Mistral Patchouli by Atelier Cologne, 2013

...somewhere somebody writes in a review: 'I dont think anybody would smell Mistral Patchouli and say', "ah, a patchouli fragrance, nice!"... well, that's exactly what did happen to me. The beautiful and hospitable lady at Skins Cosmetics (Laren - The Netherlands) is my witness. Although to me more a Föhn than a Mistral I bought it ... for now the 30ml version. Love it!

How the names for Atelier get chosen is mystifying to me. "Mistral Patchouli" suggests a dry resinous breeze on a patchouli base. Nope. This is essentially a grapefruit scent. Pamplemousse rose (pink grapefruit). It starts with a very good citrus chord, framed by some peppery spice. The scent quickly smoothes out and stays restrained. Very smooth and wearable, but not especially distinctive. Searchin' for patchouli? Look elsewhere. The scent sits very close to the skin. If I use my imagination I might claim there is a earthy-rootsy vetiver note at play... but I could be hallucinating. A pleasant but rather non-descript scent.

After reading the notes, I get it now. This struck me as a very "white" patchouli, cleaned of skank and earth. It's nice, and would be good for a young fella to wear to the office. It's modern, no heavy oriental spices, smooth and inoffensive but not weak. In fact, it's tenacious, so a dab or two will do.