OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla Review + Oak Barrel Draw

OK FINE FRAGRANCES PRO PATCHOULI AND DBO DOUBLE VANILLA REVIEWS

Sebastian© holding OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla

 FiFi Award winning Steve DeMercado and Michael Simpson have been collaborators, workmates, rock & roll bandmates, and great friends for 20 years. They were CaFleureBon’s 144th American Perfumers  that  were featured in our ÇaFleureBon Profiles series last month. What’s special about their new collection of five fragrances  is that they craft honest, straightforward, artisanal fragrance, in small batches that are then aged in American oak barrels “seasoned” with ingredients specifically chosen to interact with the original scent. Steve monitors the aging process, just as a master distiller would, until he feels that oak barrel has worked its magic.

OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla by Steve DeMercado

Photo courtesy of Michael and Steve

When I received my samples I immediately gravitated to two: OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla. I was so impressed (especially with OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli on both my skin which hates Patchouli and on my boyfriend’s who wears it at least 3x a week lately), that I suggested that Editor Sebastian Jara sample the line and choose his two favorites.  While all were impressive, he agreed with me on my two favorites! Today he reviews OK Fine Fragrances VBO Double Vanilla aged in Bourbon, (which is his favorite) and OK Fine Fragrance PRO Patchouli aged in Rum.– Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Disclosure: Sebastian and I received our bottles from OK Fine Fragrances; opinions are our own.

If you’re in the USA, please enter to win a bottle of your choice of of OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli OR OK Fine Fragrances VBO Double Vanilla. To be eligible you must be a registered reader, and a Subscriber to Smelling Great Fragrance YouTube or your comment will not count.

OK Fine Fragrances PRO patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla review

Photo by Sebastian©

Tell us what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s reviews of OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla as well as which you would you would want should you win. USA only.  Draw closes 6/30/2019.  Please like CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook and your entry will count twice. Please leave that in your comment.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon #cafleurebon  @lookfeelsmellgreat #theperfumeguy and @okfinefragrances

We announce the winners on our site and our Facebook page so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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60 comments

  • Raj keshwani says:

    Loved the idea of aging it into barrel. Can’t wait to smell it. Sebastian is right on the money.

  • gtabasso says:

    I know how he loves vanilla and patchouli. I was surprised the vanilla edged out the patch. I think I would go for the vanilla, too. I hope the booziness comes through on all of these, but I find them very pricey for a new unknown indie house. These prices really are getting outrageous. People are charging $150-300 for stuff I paid $20 for two years ago.

  • Cheryl Gregory says:

    I appreciate how Sebastian’s review was so clear and explained the process of aging the perfume. I’d love to try both of the scents he reviewed

  • Steve A. says:

    The idea of the oak barrels is something I look forward to experiencing. Love to win me some of that Double Vanilla. “The vanilla is hands down too gorgeous”. US

  • Ben says:

    I loved how both of these fragrance sound. The art the woody nature of something , special and crafted over time. Both fragrances sound wonderful, but the patchouli is calling me and I have been wanting a good patchouli to my name for some time. I am hoping to win the patchouli, but it was a hard decision for sure. Sebadyion’s videos are great by showing us his feelings for the fragrance and telling us the overall impression of the fragrance. USA resident and registered.

  • Sunny Chaudhary says:

    I loved the video and how Sebastian explained the process of aging the perfume. I’d love to try Vanilla as I love vanilla based fragrances and I bought tobacco vanille after his review on tobacco based fragrance.

  • ck says:

    I enjoyed how descriptive sebastian was in the video. I am a recent subscriber and just getting into niche perfumery but am pretty broke which makes it difficult lol. I’d like to win the VBO Double Vanilla it sounded great.

  • Amy Leonhardt says:

    I loved hearing about the different barrels used for each scent. I’d be curious to smell what Mezcal adds, but I’d love to try either the Patchouli OR the Vanilla by OK Fine! CA
    I liked Cafleurebon’s Profiles in American Perfumery. 🙂

  • Crystal Woods-Dye says:

    I absolutely adored Sebastian’s review on the VBO Double Vanilla.Vanilla is my favorite note in perfumes especially when gourmand, spicy, Creamy, and boozy. I’ve been on the hunt for a signature Vanille perfume I’d love to smell this! The way Sebastian described this literally had me drooling! I’m not a huge fan of patchouli but if it’s not the dominant note I do enjoy fragrances with it especially if it’s in the drydown. Sebastian has the best nose ever I wait on the edge of my seat for his amazing reviews! I followed you on Instagram. And on Facebook, watched, liked and been a long time subscriber of smelling great fragrance reviews. I would love to have a chance to win this simply delicious sounding perfume!

  • Martin Lucena says:

    I love how he describes the double vanilla! How he says it’s very creamy and reminds him when he used to bake. I would love the double vanilla! And if he says your fragrances are good than they have to be because Sebastian has always reviewed really good fragrances!

  • AlwaysWater says:

    As always, Sebastian is great at describing vanilla nuances and making spot on comparisons to foods/experiences. As a fellow vanilla lover obviously my choice would be VBO. -usa
    I liked Cafleurebon’s Profiles in American Perfumery on facebook

  • Fragrancejourney says:

    Sebastian’s review was awesome as always.Im really into boozy Patchouli fragrances so this one sounded amazing.Also the creamy vanilla with suede and leather sounded awesome also.I just started reviewing fragrances on you tube so one of the sounds amazing to get do a review on.Thanks

  • Alen says:

    Great review from Sebastian. For me double vanilla sounds amazing, i would love to test it. Thanks for the chance.

  • Doc2SmellG8 says:

    I loved Sebastian’s description of the vanilla reminding him of the creaminess of adding vanilla into whipping cream. I have liked the Facebook page as well.
    Tough choice but I will go with the PRO Patchouli should I win.

  • riddlemo says:

    CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery has been liked. Now, what I liked about Sebastian’s review is his mentioning of these perfumes being brewed up in seasoned barrels. As much as I love vanillas, I think that the bourbon kick added to it makes it absolutely delectable. I would be interested in the VBO Double Vanilla. (Commenting from FL, USA)

  • Onyinye says:

    Sebastian’s review was very descriptive and i love the idea of aging fragrances into a barrel. I would love to try OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli.
    I’ve been a subscriber of Sebastian.
    I live in California.

  • narcisse says:

    I was intrigued by the Vanilla initially than the cream factor was mentioned so the Patchouli became the dark horse for a win. I liked the way he gently walked back than forwards again on the cuddliness of the patchouli. Honestly it is too hot here to be cuddly so that made it the winner!

  • INYA says:

    Ooooohhhhhh! PRO Patchouli would be my choice, if lucky. Sebastian Jara’s review had me thinking about both fragrances, lol. Thanks for introducing another fabulous brand! USA

  • LisaMCollins says:

    I love the descriptions of the scents and what time of spirits were in the barrels…I can’t wait to see if that makes a marked difference in how I think they will smell. I would love the OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli.

  • citizenkage says:

    I love the idea of steeping these fragrances in oak barrels. I love a good oak barrel aged bourbon. Adds depth and layers that I would love to experience in a fragrance. All of the OK Fragrances sound fantastic but if I had to choose one it would be the PRO Patchouli. I’m a subscriber of Sebastian’s Youtube channel and he has put me on to a lot of fragrances I would have never known about. Thanks for the opportunity. I did like the facebook page of CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery. Greetings from Florida.

  • Nathan Cherry says:

    Loved Sebastian’s review because, as always, he does such detailed reviews about lesser known fragrance houses and opens up the door to discovery. Both of these sound lovely, but I would love to win VBO Double Vanilla – I need a creamy, delicious vanilla in my life. Alabama, USA. I liked CaFleurebon Profiles in American Perfumery as Nathan Cherry.

  • adteutla says:

    The VBO Double Vanilla sounds fantastic. Glad I got the chance to see Sebastian discover it’s his favorite as he was describing it on the video. I think a creamy, vanilla fragrance would be awesome to experience.

  • Jessica Hansley says:

    From the review,both fragrances sound divine. I LOVE patchouli, yet Sebastian made the VBO vanilla smell divine. Whipping cream with vanilla…yummy! I would like to win VBO Vanilla.

  • bigscoundrel says:

    Sebastian said VBO Double Vanilla is a velvety smooth and cozy fragrance, so I need to add it to my collection. I’d have to pick VBO Double Vanilla if I win. I’m in the US.

  • Dosva says:

    Thank you, Sebastian for this review! Great idea perfume aging into different barrel.
    Patchouli aged in rum sounds very beautiful! I would like to win Patchouli- Rum.
    I liked Cafleurebon’s Profiles in American Perfumery.
    US

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Ooh creamy, suede vanilla with booze. Mmmm. I’m still on the fence with patchouli. This sounds like it might be more wearable for me as it’s not a screamer. I suppose I would prefer to win the Double Vanilla and may have to sample the PRO Patchouli. Thank you for the draw. I am int he US.

  • susie q says:

    Thank-You Sebastian, Michael S. and Steve D. for the YT review and OK Fine fragrances Pro Patchouli & VBO Double Vanilla. I enjoyed Sebastian’s thorough description of these scents created/developed in barrels like and with liquor which is a cool idea and I’d love to try them both. He’s described the Patchouli different on him boozy woody and the Vanilla as creamy as when mixing while cooking and spicy they both sound great but I’ll take the VBO Double Vanilla please. I’ve liked you on FB Ive been following you Seb. & OKFF on IG and Sebastian on YT,Thanks USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    According to the article both guys should be extroverts , and that’s hard . It’s not easy nowadays to smile , to look happy and to do what YOU think you should do , and not going with the flow.I’m talking from a personal standpoint.Peronally i do not care at all about others opinion , but that’s me.
    I only hope the oak barrels ( i presume used?!?) will give all the fragrances strong boozy vibe .
    I’ll go with Michelyn’s pick – Patchouli fragrance aged in Rum . Patch and rum? I’m all in. i Do remember she’s a fan.
    Subscribed to @okfinefragrances last month , and Cafleurebon and Sebastian i follow for a long time , especially Sebastian who i follow from the early days of his long gone old channel Man Loves Cologne .
    Thanks you
    Virginia

  • Gail says:

    What a engaging review! I could almost smell each fragrance from Sebastian’s descriptions. Also I have been a fan of Steven DeMercado’s creations for at least ten years now and read the profile when it came out and was excited to learn more about his new venture. I am hard put to choose between the OK Fragrances PRO Patchouli and the VBO Double Vanilla, but I will have to go with the VBO. I am on the US. Thank you for this great draw.

  • Christie says:

    I would really love to try Double Vanilla. Patchouli and I have a love/hate relationship. 🙂 Thanks for the review and the draw. In the USA.

  • yogsss says:

    As a vanilla scent lover, I’m always on the hunt for that perfect fragrance that captures the essence of really beautiful vanilla. You absolutely sold me on the Double Vanilla! I am intrigued that OK Fragrances aged their scents in a rum barrel. Can’t wait to smell it.

    Liked Cafleurebon on FB as well.

  • Steve Morozov says:

    VBO Double Vanilla sounds like an amazing scent to try. I would love to smell that aging process in the barrels.

  • leah nunally says:

    I was really interested in learning that the fragrances are aged in American oak barrels as Sebastian stated in his review. It made me even more curious to know what they smell like! I think I would like to win the VBO Double Vanilla. I will definitely like their Facebook page.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I have had the opportunity to try out all of the Ok Fine Fragrances Line and VBO and PRO are also my favorite two. The booziness and aged oak seasoning really adds the depth and amazing smell to all of them. They are very smooth and subtle. They are long lasting, but the projection is not that strong and piercing which is a good thing. Its a hard choice, but between the two I will go with the buttery/creaminess of VBO.

  • kb1993 says:

    I love the concept of aging the perfume in a barrel like whiskey, especially when vanilla is the main note because I love vanilla and have made tintures that got stronger and better by the day! Patchouli essential oil as well gets better with age.

    As always Sebastian is my favorite awesome reviewer. If I were lucky enough to win this I would choose the VBO double vanilla.

    I am in the USA.

  • wildevoodoo says:

    Oh my gosh, the VBO sounds amazing! Vanilla, tonka, suede, and vetiver are some of my favorite notes. I can only imagine how the infusion of bourbon and oak would enhance the character and complexity of the fragrance. The buttery-creamy descriptions of infusing vanilla into whipped cream made my mouth water! The PRO does indeed sound right up Sebastian’s alley, and it sounds a lot more wearable than some patchouli-dominant fragrances for those who don’t want the strength of patchouli to wear them instead the other way around! Having said that, I adore well-made vanilla fragrances, even more so when coupled with my other favorite notes, so VBO would be my preference if I win! I have liked the ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on facebook and I am in the US 🙂

  • Hasib says:

    Enjoyed the review. Heard of this House but haven’t tried yet. Double Vanilla Bourbon sounds the best to me as well. Thanks for the giveaway, US

  • PatoLoco says:

    I enjoyed the concise descriptive nature of Sebastion’s review. I would like VBO Double Vanilla, if I am lucky enough to win the draw. Cheers from Oregon!

  • Zibbyz says:

    As always, Sebastian is knowledgeable and passionate, i would like to win the Vbo double vanilla. I looked at their site and love the idea of aging perfumes in barrels and am curious how much it impacts the perfume. Then you for the review, Sebastian and for the draw!

  • Zibbyz says:

    And I forgot about the creamy whipped cream vanilla, can’t wait to try this, thank you!

  • Diana D says:

    Good lord, these sound gorgeous!! Sebastian makes them both sound so incredible! I’ve been watching quite a few YouTube reviews on this perfume house and I’m really eager to try something from them. I love the idea of aging the fragrances in oak barrels!
    If I have to choose between these 2, I think I will go with Double Vanilla.
    I live in the US.

  • LORI LAWS says:

    Great review by Sebastian! I love that these fragrances are aged in oak barrels. I love that he talked about the Double Vanilla being creamy and buttery. If I were to win the Double Vanilla would be my choice. Thanks for the giveaway and I live in the US!

  • drewactor says:

    A good review from Sebastian as always. Would love to win the VBO. I also liked the page on facebook. Love the ageing process in the oak and burbon barrels. I too was surprised vanilla beat patch for Sebastian and he madd the ageing process with that one sound really enjoyable. Thanks for the giveaway. In the USA.

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    “and on my boyfriend’s who wears it at least 3x a week lately”
    Nice – my husband is big on boozy and patchouli fragrances.
    Aged for 52 days in golden rum seasoned barrel . I expect a fragrance that will blow me away !!!
    Having a background in the fragrance industry does not mean you’ll succeed as independent /niche/indie house owner .Some will , others won’t , but i have a good feeling about Steve and Michael. There is some sort of positive vibe around them . Good luck guys !
    OK Fragrances we’re waiting for “Blonde Oud Aged in Rye Oak Barrel” too you know 🙂
    “PRO Patchouli” is my choice.
    Thanks for the draw.Long time Sebastian fan here – no doubt about it.
    VA

  • Curt says:

    As a bourbon lover, I am digging the concept of these fragrances spending time in aged oak barrels. The Double Vanilla sounds amazing! Sebastian describes it as buttery and that is exactly the quality I look for in my favorite bourbons and rye whiskeys. Thanks, CaFleureBon & OK Fragrances, for the opportunity to win a bottle. Monterey, USA! Double Vanilla, Yes!

    Please consider not penalizing those of us who are fans but not Facebook users. Thanks!

  • Uncle1979 says:

    I like the idea of a new indie brand offering a unique process of making fragrances … with one BIG if – if the blending , the ingredients and final results will make me say Wow. Performance should be good too.
    There are new indie and niche brands popping almost every day last few years. Huge amount of people want to jump the bandwagon, and sure there’s gems, but there are A LOT of horrible “rule-breaking” indie fragrances too.
    I am a fan of boozy fragrances, and because of oak barrels aging I have high hopes for Ok Fine Fragrances.
    Long time friendship, background in the sector , barrels aging – a lot of boxes are checked . I’ll order a sample pack soon.
    If I have to pick one of the patchouli and the vanilla one, Double Vanilla aged in Bourbon will be my choice. “Too gorgeous” coming from Sebastian is like a stamp mark for authenticity.
    Appreciate the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • harper says:

    oh dear, well, sebastian’s “hands down too gorgeous” vanilla vs michelyn’s love for the patchouli. hm. since michelyn usually doesn’t love patchouli and this one works for (and on) her, and i don’t usually love vanilla — perhaps this one would work for me? i know, it’s a bit convoluted. but hey… so double vanilla it is for me 🙂

  • Barber82 says:

    Handcrafted fragrances aged in oak barrels? You got my attention.
    Being independent in the fragrance industry has both advantages , and disadvantages. You can basically do what you want to do , but at the same time it’s harder to keep up the fragrances consistent , because of lack of ingredients and so on. I was wearing a lovely smokey and boozy fragrance by …. One other American indie brand , but the second bottle I got was so different compared to the first one I had to return it. They were not able to secure the same ingredients , and even though the fragrance was nice, it was way too different .
    I don’t drink , but I do enjoy boozy fragrances , and Double Vanilla aged in Bourbon is my choice.
    Out of curiosity i do consider getting sample set .
    I have to say bottles are nice. I like the look , and the vintage feel.
    I don’t like FB , but just followed @okfinefragrances on Instagram. Hope my entry will count twice Lol
    Thanks a lot to my favorite reviewer Sebastian. Sure I follow him on YouTube and all social media.
    USA

  • Caliwas says:

    What I enjoy about Sebastian review of Pro Patchouli and VBO Double Vanilla is his excitement of the fragrances and ultimately leaning towards the Vanilla. I would love the VBO Double Vanilla. I live in CA, USA. Many thanks for the draw.

  • Gig84 says:

    I have to say I really like Steve and Michael story. To age fragrances is oak barrels . Now that’s what I call creativity. No doubt I will sample OK Fine Fragrances , because of their uniqueness.
    We should have more people like them . Best wishes guys with the business.
    I’d like to win Double Vanilla . If Sebastian thinks it’s the best one they got , this fragrance will be really good.
    Subscriber of Ok Fragrances both on @okfinefragrances and on Facebook. Sebastian I follow since 2016.
    Thank you for the opportunity
    Usa