Our take
What does Patchouli Ardent smell like?
Guerlain launched Patchouli Ardent in 2020 as part of Absolus Allegoria, a stronger collection than the Aqua Allegoria line. Thierry Wasser composed it. The name says a lot: this patchouli runs hot. The first minutes are still surprisingly fresh. A green, almost milky fig meets a sharp pink pepper. Patchouli shows up quickly. It is earthy but clean, carried by a very dry cedar that smells like wood left in the sun. Turkish rose passes in the background without softening anything. The base brings a slightly smoky leather accord, musk and ambroxan for reach. Fig and patchouli work together better than you would expect. Against Reminiscence’s Patchouli, which is rounder and more hippie, the Guerlain is angular and far woodier. Comfort is not the goal here.
When to wear it
Wear it in autumn and on evenings out, sprayed on a jacket or sweater rather than bare skin. One or two sprays will do, as the ambroxan travels far.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody, Musky family. Patchouli Ardent is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
