Woody

Imagine walking through damp earth after rain, then crushing dried autumn leaves in your hands. That's patchouli's essence: earthy, almost animalic, with a subtle sweetness lurking underneath. It smells vaguely like rich soil mixed with dried tobacco and a whisper of chocolate. There's a dark, slightly musty quality—think opening an antique wooden chest. It's grounding and intensely aromatic, never delicate. Fresh patchouli has peppery brightness; aged patchouli becomes deeper, warmer, almost leather-like.

Floral

Rose oxide smells like the most ethereal whisper of a fresh rose—imagine inhaling deeply over a bouquet of dewy petals just as dawn breaks. It's cleaner and more transparent than typical rose absolutes; rather than the heavy, intoxicating richness you'd expect, it's delicate and almost green-tinged, with a subtle spicy warmth underneath. There's an airy, powdery quality reminiscent of rose water, yet somehow more refined and slightly peppery, as if someone's dusted the petals with the finest black pepper.