Arquiste Indigo Smoke was released in 2022, created by Calice Becker, inspired by smoking of tea leaves in ancient China. A unisex woody tea with notes of vetiver, Lapsang Souchong tea, bergamot, mandarin orange, apricot, guaiac wood, cassia bourbon, carrot seeds, cedar leaves, pine tar, mate and incense. It is an eau de parfum, edp. Description from the brand - "Indigo Smoke is an aromatic landscape of narrow serpentine rivers, blue mountains and incense-filled temples condensed into a complex formula of black tea, woody notes and incense. Rich, sophisticated and long-lasting."
We have all become big fans of this perfume, it deserves a lot of love. If you are fond of tea scents, this is a must.
History - "For centuries, diligent monks in the Wuyi Mountains have grown tea and indigo plants in neatly terraced plantations. In 1646, their monasteries were attacked by Qing soldiers from the north. As the monks were forced to flee, they smoked batches of tea leaves over pinewood fire to preserve their crops. This would become the smoky lapsang souchong tea. Mixing with the fresh mountain air and the incense from nearby shrines, the intoxicating plumes of indigo smoke captured the colors of the Wuyi Mountains and their dramatic river narrows."
Arquiste Indigo Smoke Reviews
Fragrantica - "Tea lovers you should keep an eye and nose on this one. For me this has the tea note that makes Gucci Pour Homme 2 so good, but stronger and longer lasting. It's darker than the Gucci and aside from the black tea note there is kind of dark fruity violet style note at the side (probably the apricot mixing with the other notes), so indigo smoke is a good name to match the scent. As it dries it gets a creamy slightly iris tone from the gaiac and carrot seed and slightly hay/grassy from the mate I would think, which veers away from the Gucci style which is more citrus based and fresh."
Fragrantica - "Indigo smoke opens with a noticeable pine tar/smoke accord - which sounds extremely heavy, but it’s not. The pine tar and smoke settle very quickly and give way to a citrus/vetiver - almost in the realm of Narciso Rodriguez bleu noir - however, because the pine tar/smoke is still detectable, it very much stays in its own lane. To me, this scent represents what niche perfumery is all about. It’s more of an experience for the wearer. I think this is more masculine than feminine. It’s quite a calming and meditative scent. Love it."
Fragrantica - "t's a tad smoky and fruity at opening, light-handed though. But the drydown outshines many fragrances that I own and have enjoyed throughout time. Quickly, that wispy smoke intro is tinged with a fruity suede that leads to a powdery, salty butterscotch that never overpowers. I'm reminded somewhat of a distant cousin of Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau and Costume National Homme Parfum with its slightly sour, yet biscuity aromatic notes at end. Like Bottega Veneta Homme too with its coniferous notes, but slightly less so, yet quite dewy. All in a much softer register yet long lasting on my skin. I also get a baby powder odour in the backdrop that soothes and comforts.
Highly addictive, unobtrusive in its scent profile yet distinct. Arquiste has done outstanding work here with Ms. Becker. A huge love and a big yes!"
