The Story
Why it exists.
Afternoon Tea was conceived by perfumer Eglija Vaitkevice to capture the ritual of a classic English tea service in scent form. Launched in 2024, the fragrance draws on Darjeeling leaf extracts for its mate note, pairing them with bright pomelo, bergamot and lemon to echo the first sip. Magnolia and a bouquet of flowers frame the opening, while the heart leans on champaca and jasmine tea, mirroring the delicate pastries that accompany a proper afternoon repast.
If this were a song
Community picks
Tea for Two
Doris Day
The Beginning
Afternoon Tea was conceived by perfumer Eglija Vaitkevice to capture the ritual of a classic English tea service in scent form. Launched in 2024, the fragrance draws on Darjeeling leaf extracts for its mate note, pairing them with bright pomelo, bergamot and lemon to echo the first sip. Magnolia and a bouquet of flowers frame the opening, while the heart leans on champaca and jasmine tea, mirroring the delicate pastries that accompany a proper afternoon repast.
The composition’s contrast, sharp citrus against green mate, creates a lively tension that feels like sunlight dancing on a porcelain cup. By grounding the bright top with creamy milk and vanilla at the base, Vaitkevice ensures the scent doesn’t evaporate like steam but settles into a comforting veil of vetiver and musk, evoking the lingering conversation after the last bite of scone.
The Evolution
The opening erupts with pomelo, bergamot and lemon, a flash of citrus that instantly awakens the senses, while magnolia adds a soft floral veil. Within minutes the herbaceous mate emerges, giving the bright start a slightly bitter, tea‑leaf edge that many describe as a green, almost aromatic snap. The heart follows, where champaca blossoms and jasmine tea swirl together, sweetened by a whisper of milk cream that feels like a freshly poured latte. As the fragrance settles, the base reveals a warm, creamy vanilla that softens the lingering vetiver’s earthy bite, while musk adds a subtle animalic glow. The drydown lingers for four to six hours on most skin, leaving a gentle, comforting trail that feels like the quiet hum of a tea room after the last cup has been cleared.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2024 debut, Afternoon Tea has become a talking point among collectors who appreciate a scent that translates a British tea ceremony into perfume. It’s often mentioned alongside other tea‑inspired releases, praised for its clear structure and the way the mate note adds an unexpected green punch. Wearers note its suitability for both casual brunches and refined evenings, cementing its place as a versatile modern classic.
The House
United Kingdom · Est. 2016
Exaltatum is a London‑based niche perfume house that crafts scents with a classic French compositional mindset. Founded in 2016 by perfumer Eglija Vaitkevice, the brand positions each fragrance as a personal lift, echoing the Latin root of its name – the act of raising someone. Over the years the label has introduced a steady stream of releases, from the woody depth of Ruby Wood (2018) to the bright tea notes of Afternoon Tea (2024). The collection balances familiar accords with subtle twists, inviting collectors to explore familiar territories through a fresh, elevated lens.
If this were a song
Community picks
The fragrance feels like a gentle acoustic guitar over a light piano, warm and uplifting, mirroring the bright citrus start and the soft, creamy tea heart.
Tea for Two
Doris Day













