I had only ever heard of Patchouli in a some-what derogatory context before playing with it as a note for our Autumn collection last year.
It was described in the media that I'd consumed as a bit of a 'passé' note from the 90s, definitely not something desirable today and there was an 'alternative', shall we say? connotation. It was associated with certain recreational habits that would lead me to believe this could be what Stevie Nicks's bedroom may have smelled like in the 70s. Although I think Stevie was in to some different recreational accessories, if you catch my drift.
I like to associate more with a Witches apothecary, imagine the little shops in Practical Magic or the Owens conservatory - that is a vibe!
Blending Witching Hour last year was my first real experience of Patchouli. I was trying to dupe a candle that was discontinued years ago and when I googled the notes, I was surprised to find that it was almost entirely made up of this earthy ingredient. So imagine my surprise when burning this for the first time, discovering that, when blended with a little cinnamon for warmth and vanilla for sweetness, it is the most intoxicating home fragrance.
Witching Hour is the ultimate Autumnal scent for those who lean away from the foodie candles that are so popular at this time of year. If you are looking for sweet and spicy but not so much pumpkin latte and donuts, THIS is for you.
Don't sleep on Patchouli, I am actively looking for it in personal fragrance these days. That and Tonka have been the biggest shocks for me on this scent discovery journey