Acqua di Gio (Original) vs. Profondo

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.

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

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.

Profondp 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 feelingg. 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.

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.

Winner: Profondo

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.