Patchoulissime (200)
by Keiko Mecheri

This is a simple floral patchouli flanked by a touch of citrus and vetiver and tamed in rawness by the addition of benzoin and may be a touch of amber. The general balance is undebatable. As already written this one, while being simple, is toned down and is neither a roaring too earthy patchouli nor an heavy, mellow or spicy one. I agree with Sir Slarty, there is an animal, averagely dry, bit dissonant note that lingers in the general sweetness but this one is present at the beginning and tends to fade quickly. The rose is barely perceivable in the sweetness. I find this fragrance too minimal and unappealing. Longevity and sillage are notable.

3rd June, 2011.

I love this fragrance as I'm not a great fan of full on patchouli. If you give a couple of coats or spray liberally it's not that mild . It is also one of the better lasters from Keiko Mercheri and I get a full day easily. Patchoulissime is exquisite as it is.

7th October, 2009.

Is it supposed to be *this* subtle? Can hardly smell a blessed thing. Extra sprays only amplified the white noise. Puzzling.
From what I *can* smell, it's a nice, slightly earthy and unsweet patchouli.

4th September, 2009.

I loved reading purplebird's excellent review and astute description of the different approaches to patchouli by various houses.

There is nothing wrong with Patchoulissime at all - a dry, light, earthy, herbal patchouli that is as far from 'raw' or 'animalistic' as patchouli can possibly be. It's still patchouli, but by far the kinder, gentler version of patchouli. I'm firmly with foetidus in that I like my patchouli without being watered down, and while this fragrance is well constructed and would appeal to those wanting a mild patchouli fragrance, it is not for me.

2nd March, 2009.

Patchoulissime – Keiko Merchari
A clean, well-handled patchouli that smells refined and herbal. Patchouli is a difficult not to tame. There are two main schools of thought: one celebrates the earthiness of patchouli, adding little else (such as the high-quality Santa Maria Novella Patchouli and the lovely L’Artisan Patchouli Patch); the other school aims to sweeten the patchouli with fruit and amber notes (my favorites being Jalaine Patchouli, Coromandel, and Montale Patchouli Leaves). Most objections to the fist school occur because of associations with “hippie patchouli.” On the other hand, the substance, itself, causes problems with the “sweet school” because patchouli is one of the mustiest notes in perfumery. Regardless of the prettifying, it still smells like dirt, and the incongruence with vanilla can be revolting if handled improperly. Enter Keiko Mercheri Patchoulisse, almost a school unto itself. It is so light it approaches dryness. It is so soft that the patchouli comes across as an herb. This light, herbal nature completely removes all mustiness, but the perfume never becomes the least bit edible. Probably the only other perfume I know that succeeds in this same task is Aromatics Elixir. Patchoulissime is like one, tiny sliver of AE—the part without the complex balsams and florals, which leaves it spare and airy. I recommend it to anyone who hasn’t found a friend in patchouli yet.

9th January, 2009.

Foetidus is exactly correct; Mecheri's is a softer, gentler patchouli. Which is precisely why I love it! I'm ecstatic to have found a patchouli that leans more to the feminine. A bit less raw, yet still dry and earthy - slightly sweet. Thankfully, there were no florals added to this elixir, now Patchoulissime can play together with a slough of floral fragrances! If you are a 'patchouli devotee', this one may disappoint. For some men, this one may be too mild. For me, this patchouli is just right! Full bottle on it's way ~ two thumbs up!

17th November, 2008.