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Acqua di Gio keeps chugging along decade after decade as a best seller. It’s flanker fragrances have become very popular in their own right. One of the latest to reach this status is Acqua di Gio Profondo, which came out a few years back.
Both of these have solidified themselves as easy to wear and very enjoyable fragrances. But, how do the two Armani scents compare? Which of them smells better? Last longer? Is the better buy?
Tale of the Tape: Acqua di Gio vs AdG Profondo
Acqua di Gio
Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes
Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces
Read my review: Acqua di Gio
Acqua di Gio Profondo EDP
Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk
Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue
Read my Review: AdG Profondo
Opening
Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through.
With newer bottles, I detect more of the jasmine than I remember, but it actually works very well in the composition.
Profondo eau de parfum actually has a pretty similar start to its competitor. The bergamot is joined by mandarin, in lieu of the tangerine note.
They aren’t exactly the same, as Profondo has more of a watery marine note, less of a sea breeze feeling. Plus, a resinous lentisk note playing a bigger role.
It’s a refreshing dive into the ocean, rather than walking along the shore. It will get smoother and a bit creamier, as it wears on.
Which is better? I think the citrus notes in the original are a bit better up top. But, the overall experience with Profondo is more interesting and a tad more enjoyable.
Edge: Profondo
Projection
The sillage for Acqua di Gio is now a moderate experience, on the lower end of that range. It was never a beast, but it had a bit more power.
Still, I wasn’t completely disappointed with its power, and I always could detect it on my skin.
Profondo is an eau de parfum concentration. It’s also not a beast, but it’s got enough power for being a summer wear. It hangs around very nicely and is just better at projecting than the original.
Edge: Profondo
Longevity
The original Acqua di Gio has had better longevity in the past. It’s still decent, just a step or two behind what it used to be.
With the latest samples that I got from Armani in 2021, it could hit the 5-7 hour range. Closer to the lower end, but did hit 7 sometimes depending on what I was doing.
Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours. In the past, the original might have gotten the edge. Now, it’s an easy win for Profondo.
Update: Testing Profondo again in 2024, it still hits the same mark that it did when it was released, for me at least.
Edge: Profondo
Versatility
Both scents are very versatile. Can span across age range, venture out into the nightlife, etc. However, I think the original still has the edge.
Profondo can be better on the hottest days of summer, but I think AdG fits better for the cooler parts of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a ‘winter cologne’, but the floral heart doesn’t really feel out of place either. Less of that blue aquatic/marine feeling, that Profondo has.
Edge: Acqua di Gio
Overall Scent
It had been a few years since I’d given the old standard that is Acqua di Gio a try. I have to say, I really still do enjoy the cologne. Given that you can get bottles of it for fairly cheap, I do think that it’s a worthwhile scent.
The citrus and the floral heart, with the sea breeze aroma. Still a classic and very enjoyable to wear.
But, it’s just not as good as Profondo, as a whole. Acqua di Gio Profondo is my second favorite of the line currently available. I give the slight edge to Profumo, but it’s especially better than this current AdG incarnation.
It’s smooth with a blue-ish/green aroma. Woody highlights and a sweetness. Some don’t like the harshness of Profumo’s incense notes, Profondo gives you a middle ground between it and the original AdG.
Update: Profondo eau de parfum now has been followed up by Lights and Profondo Parfum. The original EDP is still the best of the Profondo series thus far and I’d still pick it out of these two.
Winner: Profondo
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides.