Steeped in Scent – exploring the world of black tea in fragrances
Tea has long been cherished for its soothing aroma and comforting qualities, we’ve clocked it wafting our way as an increasingly popular note in perfumery. This trend towards tea-infused fragrances perhaps reflects a growing desire for scents that are both sophisticated and calming, offering a moment of tranquillity in our fast-paced world.
Conversely, paired with peppier citrus notes, we can feel energised and enlivened by tea scents, and the tea trend aligns with another steamily scented note right now: coffee. Read the latest issue of The Scented Letter magazine (appropriately hot off the press!) for a whole feature – Wake Up and Smell the Coffee Scents – dedicated to those olfactive brews. But meanwhile, we’re focusing on what might be said to be the more intricate use of tea in perfumery.
In a fragrance, tea’s almost as refreshing as in a china cup. Notes reminiscent of this favourite beverage – from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis – can be crisply reviving or incredibly floral, depending on the type of tea used and what it’s paired with. Tea notes can also be vegetal, verdant and forest-y, smoked and tarry, imbued with fruitiness or earthy, nutty, spicy and malted. So, you can see why tea is such a favourite ingredient to play with in a composition!
While some perfumers work with natural tea extracts, many opt to recreate the essence of tea through a combination of other ingredients. We especially love the way that tea plays so well with other perfumery notes (indeed, the beverage is enjoyed for its nuanced aromatics), and however they are composed, the result is a diverse array of tea-inspired fragrances, each offering its own unique interpretation of this beloved beverage.
Now, we suggest you grab a cuppa and peruse these perfumes – all evoking black tea notes, but each of them steeped with their own character-filled distinction…
One such fragrance that has captured the essence of tea is Escentric Molecules 01 + Black Tea. This scent takes the cult favourite Molecule 01, known for its single-molecule composition of Iso E Super, and infuses it with the warmth of black tea. The result is a fragrance that unfolds on the skin like a perfectly brewed cup, with subtle hints of smokiness and a comforting depth. As it mingles with the wearer’s natural pheromones, it creates a scent that is both intimate and intriguing, perfect for those who prefer their fragrances to whisper rather than shout.
£125 for 100ml eau de parfum escentric.com
BDK Parfums’ Gris Charnel offers a more complex interpretation of tea. Here, the black tea note is woven into a rich tapestry of cardamom, fig, and iris. The tea provides a grounding element, its slightly tannic quality balancing the sweetness of the fig and the powdery elegance of the iris. As the fragrance develops, it reveals a sensual base of sandalwood and tonka bean, creating an olfactory experience that is at once cosy and sophisticated.
£175 for 100ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com
For those seeking a more invigorating tea experience, Moncler’s La Cordée presents an intriguing option. This fragrance captures the brisk, refreshing quality of tea enjoyed at high altitudes. The black tea note is paired with crisp cypress and zesty bergamot, evoking the sensation of standing atop a mountain, breathing in the cool, pure air. It’s a scent that invigorates the senses and stirs the spirit of adventure.
£175 for 100ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com
Lalique’s Encre Indigo takes a different approach, incorporating black tea into a vibrant, energetic composition. The tea note here is sharp and focused, providing a counterpoint to the fragrance’s citrusy opening of bergamot and pink pepper. As it develops, the tea melds with saffron and juniper, creating a scent that is both refreshing and complex. The overall effect is one of modern sophistication, perfect for the contemporary urbanite.
£75 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.lalique.com
Penhaligon’s Lothair offers perhaps the most literal interpretation of tea in fragrance. Inspired by the tea clipper ships of old, this scent opens with a burst of grapefruit and juniper before revealing a heart of black tea and fig milk. The tea note here is rich and full-bodied, reminiscent of a strong brew enjoyed on a misty morning. As the fragrance settles, it reveals a base of ambergris and woods, evoking the varnished decks of those elegant ships that once traversed the globe in search of exotic wares.
£140 for 100ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com
As we steep ourselves in these tea-infused fragrances, it becomes clear why this note has become so popular in contemporary perfumery. Tea offers a versatility that few other ingredients can match, capable of evoking both comfort and sophistication, energy and relaxation.
Whether you prefer your tea strong and smoky or light and refreshing, there’s a fragrance out there to suit your taste. So why not pour yourself a cup, spritz on your favourite tea-inspired scent, and take a moment to savour the complex and comforting world of tea in perfume…?
Written by Suzy Nightingale