Tempus Vitae® High Tea (Hez Binkowitz) 2025 + A Trip to the Azores Giveaway

 

Tempus Vitae® High Tea

J’s image of Tempus Vitae® High Tea

Tempus Vitae® High Tea composed by perfumer Hez Binkowitz was born from a shared love of tea and also Tempus Vitae®’s  Creative Director Timothy Hook’s trip to the Azores, on São Miguel Island home to Europe’s oldest and arguably sole tea farm. He gathered a variety of tea samples, aiming to encapsulate their essence in a perfume and shared them with Hez Binkowitz, a self-described tea enthusiast. Hez Binkowitz understands the complexity of teas, each possessing their own aura with subtle and beautifully distinct character.

Hez Binkowitz perfumer

Tempus Vitae® High Tea perfumer Hez Binkowitz

The concept of Tempus Vitae® High Tea was brewed up over countless weeks exchanging stories and contemplating the cultural importance of tea. They explored how tea can elevate moods, its rituals and its significance in the lives of many around the world. They chose to highlight Earl Grey tea, inspired by the tradition of British High Tea. This shared passion and understanding of tea and the experience around it is beautifully captured here in High Tea, you can feel their passion and understanding of the inspiration as its soft aroma lures you into a day dream as you enjoy a cup of Earl Grey.

tea rolling equipment in Azores tea farm

Tempus Vitae® Timothy Hooks from a trip to the Azores tea farm and tea rolling equipment. ©Timothy Hooks

Tempus Vitae® High Tea invites you on a mountain journey, serving up a vibrant cup of Earl Grey tea infused with the rich essence of bergamot with a sweet bitter orange teasing out pink grapefruit facets all wrapped in the comforting feel of black tea. Clary sage accompanied by a soft glow of clove gives a beautiful warmth to this rather fresh feeling perfume. Hez Binkowitz captures Earl Grey tea beautifully here showcasing its subtly dark smokiness along with it’s musky sweetness with a whisper of spice and just a hint of tannins that hint at some slightly boozier facets which are revealed in a fuller way later in the evolution. The citruses soften its more astringent side with bergamot being both fresh and softy woody in a rather elegant way. There’s a beautiful over all airiness that makes it feel like you’re high up in a tea fields or out in nature, with soft florals swirling round like a gentle steam rising from a freshly brewed cup.

 

Azores tea farm

 Azores tea farm ©Timothy Hooks

High Tea has fresh edges that lead you deep into its rich floral and tea heart. There’s a creamy smoothness of sandalwood that conjures milky sensations, while a swirl of honeyed linden weaves its way through the casually complex Earl Grey tea composition. It’s a beautiful smooth linden blossom  feeling like an intoxicating floral is whispering some desires in your ear as you sip on this fresh brew. Some very clever blending here making High Tea feel more than just a tea perfume, there’s a gentle kiss of sweetness from gingerbread that feels like it’s been dunked in the tea, getting it moist before being enjoyed, letting High Tea’s Earl Grey seep into it, keeping it feeling cool as the tonka bean smooths out into soft creamy resins, with just a hint of a dry coumarin feel. Its textures tease with a hint of darkness; while its sweeter side plays more into the flirty fresh allure of the florals. The image of Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe keeps popping into my head, that mix of clothed and nude figures picnicking out in nature, you can feel the cool breeze on the soft sandalwood skin as the delightful linden blossom entices those sitting near enjoying their tea in nature.

Edouard Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe via wiki.

Tobacco gives a subtle darkness to the mix. There’s fruitiness of the bitter orange and bergamot, which evolves into the rich fruits found in burley tobacco, with the teas tannins making you picture rich plump berries and dark juicy grapes. The diaphanous feel is cleverly amplified by a soft woody muskiness, slightly smoky too, keeping that sensation of steam rising from a cup as your enjoy this delicious High Tea out in nature. Iso e super and ambroxan do their cosy magic. Here it gives a soft luxurious feel, while also pushing this elegant soft tea scent out to tempt those around you. That gentle fruity booziness in High Tea plays to this casual elegance, making it feel ethereal, a magic moment that’s stretched out in time. There’s no Mad Hatter to scream “All Change!” High Tea is a much more refined and contemplative perfume, a scent to sit and consider.  Its light airy feel has amazing depth as the tealeaves unfurl throughout the wear to the final dry down. A tea lovers dream.

Notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Gingerbread, Black Tea, Honey, Milk, Linden Blossom, Violet, Clove, Green Cognac, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Cedar, Leather, Vetiver, Labdanum, Benzoin, Bois D’Encens, Cashmeran, Ambergris, Iso E Super, Ambroxan, White Musk.

Disclosure: Tempus Vitae® High Tea was sent to J for review, thoughts and nose are his own.

J Wearescentient, Senior Editor, artist & olfactive writer.

High Tea Tempus Vitae®

Tempus Vitae® High Tea courtesy of the brand.

Thanks to the generosity of Tempus Vitae® Parfums, we have a 50 ml bottle of Hight Tea for one registered reader in the U.S. only and a 15 ml for one registered reader reader worldwide.

To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what strikes you about Tempus Vitae® High Tea  from J’s review and confirm where you live. Draw closes 4/1/2025

Hez Binkowitz’s Profile in American Perfumery here

Please watch Steven’s review of Café du Jour here and read Rachel’s review of Tempus Vitae®  Elixir de Vie here, Lauryn’s review of Tempus Vitae®  Carpe Diem here Ida Meister’s review of Tempus Vitae®  Fête d’Ambre here (which also won a Best of Scent 2022)

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial  @tempusvitaeparfums @hezparfums @wearescentient

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49 comments

  • roxhas1cat says:

    This sounds amazing!! I’m packing for Miami now and I have some tea in my bag (and one tea fragrance). I don’t want to take a chance on not finding good tea. That tea farm must be a fabulous place to visit. That milky sandalwood note gets my attention. I’d love to win this tea lovers dream. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • This sounds like the the ultimate tea experience. Drinking tea English style with a biscuit, and sitting sipping and lingering over a lovely cup. I live in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • I never really realized just how much I like a beautiful tea scent but as I read the review it occurred to me I am very drawn to tea’s subtle beauty. In maryland.

  • LeonardFlores says:

    What a fascinating review! Tempus Vitae High Tea sounds absolutely lovely, the concept of blending high tea with the passage of time is really intriguing. The notes described sound so inviting. And wow, a giveaway for a trip to the Azores is incredibly generous! Thank you Cafleurebon and Hez Binkowitz for the chance.
    From Philippines

  • Ramses Perez says:

    A great yea fragrance during the spring is always a welcomed gift. I really appreciate when perfumers and creative directors go the extra mile and actually immerse themselves on the research/investigation of the fragrance they’re creating. High Tea draws inspiration from the Azores tea farm (a place unknown to me until now) but that specializes in the best tea you can get. It’s airy but comforting like a good tea is and leaves the wearer wanting to wear it over and over. Tea lovers stand up and represent. I’m located in the US.

  • This review is simply exquisite! You’ve painted such a vivid picture of Tempus Vitae High Tea, capturing not just the individual notes but the overall feeling and experience of wearing it. I’m especially drawn to your description of the interplay between the initial brightness and the deeper, more comforting base notes – that sounds like a truly sophisticated and captivating fragrance. The way you articulated its elegance and evolution is remarkable. Of course, the opportunity to win a bottle (or even a trip to the Azores!) is incredibly exciting, but I truly appreciate you bringing this perfume to my attention with such detail and passion. Thank you for such an insightful and inspiring review. From the Philippines, and this has definitely made it onto my “must try” list!

  • tereortega says:

    I truly enjoyed reading your review of Tempus Vitae High Tea. You have a wonderful way of describing fragrance, and I particularly appreciated your insights into how the scent evolves over time. The contrast between the bright opening and the comforting base notes sounds absolutely beautiful. It’s clear you have a deep appreciation for perfume, and your passion is contagious! Thank you for sharing your experience so thoughtfully.and hoping to experience this fragrance someday! From the Philippines,

  • Kensolfactoryodyssey says:

    That review really captures the elegance and complexity of Tempus Vitae® High Tea—it sounds like a beautifully layered tea fragrance with a refined yet cozy feel. The way it intertwines Earl Grey’s smoky-musky sweetness with citrus, florals, and warm gourmand touches (gingerbread, honeyed linden, milky sandalwood) makes it seem like more than just a tea scent—it’s a whole mood, a moment stretched in time.

    The mention of Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe adds such an evocative visual, blending the perfume’s diaphanous, airy elegance with a sensual, slightly untamed natural beauty. That balance of fresh and deep, playful and contemplative is fascinating. Also, the hint of green cognac, tobacco, and woods adding a shadowy contrast? That’s a whole vibe.

    I’m in the USA

  • As a tea fragrance lover, this sounds like an amazing scent journey!! I love how it starts with a soft and creamy black tea and milk opening and settles into this deep boozy base. It sounds like this scent will take me back to every great high tea I’ve attended! I would love to get my nose on this! From USA.

  • The journey the description of the perfume takes me on is so surreal. I envision a walk up a mountain, not too steep, surrounded by greenery and at the top I enjoy my favorite cup of tea, Earl Grey of course! Tempus Vitae High Tea would be a great addition to my collection. I am in the USA.

  • Berkeley S says:

    I love the smell of Earl Grey, and incorporating its notes into a perfume is a great idea. The balance of freshness, spice, and soft florals makes it sound unique yet wearable. I’d love the chance to try it.

    I live in the US

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    I do adore and appreciate tea perfumes of all types and this one by Hez is one I need to discover. As a fan of his, I’d like to think that I can imagine what this smells like, however I would probably be surprised. I love how J describes poetically this fragrance and the earl gray nature of it, pointing out every facet of notes and accords. My fingers and toes are crossed for this particular giveaway. I live in Oregon.

  • Megan Dixon says:

    This sounds divine, tea is my favorite note in perfume. Adding gingerbread as a note, how exciting! I find most tea fragrances to be refreshing and relaxing, I would love to get my nose on this one. My favorite currently is HOC 5:00pm. I’m located in the USA.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    Lovely review J!I can imagine this fragrance creating an intimate aura, evolving subtly throughout the day like the quiet ritual of steeping tea. This particular Black Tea scent sounds warm and inviting, light, soft and seductive. I am curious about the citrus notes mingling with the black tea notes.
    Thanks for another wonderful review and draw.
    I am from EU

  • Tempus Vitae’s High Tea and Hez Binkowitz’s fragrance sound like a dream! The idea of capturing ‘the smell of time’ is truly captivating. The blend of tea and spices, combined with the promise of a sensory high tea experience, is enticing. And the Azores giveaway? What a fantastic contrast, from intimate scents to vast, natural beauty. This article is a lovely reminder to appreciate life’s fleeting moments. Thank you for sharing! From PH

  • olgAPOISON says:

    I am curently obsessed with tea note, it is my favourite right now. I am looking for that perfect tea, i love the name of the scent it gives expensive afternoon tea. In love that it has a milk note, that is the best combo. I am soo invested in trying this, i am from croatia eu.

  • The last line, “a tea lover’s dream”, before the note listing sealed the deal for me. US

  • Sarah Wright says:

    My mom would often take me shopping for loose leaf teas as a child and this fragrance sounds like it would smell just like those memories! Obsessed. Thanks for the chance to win, I’m from the USA!

  • Not sure that my original comment posted—I used to go tea shopping with my mom all the time when I was young and she taught me everything I know about teas. This fragrance would spark those memories!! I’m from the US.

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    I love tea fragrances especially during the spring time, it puts me into a calm meditative state allowing me to concentrate . I am from PA,USA

  • Tobacco and Earl grey slightly smoky sounds divine. I love tea. I especially love smoky tea. I always have lapsang souchong on hand so I’m very interested in this fragrance. This is the second giveaway I’ve entered for this fragrance so hopefully I win one of them! I’m in the USA.

  • I don’t think I’ve ever smelled a tea forward fragrance, but this sounds lovely. I adore cloves, sandalwood, bergamot, cedar, leather …. this sounds like a fragrance I would love! Kentucky USA

  • I absolutely love tea fragrances. I’m from SC. I would love to be the winner of this fragrance. Thank you

  • Max Corvinus says:

    As a massive tea drinker, I’d definitely want to try this. Black tea is my favourite and Earl Grey is the cosiest one of them all – there’s such elegance to it. Sadly, I have not had the chance to get into many black tea fragrances, so High tea would be a welcome addition to my Oriental-forrward collection.

    I live in Croatia (EU).

  • MatthewKeilwitz says:

    The Azores are a place of both vibrancy and brooding calm, often at once. The ever-changing landscape and weather call for a certain adaptability, much like this scent’s described profile. I can’t say which season would suit it best, but certainly I’m eager to find out and see how it unfolds! FL, USA.

  • Love early Grey tea and eager to try this scent. I like that the scent is trying to capture the essence of Britsh High teas and the notes list sounds unique. I like that steven mentions the perfume unfurling as it implies a development of the notes versus a single unchanging composition. I live in the US

  • Wow! I love how the reviewer described each note and how the fragrance reflects the cultural significance of tea beyond just the scent. This fragrance sounds both complex/multi-layered as well as cozy and delicious. I would love to try it! I live in the USA.

  • Jen7maples says:

    High Tea sounds so much more complex than a straight Earl Grey interpretation. I love tea and am very picky about what I drink, especially Earl Grey. This fragrance sounds like a lot of thought and intention went into it. Great review, I could practically smell it 🙂 I live in the USA.

  • Earl Grey tea in a bottle, with orange, sandalwood and one of the loveliest, most underrated floral notes, linden!
    Sounds refreshing, romantic and a total uplifter!
    From EU.

  • High Tea is inspired by Earl Grey tea, which gives it a light and airy character. This connection to a classic, elegant beverage suggests a fragrance that evokes sophistication and refinement and I would surely enjoy that! I live in Poland, EU.

  • I was in the Azores two years ago and had no idea about the tea farm. What a fascinating bit of information! Earl Gray lends itself to fragrance. The Calabrian bergamot is such a distinctive scent. The addition of the black tea, honey and milk makes for a delicious cup. The earthiness of the tobacco and woods plus the silkinessmof the musks elevates the Earl Gray scent to high tea status. MD, USA.

  • MariaForest says:

    I live in Austin Texas USA.
    This review of the fragrance was wonderful! Wow! So many great parts and the in depth description of all the notes made me feel like I could already smell it. One of my favorite parts was “Some very clever blending here making High Tea feel more than just a tea perfume, there’s a gentle kiss of sweetness from gingerbread that feels like it’s been dunked in the tea, getting it moist before being enjoyed, letting High Tea’s Earl Grey seep into it”
    I could just feel that!
    Also loved the mention of Manet’s painting. Paints a great picture of the scents in this fragrance.

  • Earl Grey tea is incredibly comforting. This tea perfume sounds like it has great contrast between the citrus top notes and the deep base notes. It sounds very cozy.

    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • seadancedream@gmail.com says:

    The scent profile appeals to me more and more as I learn more about High Tea, this new scent by Temus Vitae. Besides the fresh idea for a spring scent, I love the sleek design and packaging. The scent itself sounds like everything I love in a perfume. Clove, Violet, Sandlewoood, tobacco and coffee, among many more.
    It sounds like a beautiful product crafted with care and confidence. I love that for us.

  • Here I am, the biggest tea fragrance fiend in history!! Well maybe the second biggest! I would absolutely love to have this fragrance! Someone who isn’t just looking for “clean/office” or “soapy/you but better” but a real deal complex nuanced multi-faceted tea leaf tea fragrance!! Green Cognac? Clove and Violet? Gingerbread and Linden Flower? Bring it on!!! I am located in the USA.

  • I generally love tea scents for their minimalistic elegance and the sense of comfort I get when I wear them. Having said that this sounds like something entirely different. So many notes that I generally associate with richness intrigue me to try this.
    EU reader.

  • Tea scents are just so comforting. I love the description of this perfume and would love to experience it. As a new perfume collector, I love to find scents that leave an impression and share that with my audience. I am in the US

  • That sounds lovely! I’m a big fan of tea scents (Serge Lutens’s Five O’clock au Gingembre is a regular part of my rotation) and I love drinking Earl Grey tea. But it’s J’s description of the complexity of this one that really drew me in. I’d love to win a bottle. I live in Oklahoma, USA.

  • I truly appreciate the detailed review of Tempus Vitae, High Tea by Hez Binkowitz. The description of the notes and the inspiration behind this creation captivated me and made me eager to experience this fragrance myself. I’m excited to enter this generous giveaway and hope to discover the beauty of the perfume and maybe even visit the Azores. I am from Romania, Europe.

  • What an incredible giveaway- and introduction Tempus Vitae High Tea – color me officially intrigued! I am enamored with earthy scents- and this is a perfect combination of all of my favorites- especially Tobacco, Sandalwood & Cedar! When I imagine this intoxicating concoction I tremble with the beauty and exhilaration of the delicious serendipity life holds for each of us. Scents like this are associated with the most ethereal moments of our lives. Sending gratitude for the opportunity from North Carolina, United States.

  • As someone who adores tea-inspired fragrances, this sounds like an incredible olfactory experience! The idea of it opening with a smooth, milky black tea note and then evolving into a rich, boozy base is just captivating. I can already imagine it evoking memories of elegant afternoon teas and cozy moments with a warm cup in hand. I’d be so excited to smell this one in person! Thank you Tempus Vitae®!
    From EU.

  • the bergamot tobacco tea honey milk combo fascinates me even if I don’t win ill buy a sample

  • scenternet says:

    J Wearescentient’s review of Tempus Vitae® High Tea paints a vivid picture of a fragrance that goes beyond a simple tea scent, capturing the mood, ritual, and elegance of Earl Grey. Inspired by a trip to the Azores and the traditions of British High Tea, perfumer Hez Binkowitz blends fresh bergamot, bitter orange, and gingerbread with the rich depth of black tea, tobacco, and creamy sandalwood. The result is a scent that feels both airy and deep, refined yet slightly boozy, evolving beautifully over time with hints of spice, musk, and soft woods.

    What makes High Tea especially intriguing is its ability to balance contrasts—fresh yet warm, smoky yet silky, comforting yet luxurious. It evokes the sensation of steam rising from a freshly brewed cup, carrying the elegance of a leisurely outdoor tea gathering. This is more than just a tea perfume; it’s a contemplative and immersive olfactory experience that tea lovers and fragrance enthusiasts alike may find irresistible.

    Pennsylvania-U.S.

  • Jenna Park says:

    Ibam excited for this new fragrance. This sounds so elegant and complex. The “having tea in nature” with a breezes and getting light sweetness and hints of florals paints a magical picture and makes this fragrance sound incredibly appealing. Thank you for all your reviews. I’m from Pennsylvania USA

  • What strikes me most about Vitae High Tea is how it captures the elegance and warmth of Earl Grey tea. The blend of smoky black tea, bright citrus, and soft honeyed florals sounds both comforting and refined. It seems like a beautifully crafted fragrance. I would love the chance to try it. I live in the USA.

  • What a beautiful photo of the Azores tea farm; I’ve gotten quite interested in visiting there over the last few years. While I’ve tried several different tea fragrances, I have yet to try any with an Earl Grey note. I usually drink herbal tea, but the Earl Gray flavor of Van Leeuwens ice cream is one of my favorites. USA