This summer in New England finds us warmer earlier, and more so than usual.

The last thing most of us need is to be nasally assaulted by Eau de Cheap Headshop Harvard Square, vintage 1972!

Migraine-inducing, monster-sillage, in-your-face hippie-dippy roll-on abomination.

 

For many, this is the only patchouli they’ve ever known; no wonder it has such a vile reputation…

 

 

Harvard Square [or Washington Square!] notwithstanding- it cannot be denied that nothing can compare to an aged, magnificent quality patchouli.

Like fine wine, fine coffee, or fine chocolate, it draws upon the merits of each.

Matured over time [often 2-3 years or more] in oaken casks, it takes on a depth and complexity one wouldn’t expect from a member of the mint family.

 

Properly stored, patchouli can last indefinitely and improve with age, like the finest Mysore sandalwood or single malt.

 

 

Such a beauty is Montale’s Patchouli Leaves.

 

I remember being intensely curious about the Montales years ago.

A wonderful man named Vijay Wadehra [who had a shop named Suravi at that time] sweetly enabled me in my aoud education.

 

I purchased Patchouli Leaves from him; he claimed that he would follow any woman wearing this scent around his store as if he were a dog!!!

 

Here’s the Parfums Raffy website notes:

 

Montale Patchouli Leaves

Patchouli leaves macerated for two years in the trunk of the oak tree combined with vanilla, amber, and white musk on a base of Cistus ladaniferus from Tibet.

 

 

Earthy, woody, balsamic, suave……

Tenderly tenacious and enveloping, this eau de parfum never waxes cloying or heavy.

It insinuates itself into your presence, like a well-mannered guest with elegant conduct and good intentions.

 

 

Nuances of soil, cacao and oakwood ally with a dry vanilla, faintly smoky, and the gentlest veil of labdanum.

White musk adds softness without altering the balance.

 

Patchouli Leaves is a fine choice for either men or women, perfectly suited for all seasons; it blooms in the heat, and comforts in chillier climates.

 

It is patch perfection, a Preciousssss that is affordable, even in these times.

 

 

–Ida Meister, Senior Editor