Armani Code EDT for Men Cologne Review

Continuing with our recent restarting of more fragrance reviews on this site,  I thought I should take a closer look at some of the more popular colognes out there, that I haven’t touched upon yet. One such fragrance is the ever best selling, Armani Code by Giorgio Armani. Armani is a brand with some major hits in its catalog of men’s fragrances, how does Armani Code stack up with the rest?

What Does Armani Code Smell Like?

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods, tonka bean

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Armani Code is quite sweet, with the fruit notes taking center stage. during the first thirty minutes to an hour. This isn’t some girly or candy-like sweetness mind you, rather, one which is soft and sort of creamy/powdery. It is highlighted by citrus, The leather and tobacco notes really begin to shine after that point and fully develop this fragrance’s identity.

The newer bottles of Code seem to have a stronger tonka bean influence, which would lend itself to the sweet semi-creaminess of the fragrance. It’s actually very nice when paired with tobacco and leather.

However, the initial opening is more about the spiced aspect of Code, which stems from the star anise. Anise, citrus, and leather. Followed by tonka bean and tobacco, which gain in strength to replace the anise and citrus on the hierarchy.

Code is a very dark and sensual sort of fragrance, but isn’t bombastic or heavy in any way. It is a subtle, versatile, and refined. I like that I could wear this for any occasion and it wouldn’t seem out of place. Also, this is one of those scent that women seem to enjoy and want to get closer when you wear.

As it wears on it develops more into the dark and clean scent and moves away from the sweetness/spiciness that can be found in the opener. I am a fan of leather in fragrances when it’s done well (even in cheaper fragrances like Dirty English) and it is done quite well in Armani Code. The woods come in to the picture, sitting at the base, with a freshness a slight smoky edge.

Ultimately, I am left with leather, tonka bean, and tobacco. These notes are flanked by some very light citrus and whatever spice is still there. All sits on a base of wood.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

The sillage is still fairly strong, upon first application. Not a super powerful projector or anything like that, but, it does a very nice job for the first few hours. After that, Code settles down, into something that is near the middle of the pack in terms of its strength.

The longevity on newer bottles, doesn’t seem to be as good. Older ones could go 8 or so hours, but the newer formulation, doesn’t seem to hit that same level. Maybe, somewhere around 6, now.

Is Code versatile? Yes, as a moderate to colder weather fragrance, you can pretty much wear it whenever. It is fine for the office or casually or during the nightlife. Not great in the hotter weather, but any other time, this Armani works out.

Again, it is well-liked by women, and will generally get positive comments from those around you consistently. While the performance is just decent now, Code still has a great degree of wear-ability. It’s also not worn by everyone to the same degree that it used to be, as guys seemed to have moved on to other scents.

Overall Impressions of Armani Code

Overall, Code is a great and versatile buy for almost any guy. It is safe and moderate and smells really nice. It has good longevity and the projection while not overpowering is quite good as well. It is very popular, so it really won’t be unique but it is definitely worth a buy. That is, if it were the only option from this line.

Armani Code has spawned numerous flankers over the years, which have surpassed it in greatness, both Profumo and Absolu. Absolu is now my favorite and is the peak of the Code namesake.

So, if price isn’t the only factor, I would pick either of those before the original. Though, the original can usually be found for cheaper. In the end, Code is a once great cologne, that is still very good…but has mostly been surpassed since its release.

In most cases, you can’t go wrong with wearing Code. It’s a classic that has cemented its place in history.

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.