Oolong Tea is a tea note inspired by partially oxidised Camellia sinensis leaves from China and Taiwan. Usually built as an accord, it belongs to the aromatic family with floral and fruity facets and smells creamy, orchid-like and gently roasted, sitting between the freshness of green tea and the depth of black tea.

What does Oolong Tea smell like?

Oolong is the most varied tea style because its oxidation can range from light to heavy. Lightly oxidised oolongs such as Taiwanese high-mountain tea smell floral and buttery, sometimes described as orchid, lilac or milk. Darker, roasted oolongs such as Da Hong Pao are toasty, nutty and caramel-like with a hint of stone fruit. In perfume, oolong notes usually combine a soft floral lift with a gentle roast and a milky smoothness. Compared with black tea, oolong is lighter and more floral; compared with green tea, it is creamier and less grassy.

How perfumers create Oolong Tea

Oolong accords typically start with a base tea structure and add floral materials such as linalool, Hedione and lactones for milkiness, fruity notes such as peach or osmanthus, and roasted or nutty materials for depth. Real tea extracts may be used for authenticity.

• Also known as: Wulong, Blue tea
• Fragrance family: Aromatic, Floral
• Type: Natural and synthetic (usually an accord)
• How it's obtained: Blended as an accord; tea extracts may be added
• Key aroma molecules: Linalool, geraniol, nerolidol, jasmine lactone

Oolong Tea in perfume history

Oolong tea developed in Fujian province, China, and later became an important speciality of Taiwan. As a named perfume note it is fairly recent, appearing mostly from the 2000s onwards as perfumers sought more specific and nuanced tea profiles.

Oolong Tea in modern perfumery

Oolong is popular in niche and indie perfumery, where it is used to add a sophisticated, understated floral-tea effect. It fits well in minimalist and skin-scent styles and in fragrances inspired by East Asian tea ceremonies. Atelier Cologne's Oolang Infini is a frequently cited example.

How Oolong Tea wears and what it pairs with

Oolong typically sits in the heart and fades into soft musks and woods. Classic pairings include bergamot, osmanthus, peach, jasmine, fig, leather, sandalwood and white musk.