FRAGRANCE | Is Patchouli Absolu EDP by Tom Ford the absolute patchouli fragrance?

halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu EDP 01

I got this at the height of the pandemic in 2020, not knowing that it's been discontinued (or maybe it wasn't yet at the time). Since I love patchouli in fragrances, I never bothered looking it up and just jumped the gun. The irony is I never even opened it until recently.

From the very first spray, patchouli barges in with all its woody and earthy glory, firmly establishing its dominance, as if making it clear that Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu is absolutely a patchouli-centric fragrance. What I love about this creation is how it's expertly layered with several different supporting notes—some obvious, others imperceptible to my nose. It's never one-dimensional. It's a composition with depth without stealing the patchouli's thunder—at least at the onset.

There's a soft tinge of sweetness in the fragrance's opening minutes, lending the scent some semblance of moisture and at the same time, warmth. To a controlled extent, it tempers the patchouli's inherently "dirty" character without completely glossing it over. There's also an underlying funk, something animalic but which is noticeable only when sniffed up close.

halfwhiteboy - Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu EDP 02

Later, the scent develops a mild sharpness as nagarmotha starts unfolding. (I've come to recognize this note and its distinct brand of woody sharpness primarily from Amouage Opus VII). Bay leaf is also noticeable at some point before it gets lost in the blend while imparting its own spicy flavor. It doesn't go on full spicy territory, though, so there's no need to worry. At this point, the minimal sweetness from the opening has already lifted off and the scent only becomes drier as time goes by. 

To my disappointment, the sharpness of the nagarmotha eventually takes over, overpowering the patchouli that was supposed to be the star of the show. I don't hate it per se, though. I still like the scent for what it is: characteristically masculine with a rather formal and dignified vibe, one that seems apt for either office or temperature-controlled, evening gatherings. It's a handsome creation; it's just that I was let down by its very promising opening. 

So no, Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu is not the absolute patchouli frag I was hoping for. 

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