Écume de Thé / Thé (1997)
by Comptoir Sud Pacifique

Écume de Thé is probably the best tea scent I’ve smelt so far (with the exception of Tea for Two, of course). Although the initial sharp citrusy blast was concerning, it soon developed into a lovely smokey tea scent with subtle floral and spicy notes making it all the more compelling.

Unlike most tea scents, this one has plenty of body and sillage (unlike those by Bulgari), and doesn’t smell synthetic and unbecoming (like Yang). The composition also smells very refined and smooth – something many tea fragrances, in my experience, sorely lack. However, tea scents aren’t really my cup of tea [sorry!] but, even if they were, I’d prefer to try the discontinued EDP version before making an investment (if that's at all possible).

Regardless of my personal tastes, this still deserves an unreserved thumbs up.

[Original submission date: 10 December 2008]

I have the edt version of "Ecume de The," received mid-winter, and I can tell you that this is one tea scent I would be happy to wear come spring and into the summer. It is refined, not too sweet, and I don't detect any smokiness at all--did the edp have a smokiness to it? Regardless, I am happy to have this REAL tea in my collection. : )

A restrained fresh citrus opening of the EDT foretells the delicacy of this tea fragrance. The opening is replaced by an accord of gentle florals and a rich tea note. There is not much variety or variance in the tea note and it is not an exotic tea note but it gives me a comfortable feeling that I wouldn’t get with a more edgy accord. The smoke is quite minimized in the EDT and the whole feeling of the fragrance is one of ease rather than of energy or mystery. I like it very much. The long lasting light wood base fits seamlessly into the smooth progression of the scent. I would say that the tea accord in Écume de Thé is stronger than the tea accords in the Bvlgari au Té scents but it is no less refined. Écume de Thé is mercifully more discreet than something like CDG’s Tea. This is a lovely long lasting fragrance.

Originally called Thé, the formula has changed since it was only available as an EDP. When it first came out, it was dark and smokey. The EDT is much lighter, with a bright, long lasting white musk and a fresh orange pekoe tea note, together with some darker mate that does lend a touch of smokiness, but not nearly to the degree of the EDP. I must say that I still love it, as it is unlike anything else I've smelled, and CSP quality is always first rate.

Here are its notes from the official site
Top note: bergamot, lemon leaf
Heart note: hibiscus, lotus, orange pekoe tea
Base note: mate, tea wood

Unusual interpretation of tea - like a cool earl grey, smokey, rich and at times tangy. Longlasting and great sillage. Another winner from one of my favorite houses.