Psychédélique by Jovoy

*****
Year: 2011

Notes: citrus, geranium, rose, patchouli, labdanum, amber, vanilla, musk
Out of the three Jovoy releases by Jacques Flori, Psychédélique is undoubtedly the most impressive.

The opening is sweet, boozy and spicy, with a candied citrus accord. Prefacing a warm and syrupy coupling of amber and patchouli, the rose and geranium both provide an aromatic floralcy to the proceedings. As a result, the patchouli doesn't reveal its dank earthiness until during the late-drydown – instead primarily complementing the resinous and ambery aspect of the composition. Built upon a base of vanilla and musk, the overall aroma is well-blended, slightly feminine and very seductive.

Compared to other niche patchouli fragrances, Psychédélique isn't as dark or dense as Profumum's Patchouly, but nor is it as masculine as Mazzolari's Patchouli or Lui. It also eschews the conservative patchouli premise of other Italian houses, such as Santa Maria Novella and Farmacia SS. Annunziata, being much closer in spirit to the patchouli offerings by Reminiscence. As it stands, it's a unique and easy-to-wear patchouli creation, and one wouldn't be at all surprised if it was one of Jovoy's bestsellers.

With moderate projection and at least six hours longevity, it lacks a richness that would compel one is rush out to buy a bottle. And it's for this main reason why a higher rating eludes it. Still, if one had to buy just one Jovoy fragrance, Psychédélique would probably be one's first choice.


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