Patchouli Absolu

Patchouli Absolu, inspired by Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu (2014)

Patchouli is the point here, and it smells like the leaf itself, damp and earthy, with moss clinging to it. Bay leaf and rosemary add an herbal, kitchen-garden note at the start. As it develops, leather and a charred, spicy dryness come forward, carried by cypriol and guaiac wood, both smoky woods. The base is sweeter, built on amber and tonka, but never loses its edge.

About the original

Private Blend added Patchouli Absolu in 2014; 'Absolu' is part of the name rather than a concentration, and the original was an eau de parfum. It is separate from the older Private Blend Purple Patchouli. No official note list has surfaced, and perfume lovers have reported differences between the 2014 bottles and later batches. Owners reported around 2020 to 2022 that Estée Lauder, Tom Ford's parent company, had discontinued it, and it no longer appears on Tom Ford's sites.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Tom Ford stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Dense and earthy from start to finish, it has none of the fresh citrus that lightens many patchouli scents. Lovers of dark, resinous woods will feel at home, while the moss and leather may seem severe after sweeter, modern patchouli blends.

Related scents

• Tom Ford White Patchouli
• Tom Ford Oud Fleur

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Notes: Bay Leaf, Rosemary, Patchouli, Moss, Cypriol, Guaiac Wood, Cashmere Wood, Leather, Amber, Musk, Tonka Bean

Bay leaf and rosemary open with an aromatic, herbal snap alongside the patchouli.

The heart is patchouli and moss, slightly damp, as cypriol and guaiac wood bring in smoke and leather adds a darker grain.

Amber, tonka bean and musk sweeten the base over cashmere wood, though the patchouli never fades into the background.

Is Patchouli Absolu discontinued?

Tom Ford no longer lists it in the US or UK, and owners reported around 2020 to 2022 that it had been withdrawn. We have not found an official statement.

Is it the same as Purple Patchouli or White Patchouli?

No. Purple Patchouli is an older Private Blend, and White Patchouli (2008) is a rose and white-flower women's scent from the main line. We also make White Patchouli.

Is 'Absolu' the concentration?

No, it is part of the name. The original Patchouli Absolu was an eau de parfum.

Is Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu coming back?

So far, we have found no announcement from Tom Ford that it will return. Our version is an eau de parfum in 50 ml or 100 ml.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Tom Ford and Patchouli Absolu are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Tom Ford in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.