Extract of Patchouli
Guerlain (1828)

The opening, after a brief flickering of a hint of hesperidic freshness, is the most wonderful patchouli. Rich, smooth, soft, without any harshness and roughness, rich, deep and glowing. A mildly sweetish undertone derived from vanilla is evident. The initial freshness is most likely attenuated with age, as such notes often do not survive time well - my sample must have been many decades old. Nonetheless it is obvious that the quality of the ingredients is incredibly outstanding, and the blending sublime. Age might also have affected longevity, which with five hours was below expectation for a perfume, but silage and projection were initially good. A benchmark and a great experience.