Acqua di Gio vs Profumo Cologne Comparison

Acqua di Gio was released by Giorgio Armani back in 1996. Since then, it has been a runaway best seller, and one of the most popular colognes on the market. Obviously, to capitalize on that success, the brand has release numerous flanker scents including Acqua di Gio Profumo. In this post, I want to do a full head to head comparison, to determine which is the better buy: Acqua di Gio vs Acqua di Gio Profumo. Which lasts longer? Which smells better?

AdG vs. Profumo: Tale of the Tape

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 Profumo

Notes include: bergamot, sage, patchouli, incense, geranium, rosemary, and marine notes

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profumo 75ml (2.5oz) Parfum Vapo., 2.5 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Acqua di Gio Profumo

Opening

The original Acqua di Gio opens up with tangerine and bergamot citrus notes, to go along with jasmine and a sea breeze air. It’s quite pleasant and upbeat with a bright aquatic disposition.

The citrus medley is great. I like the lemon, tangerine, and bergamot. They work well together, beautifully. It starts to have more of a floral influence, after a few minutes, with jasmine and a clean neroli. Sea air and rosemary spice, round things out, in the original AdG.

The jasmine really tends to stick out on my skin, with the latest batches. I do love it, when paired with the citrus and aquatic accord.

Meanwhile, Profumo opens with the same sharp bergamot note, a spicy sage, and more of a watery marine note, than a sea breeze. It is darker, has a refreshing profile, and is later joined by a smoky incense.

It’s feels like the depths of the ocean and not like a gentle shore wind. Saltier, with a hint of that original rosemary, which is outclassed by the sage addition.

Which is better? I really like the original, but the opening of Profumo is better, in my opinion. I like that it goes fully with the bergamot and that added smokiness is a great touch.

There’s more going on in AdG Profumo, which creates a bolder, and fuller aroma. At least, to my nose.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Acqua di Gio is a fairly across the board moderate fragrance. The sillage isn’t too strong but it is consistent throughout.

Profumo starts out stronger and ends as a moderate. For the first few hours, it has a stronger projection than does the original, and they are close to the same after that. In fact, Profumo’s peak is much more powerful.

Once they dry down, they will project about 3-5 feet from the skin. Profumo can definitely go loud, in the early stages.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

On my skin, AdG lasts for 6-7 hours, and that is about the max that I ever get out of it. Profumo, will go for 8+ and can hit 10 hours, on occasion. It has better performance.

Classic bottles of Acqua di Gio, may have had a few more hours, to its name. However, the latest bottles are in that 6-7 hour range. Profumo can consistently hit the upper single digits, without issue.

Update: My latest bottle of Profumo doesn’t seem to ever hit 10 hours like my other one did. Still sticks around, but not to the same extent.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these fragrances, sort of fit the same bill. Both are spring/summer wears mainly, that can go year round, if need be. Casual wear, work, or even on a date. Profumo has more of a mature vibe, but not enough to really separate these two.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Acqua di Gio is a classic fragrance. It has been a best seller and will continue to be one, for a long time. I like its aquatic style, the citrus, the jasmine, and the rosemary note. It’s got great balance and has been a great starter cologne for guys, for over two decades.

Profumo is all of that, but an improved version, in my opinion. It’s darker, spicier, smokier, and more adult than its predecessor. It feels like a deeper and more complex fragrance and the aroma just smells better to me.

Beyond that, it has a longer wear and greater sillage than the original. It’s the best Acqua di Gio flanker, as it shares a lot with the original, and then adds a twist.

Plus, Profumo is no longer a new release, and you can grab bottles at a discount from full price. Just another additional edge.

Winner: Profumo

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.