Our take
What does Patchouli Elixir smell like?
Reminiscence was founded in 1970 on the French Riviera and built its name on a patchouli eau de toilette. In 2007 the brand released a stronger version, first sold as Elixir de Patchouli and later renamed Le Patchouli Elixir. No perfumer is credited. The structure follows the original. Patchouli and cedar open without fuss, smelling of damp soil and a cool cellar. Vetiver and sandalwood come next, drier. The real difference is in the base. Labdanum and vanilla are stronger here, and tonka thickens them. Tolu balsam adds a resinous sweetness while white musk rounds everything off. The result is less bitter than the eau de toilette and almost liqueur-like at times. Chanel's Coromandel is more polished and pricier. Next to it, this stays a frank and slightly bohemian patchouli. It never tries to pass as anything else, and that is its best quality.
When to wear it
For autumn and winter, at the weekend or in the evening. Two sprays on a jumper last a whole day.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Woody family. Patchouli Elixir is one of 20 creations by Reminiscence in our encyclopedia.