Tea for Two

Created by the incomparable Olivia Giacobetti in 2000 for L’Artisan Parfumeur, Tea for Two quickly garnered a loyal following, and I am proud to count myself among them. On me, it opens bright and fresh, from bergamot that’s linked to a note of bitter, herbal gentian. Together, they create an airy, Alpine-cool, subtly medicinal start to the fragrance, contrasted with a note of sweet, floral, heady orange blossom, derived from the bitter orange tree, which originated in China and India. Green anise seeds follow, herbal-tinged; their sweet, spicy, licoricey aroma adds depth and complexity to Tea for Two. It also brings forward spicy warmth from notes of fresh, succulent ginger and woody, spicy cinnamon, bridging fresh, floral notes to the main event: a curl of smoky tea that sensuously unfurls on my skin. It has a tarriness to it that gives Tea for Two a hint of that same smouldering rubber vibe as Bulgari Black. This is a fall-on-your-knees smokiness that weaves through your psyche, taking you places you can’t get to any other way. Just when you think you’ll unpack your suitcase and stay awhile, the smokiness settles back a little onto a base of sticky honey and creamy vanilla, so that the smokiness never becomes acrid or sharp. Guaiac wood, vanilla’s good friend, is balsamic, smoky, and resinous, with a leathery undertone that finishes the fragrance. Tea for Two dries down to an elegant, sensuous skin scent with a glowing gourmand warmth. The beauty of it lies in the contrast between fresh and warm, and between spicy and smoky that suits both women and men beautifully. This being Olivia Giacobetti, the fragrance has a transparency and lightness, and the ingredients are singular yet harmonious. Notes: Bergamot, gentian, orange blossom, green anise seeds, cinnamon, ginger, smoky tea, honey, vanilla, and guaiac wood. Launched in 2000, by L’Artisan, Tea for Two is a smoky, spicy scent with a sensuality that suits both women and men beautifully. It opens with citrusy bergamot and bitter from gentian, tempered with a light floral note from orange blossom - which puts me in mind of perfumed teas. Green anise seeds add a fresh herbal brightness. As it blooms, a note of smoky tea appears which has a tarriness to it that gives Tea for Two it a hint of that same smouldering rubber vibe as Bulgari Black. The fall-on-your-knees smokiness just curls around your psyche, taking you places you can’t get to any other way. Just when you think you’ll unpack your suitcase and stay awhile, the smokiness settles back a little - just enough to allow it to be warmed by fresh, succulent ginger and spiced with cinnamon, while the anise, which has been hovering in the background, makes a comeback. Rich honey and exotic vanilla at the base sweeten it, giving it a creaminess so that it never becomes acrid or sharp, while gaiac wood, vanilla’s good friend, gives it an irresistible resinous, smokiness. The drydown is surprisingly vibrant, despite its dark, warm rich notes which gives Tea for Two a sensuality that feels cozy and it smells fantastic! This is one excellent brew, and one I would hate to have to do without. Notes: Bergamot, gentian, orange blossom, green anise seeds, cinnamon, ginger, smoky tea, honey, vanilla and gaiac wood Type: EdT Perfumer: Olivia Giacobetti