The story of Reminiscence
It all started in 1970 in Juan-les-Pins as a small shop full of jewellery and objects brought back from travels. Patchouli, amber and musk oils were part of the offer from the early years. Patchouli soon became the house's emblem. Since then Reminiscence has run two trades side by side: upmarket costume jewellery and perfume. Its stated spirit is travel, spice and natural materials. Le Patchouli is still the centrepiece. It has been reworked over time and is now sold as an eau de toilette intense. More recently the house brought in perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin. Tonka came out in 2013 and Patchouli Blanc in 2015, two more modern takes on the house's ambery bases. Reminiscence sells through perfume stores and its own boutiques. It is little known outside France, which we think is a shame.
An olfactory signature
The house Patchouli is more amber than earth. The leaf is rounded by vanilla and tonka, while tolu balsam and labdanum add warmth. Cedar and vetiver keep a dry edge underneath. Tonka pushes towards gourmand, with clove and anise up top, then honey and bitter almond over a vanilla base. Patchouli Blanc goes the other way. Aldehydes and hawthorn wash the patchouli until it turns clean and musky.
Which Reminiscence perfume to choose?
Our database holds three Reminiscence fragrances. Le Patchouli is for people who like the material without its camphor side, in autumn and winter. One spray is enough, especially on a wool jumper. Tonka suits fans of spicy gourmands that lean on honey rather than sugar. Patchouli Blanc is the easiest to wear at work thanks to its musks. It is getting hard to find, so check stock first. If you like Le Patchouli, compare it with Chanel Coromandel, which is more powdery and far more expensive.