Chypre
Brocard (1889)

There is a thread about this one here on basenotes, in which it's described as "brutal" & "merciless", so l approached this sample with caution.

ln fact l found it a surprisingly smooth & creamy chypre, with only a slightly retro/vintage feel. l got sandalwood with a tinge of vanilla & a vaguely green aspect, but none of the listed bergamot or patchouli. Projection was minimal, fading to almost nothing one hour in, but just hanging on after five hours. l thought perhaps the top notes had faded, or dabbing produced a different experience from spraying, or the cold weather prevented it from really blooming, but apparently this is a modern version, seemingly de-fanged & de-clawed for a modern audience. Much to my relief, l think, as this was actually quite pleasant.