In recent years, matcha has experienced a huge boom – first as a sought-after drink that has found fans in cafés and home kitchens around the world, and gradually as an original ingredient in perfumery. Matcha green tea, with its delicately grassy, roasted, and at the same time soothing characteristics, brings an interesting contrast between freshness and depth to fragrances, making it attractive to perfumers who want a unique and original scent. Although matcha is still rarely used as a dominant note in perfume compositions, its cultural and aromatic influence is becoming increasingly apparent – it appears in green tea accords that evoke calm and sophisticated naturalness and is gradually gaining its place in modern niche perfumery as a fragrance component that brings a subtle but distinctive character.
I must admit that matcha as a drink is something I absolutely cannot stomach. I have tried several and they have never convinced me otherwise. Because I have not tried many fragrances containing a matcha note, it is still a big unknown to me. However, that changed at the beginning of this year when I came across Creamy Matcha.
The first spray is vivid and energizing. Red mandarin bursts forward with juicy brightness – slightly sweet, slightly tart, and very natural. Alongside it, lemongrass cuts through with a sharp, green-citrus clarity. I love how lemongrass is portrayed here! This combination creates a sparkling, almost effervescent opening that feels clean and uplifting. I also smell something quietly exotic. The citrus doesn’t feel Mediterranean or sporty; instead, it leans subtly oriental, already hinting at spices beneath the surface. Lemongrass, in particular, gives a stimulating quality to the opening – it awakens, clears the head, and sets a confident, energetic tone.
As the citrus glow begins to soften, the fragrance shifts gently rather than abruptly. The sharp edges melt away, and warmth starts to rise from beneath. Chai latte emerges first – spiced, smooth, and instantly comforting. This is not harsh spice; it’s rounded, creamy, and inviting. Then come the milkier facets. Frothed milk folds into the composition, smoothing everything out, giving the scent a soft, almost cloud-like texture. And somewhere underneath it all, matcha appears – not loud, not earthy, not bitter. It’s present but restrained.
This is important: despite the name, matcha is never dominant. It stays in the background throughout, acting as a green, slightly powdery accent rather than the main character. There is no muddiness, no damp or vegetal heaviness. Instead, matcha behaves like a quiet companion – supporting the other notes, adding nuance and depth without demanding attention. For anyone hesitant about matcha as a note, this is very good news.
Then comes the part that makes me absolutely adore Creamy Matcha. Cardamom adds a subtle aromatic warmth, delicately spiced and elegant. Together with chai latte and milk, it creates a feeling that is very familiar to all of us: warm hands around a cup, rising steam, time slowing down, complete relaxation and carefreeness. This phase is creamy, spicy, slightly green, and beautifully composed. Nothing dominates. Everything flows beautifully and gracefully together. The aroma becomes less about individual notes and more about the atmosphere that the notes have created together – subtle, soothing, and quietly addictive. This is also the moment when the scent becomes fully calming. Not cozy in a sugary, gourmand sense, but in a calm, grounding sense. It is balanced. Emotionally stable.
After about 40 minutes, the warmth deepens and the structure becomes clearer. I can smell cinnamon and tonka beans, which bring a subtle sweetness and delicate spice, carefully measured so as not to be bitter. Vanilla is also present, softening the composition and adding creaminess without veering into dessert territory. And, of course, everyone's favorite woods, which anchor the composition beautifully. Sandalwood adds a creamy, smooth depth, while Virginian cedar adds a dry, clean woodiness that keeps the scent earthy and elegant. There is a subtle amber-balsamic note – quiet, warm, and reminiscent of skin.
The dry down is woody, milky, delicately spicy, and very soothing. The scent stays close to the skin, never intrusive, creating intimacy.
Creamy Matcha is a completely versatile fragrance. It is not too fresh, but neither is it heavy. It is not too sweet, but it is undeniably soothing. Thanks to this balance, it can be worn all year round – from cold spring mornings to quiet winter evenings.
It acts as a niche in the true sense of the word: thoughtful, personal, and unconcerned with trends. Here you can clearly get the signature of perfumer Václav Lebeda, who created the perfume. There is a recognizable signature here – precision, restraint, and a deep understanding of how contrast creates harmony. This is a perfumer who knows exactly what he is doing, and it shows. It is intelligently crafted comfort. A niche composition that does not put anyone off. A matcha fragrance that does not rely solely on matcha. Subtle, balanced, and emotionally resonant.
Creamy Matcha by Roman is available as a 50ml Extrait de Parfum on the AR Fragrances website for €79.
