Patchouli: The Material That Changes Everything | Scent Panel Ep. 1 with Ane Walsh
PATCHOULI: The Material That Changes Everything | Scent Panel Ep. 1
In the first episode of our new Scent Panel series, Ruth Ruane and Ane Walsh dive deeply into one of perfumery’s most misunderstood and transformative materials, PATCHOULI.
But this isn’t simply a discussion about “patchouli” as one thing.
This conversation explores:
• Different species and origins of patchouli
• Aged vs fresh patchouli
• Indonesian, Haitian, Brazilian and copper-distilled patchoulis
• Why some patchoulis smell earthy, bloody, smoky, papery or even like diesel
• The relationship between patchouli and rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, vanilla, vetiver and oakmoss
• Why patchouli behaves differently at different dilutions
• Patchouli tinctures, soap making, cooking, storage and ageing
• The hidden role patchouli plays in transforming floral perfumes
Along the way, Ane shares her experience growing and distilling patchouli in Brazil, while Ruth explores the emotional and artistic side of sourcing materials for natural perfumery.
This episode also includes updates from the Natural Perfume Academy community, including:
• New NPA Certified Perfumers in Seoul, South Korea and Hong Kong
• The Scented Letters Project
• Ane Walsh’s Portuguese readings and workshops
• Juliana’s upcoming artisan e-commerce course
• The upcoming olfactory tincture training kit project
This is a slow, thoughtful conversation between perfumers about materials, memory, artistry, sourcing, ageing, and why no two patchoulis, or noses, are ever truly the same.
LINKS & PROJECTS MENTIONED
“Notas da Perfumista” by Ane Walsh
Sunday Readings / Portuguese Reading Archive
Advanced Perfumery Workshops – Portuguese Pilot Offer
(Available until 21 June)
Juliana’s “Build Your Artisan Business Online” Course
NPA Certified Perfumers Directory
Sophia Chung Seoul, South Korea Certified Perfumer
King Hei Wong Hong Kong Certified Perfumer
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more Scent Panels exploring individual raw materials, leave a comment and let us know what material we should discuss next.
Possible future episodes:
Vetiver • Rose • Oakmoss • Jasmine • Lavender • Ambergris • Tuberose • Cinnamon • Resins • Tinctures
#NaturalPerfumery #Patchouli #BotanicalPerfumery #PerfumePodcast #NaturalPerfumeAcademy #EssentialOils #ArtisanPerfumery #PatchouliOil #PerfumeMaterials #ScentPanel