Indonesian patchouli Orpur® smells like damp forest soil after rain, mixed with something earthy and slightly sweet—imagine standing in a greenhouse with potted plants, then add a whisper of chocolate and dried tobacco leaf. There's a dark, grounding quality that feels almost velvety on the nose, with subtle spice notes reminiscent of clove or cinnamon. It's not perfume-y or floral; it's genuinely gritty and real, like holding a handful of rich garden earth that's been warmed by the sun.
Patchouli grows abundantly in Indonesia, particularly Sumatra and Java, where the climate and soil conditions create the plant's most prized oils. Orpur® is a standardised, purified extraction process that removes unwanted components whilst concentrating the most desirable aromatic molecules. Rather than crude patchouli oil—which can smell musty or overly animalic—Orpur® delivers a cleaner, more refined version that's easier for perfumers to work with. Indonesia supplies roughly 60% of the world's patchouli.
Orpur® patchouli functions as a powerful base note and anchoring ingredient in fragrances, providing depth, longevity, and a subtle sweetness that rounds out woody or oriental compositions. Perfumers use it sparingly because its character is assertive; it grounds lighter notes and adds earthiness without overwhelming. It bridges earthy and gourmand aesthetics beautifully.
Time-tested combinations
Contemporary compositions
Surprising harmonies