Code Colonia by Giorgio Armani

I’ve had a sample of Code Colonia, since around the end of last year, and haven’t gotten around to reviewing it. Heck, I kind of forgot about it, until a few days ago. That happens, when you have boxes of fragrances sitting around. Anyway, I’ve tried it out once again, and have gathered my thoughts for a review of this Armani flanker. How does it smell? When should it be worn? How’s the performance? Is it even worth a purchase?

What does Armani Code Colonia Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin orange, bergamot, sage, tonka bean, orange blossom, pink pepper, amber, heliotrope

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Colonia Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce

My Full Wear Review

Upon first smelling Code Colonia, I immediately pick up on the similarities that it shares with the rest of the Code family. In this one, the strength of the notes are inverted, however. So, while in Code and Profumo you get a touch of citrus, Colonia makes it the main focus.

It starts off with plenty of bergamot with a lesser amount of mandarin and orange blossom. I really like it, it’s familiar, but has a summery kind of vibe. It’s fairly sharp, with a refreshing zest.

A few minutes in, the pink pepper comes along, but it really doesn’t stand out to my nose. I mean, when compared to Guess Seductive which also features orange and pink pepper, Colonia has a fairly weak pepper note.

To me, the pink pepper and sage, sort of occupy the same space here. Just adding a touch of fresh spice. While you do get citrus throughout, the amber and tonka bean, really start to kick up. During this period, I really notice the similarities between this and Code Profumo.

This one is much lighter, has way more citrus, and isn’t as sweet. It’s as if you took the amberwood from AdG Absolu or Invictus Aqua and spliced it together with Code DNA.

Ultimately what I get here is: creamy tonka bean, citrus, bit of spice, amberwood, and a light floral scent. Not super complex, but quite attractive, in what it is.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage on this one is a stronger moderate. It doesn’t have that same sillage as Code Profumo or Code Absolu, but it really doesn’t need to. I don’t think that I’d want this to be any louder or heavier, it’s very nice, as is.

The longevity is solid, but not amazing. It’ll go in the 7-8 hour range, without any problem, which is great for most any occasion. For other scents in this vein, 7-8 hours is pretty great, but it isn’t an elite performer.

Seasonally, this is a spring/summer version of the Code line. While I love the others in the colder weather, they don’t hold up well in the heat. This one gives you that versatility, which is a nice change of pace from the rest.

With the tonka bean and amberwood, it doesn’t sound like much of a warmer weather cologne but it absolutely works. Colonia gets compared to Eros or YSL Electrique with its smell, but this is much fresher and lighter than either.

Colonia is also a scent, which you can wear, for pretty much any event. It’s not too bold for daytime or office wear. However, it smells good enough and has an attractive quality, for dates or just evenings out on the town.

Overall Impressions of Code Colonia

Overall, do I like Armani Code Colonia? Yes, I do. I think I’d put it third behind Absolu and Profumo, in the Code hierarchy. However, you don’t need both of those fragrances, and this one is a great option for warmer weather.

As such, you could do a lot worse than having one of those for the colder months, and wearing this in spring/summer. It is fresh, with a nice citrus top, enough of that Code DNA, and a nice use of tonka bean and amber.

I also like that start with the various citrus notes. Great zest way to kick off the composition.

Code Colonia is attractive, will get complements, and performs well. A very good cologne all around. It’s worthwhile picking up a cheaper or smaller bottle, because it can be a nice addition to a fragrance lineup.

Update: Colonia was released back in 2017 and is now discontinued. Bottles are still online somewhat, but very expensive versus what they used to be. I don’t think it’s worth the grab at well over $100 a bottle, unless you’re really sure this is the cologne for you. Everyone else? Maybe, pick up a newer Code flanker like, Parfum.

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.