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.

Gourmand

Tonka bean smells like warm vanilla custard swirled with almond cream and a whisper of caramel tobacco. Imagine the sweetness of Madagascar vanilla, but richer and almost spiced—there's a subtle nuttiness underneath, as if someone's stirred in crushed amaretti biscuits and a pinch of cinnamon. It's gourmand without being cloying; the scent wraps around you like cashmere, creamy and comforting rather than sticky-sweet.