Nicolaï ‘s Fig Tea eau de toilette, launched in 2007, has recently been given a sibling: Fig Tea Intense is the deeper, more present interpretation of the light and airy original. Reason enough for me to take a look at the two creations side by side and compare them. And since fig is one of my favorite fragrances in spring and summer anyway, this is doubly fitting.
Fig Tea by Nicolaï – Eau de Toilette
This may be due to the fact that the Fig Tea eau de toilette was first launched almost twenty years ago, or it may be because the perfumer and brand founder Patricia de Nicolaï deliberately wanted to keep the background to the creation to herself – in any case, there is very little information about the fragrance. The Nicolaï website states: “Fig-Tea is reminiscent of a sunny afternoon under a fig tree, where the softness of ripe fruit is combined with the delicacy of jasmine and the subtle depth of tea.”
For me, fig is one of the most exciting fragrances of all. Unlike many fruits, it doesn’t just smell sweet, but combines several facets: green and milky, slightly creamy, with a subtle, almost coconut-like softness. There is also often a delicate woodiness reminiscent of the tree and its leaves. It is precisely this complexity that makes the fig so exciting and all the more interesting is how it has been interpreted in Fig Tea.
Top notes: dried fig, osmanthus, davana
Heart notes: coriander, jasmine, mate
Base notes: guaiac wood, ambergris
What does Fig Tea by Nicolaï smell like?
Fig Tea Eau de Toilette opens with summery, light and fresh facets. The fruity, velvety floral notes of osmanthus meet tangy, almost citrusy and greenish-herbal nuances. The fig initially remains in the background and is only subtly perceptible. Its milky and green facets have a very reduced effect and bring a subtle, restrained sweetness to the composition – possibly also because dried rather than fresh figs can be heard here. Mate provides gentle, flowing accents with greenish moments, while guaiac wood contributes delicate floral and slightly powdery nuances.
Fig Tea by Nicolaï in the eau de toilette version is a wonderfully light, carefree and unagitated mix of citrusy-fruity, greenish-herbal and subtly tea-like notes. The fig remains rather subliminal, which is why I would not describe the creation as a classic fig fragrance. A perfect companion for the warm season – elegant, refreshing and with a pleasant Mediterranean flair.
Fig Tea Intense – Eau de Parfum Intense
After around twenty years, Patricia de Nicolaï seems to have felt the need for further development, at least as far as her Fig Tea creation is concerned. With Fig Tea Intense, the perfumer presents a new interpretation of her classic that promises “more depth, structure and presence. While the Eau de Toilette captures the light, airy freshness of a walk through Mediterranean landscapes, the Intense version is warmer, rounder and more expressive.”
Top notes: osmanthus, lemon, mandarin
Heart notes: jasmine, peach, davana, rosewood
Base notes: mate, guaiac wood, ambroxan, oakmoss
What does Fig Tea Intense by Nicolaï smell like?
Right from the start, Fig Tea Intense lives up to its name: more intense, more powerful and more present than the eau de toilette. The citrus notes are more offensive and tart, with clearly perceptible peel accents, while other facets gradually unfold. Osmanthus provides velvety, fruity nuances, which are picked up and further enhanced by peach. Sweet, herbaceous davana and mate bring greenish notes to the composition, which becomes darker, creamier and woodier as it progresses. The citrusy tartness always remains present and ensures a harmonious, slightly bitter-fresh finish.
Where is the fig? A glance at the fragrance notes reveals that the delicious little fruit no longer plays a role in the Intense version. Whether this is due to conceptual reasons or a deliberate reorientation of the composition remains to be seen. The fact is: the fig only exists in the name. And what remains? Tart citrus peel meets greenish-herbal notes, which are supported by a woody, powdery and creamy finish. A fragrance that is perfect for summer and can be worn on almost any occasion. The presence is in the medium range, the durability is very good. An uncomplicated all-rounder for anyone who prefers citrusy-fresh and fruity-tart compositions.
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