me too. I don't like patchouli or vetiver on their own, but in the right kind of blend I think they are awesome.

 

[Nj guy]

Vanilla

 

[ImaFedec]

Rose

Vetiver

Those two for me as well.
I am not too fond of Whiskey as a note, but know many fragrances who use it well.

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

Lavender and aldehyde

 

[ThVH]

Ylang Ylang
Tuberose
Ambroxan

 

[hednic]

Ylang Ylang

Another one I'm not too keen on.

 

[Akahina]

Vanilla is too sweet and Patchouli has an unwanted hippie vibe. Kinda bored with bergamot as a citrus top note to be honest.

 

[Zenwannabee]

Mint.

I like it in food, gum, and breath mints, but in fragrances it can be harder for me to love.

 

[Zenwannabee]

Personally, I cannot stand patchouli. I find it pungent and dirty smelling, and I don't like very patchouli forward fragrances like Angel & AMen.

However, I seem to like some fragrances that use patchouli, even prominently. I like Aventus which seems to me to have some patchouli, and more so Electimuss Imperium. I think patchouli mixes well with vanilla and other notes and I enjoy fragrances like Tuxedo and Rochas Moustache EDP and especially PdM Layton. Many fragrances that I enjoy claim to carry patchouli somewhere therein (though I often cannot detect it) such as BDC, ADG Absolu, TDH, even Invictus (and Invictus-adjacent type fragrances.)

I can understand an aversion to patchouli. But as a lover of older powerhouses, some of my favorites use it very well and I think have beautiful patchouli notes and drydowns, particularly:
—Aramis
—Polo Green
—Quorum
—Davidoff Zino
—Giorgio Beverly Hills for Men