by Le Labo
Patchouli 24 by Le Labo is a profoundly intense, smoky leather fragrance with a dramatic character that divides opinions. It opens with a fierce, almost confrontational blast of campfire smoke, leather, and a pronounced tar-like note, evoking burnt wood, incense, and the scent of a vigorous bonfire. This initial phase is powerful, long-lasting, and can be overwhelming, with some comparing it to smoked ham, barbecue, or a vintage leather workshop. After an hour or so, the fragrance mellows, revealing a rich, inky vanilla-and-amber base that gives it warmth and depth. The patchouli note is subtle and secondary—the true star is the accented complexity of birch tar, smokiness, and earthy woodiness that follows. It's a fragrance of transformation, evolving from raw, primal smoke into a more refined, velvety, and intimate scent that lasts for hours, even days, on skin and clothing. It wears best in cooler seasons and suits those with a taste for bold, expressive, and unapologetic scents. It is not for the faint of heart or those seeking subtle or classic patchouli. The drydown is surprisingly elegant and balanced, but its sillage remains strong, making it impossible to overlook.