Last time I went to Bergdorf’s they gave me a sample of Chai. It’s part of a trio of three fragrances based on Asian plants and designed for an Asian market. Its sisters are Blossom and Jeunesse.
Chai opens with a sharp green bergamot and orange blossom accord that’s both distinctive and lovely. It does smell like chai, in particular a green chai tea served by a place called The Lost Dog in Shepherdstown, WV.
On skin, the white tea notes come in shortly after. At that point it also lets in a disappointing milky note, which is a literal interpretation of chai but less artful than if they’d just let the spices talk. then it gets soapy and fades out.
The effect is much better on fabric. The beautiful top note lasts longer and mixes more naturally with the tea leaves. The orange blossom half of the bergamot/blossom pairing stands out more. The spices mix into the soapy accord and the whole thing lasts a lot longer. It’s pretty, but I’d prefer something more striking.
Perfumer: Aurelien Guichard
Price Range: Expensive
Recommended Occasion: Casual
Release Year: 2012
My Rating: 6.2
Picture and background info from Fragrantica.