PERRIS MONTE CARLO
PATCHOULI NOSY BE

2014

PERFUMER
Jacques Flori

Patchouli
Pink Pepper

Cacao
Labdanum

Patchouli
Vanilla
Sandalwood
Cedarwood

I’ve always had a hard time finding a patchouli forward fragrance that was not too earthy and green for my taste, while remaining patchouli-centric (as opposed to an amber accord or straight up vanilla scent). One of my favorites has to be Patchouli Nosy Be. I also much prefer Patchouli Nosy Be over Perris’ Essence De Patchouli.

For me, this finds a great balance of the elements named above. You get a dry, forest earth vibe initially, which isn’t as green or ‘muddy’ that it puts me off. It’s quite woody and there’s a bit of pink pepper. Closely followed by a resinous and chocolate kick, but it’s not until some hours in that it becomes fully sweet and it loses it’s earthiness.

I think cedar wood plays a pretty big part in keeping the composition woody. I guess I do prefer the sweeter patchouli’s, as I prefer the drydown, when the vanilla starts taking over, but I enjoy having the transition into it.

Performance is good, but don’t expect a loud fragrance. Patchouli Nosy Be seems to be a close to the skin and smooth scent, which is very fitting in my opinion. I see this as a sensual, slightly mysterious scent profile, that would work well for close encounters.