Imperial Tea (2024)

This fragrance is built around a photorealistic jasmine green tea accord. It features top notes of bergamot and seaweed that lead into a heart of mate absolute and jasmine sambac, creating a dry, earthy, and airy scent that avoids the common sweetness found in many modern aromatic perfumes.

The opening is bright and slightly salty due to the bergamot and seaweed notes. As it dries down, the seaweed fades and the scent shifts into a powdery, dusty green tea residue on the skin, grounded by vetiver and moss that provide a quiet, sophisticated finish after a few hours.

Longevity is moderate at best. Most users experience it for about four to five hours on skin. It is not a fragrance that lasts all day, so you should expect to reapply it if you want the fresh green tea aroma to persist throughout your workday or evening.

The projection is quite intimate and stays close to the body. It does not fill a room or project strongly beyond arm's length. This makes it an ideal choice for professional environments or close-quarters settings where you want to smell clean and elegant without overpowering those around you.

It excels in warm weather, particularly during the spring and summer. The combination of green tea and light floral notes feels refreshing in the heat, while the dry, musky base remains comfortable during high-temperature days. It may feel too thin or sharp in cold winter weather.

If you enjoy clean, tea-based scents that are unobtrusive, this can serve as an excellent signature. It is professional, calming, and versatile. However, because its longevity is limited, you must be comfortable with the need to carry a decant or travel spray to maintain the scent throughout the day.

Compared to many designer tea scents, Imperial Tea feels more focused on the natural, dry quality of tea leaves. It lacks the fruit or vanilla additives found in cheaper alternatives, which can make it feel more authentic but perhaps less exciting or long-lasting than mass-market options.

It is a safe gift for someone who appreciates high-quality, understated aromas. Because it is a unisex, jasmine-forward green tea scent, it avoids being overly feminine or masculine. However, ensure the recipient likes tea-centric profiles, as the seaweed note can sometimes surprise those expecting a traditional, sweet floral.

Blind buying is risky due to the price and the specific green, aromatic profile. The seaweed note can be polarizing for some, and the performance may not meet expectations given the cost. Sampling first is highly recommended to see how the jasmine and moss notes interact with your skin chemistry.

Yes, it works well for layering. It can add a fresh, green, and tea-like dimension to softer citrus or woody fragrances. Because it is relatively linear and lacks heavy base notes like vanilla or intense amber, it will not significantly distort the character of a companion scent.