NICOLAI
FIG-TEA INTENSE
2026
PERFUMER
Patricia de Nicolai
Osmanthus
lemon
orange
jasmine
peach
Davana
rosewood
mate
Guaiac Wood
Amber
oakmoss
‘Fig-Tea Intense captures the essence of a summer lunch in the shade of a blooming fig tree. A magical alchemy where the vivacity of a fruity tea meets the richness of a sun-drenched dried fig. A fragrance of solar power and vibrant elegance, for an even more intense sillage.’ – Nicolai
‘Fig Tea is the magical alchemy between osmanthus and the fruity tea note, jasmine & orange, that reveals a sun-drenched dried fig accord, emblematic of a of this truly Mediterranean fragrance. Reinventing Fig Tea, I’m so deeply attached to was no easy thing. I preserved its precious heart, enhancing it with an even juicier burst of zesty lemon and mandarin, along with a touch of rosewood essence at the heart, bringing elegance and strength. It’s the scent of conviviality, of joyful & sparkling moments.’ – Patricia de Nicolai
The original Fig-Tea (2000) is one of the earlier niche fragrances that I ever reviewed (even on my long-lost YouTube channel). This was 6 years ago & frankly, I don’t remember it. Reading my written notes for it, it does seem that I get a similar experience with Fig-Tea Intense, albeit one that feels greener and sharper than I recall.
In particular, I find this one as fizzy, refreshing as I wrote in my review of the original, but I do not find this cozy or overly fruity. Instead, the vibe I get from Fig-Tea Intense is more that of green fig in crisp outdoor air. That said, there is a peachy fruitiness and sweetness, for a nice balance. What it doesn’t have as much as a lot of fig fragrances is that lactonic, smooth quality. Instead, it still has that more crude, raw, edge of the osmanthus and jasmine.
It ends up somewhere between the more nectarine-ish, musky, clean Eris Delta Of Venus and the slightly more cozy and smooth, less floral Essential Parfums Fig Infusion. And honestly, I do prefer both of those over this Fig-Tea Intense middleground.
Definitely a pleasant, uplifting scent though. It would probably be even nicer on a Sunny day, with the sharpness and green tones cutting through the warmth.
