Armani Code EDT vs EDP

Armani has done a great job keeping its two most popular fragrances alive, that being, Code and Acqua di Gio. Over the recent years, they have released a bunch of different flanker fragrances with these names, that have really raised the bar when compared to what others have come out with for their own popular colognes. The latest, is Code Eau de Parfum. How does it compare to the EDT version? Which lasts longer? Which is a better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code EDT vs. Eau de Parfum

Armani Code

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

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

Read my review: Armani Code

Code Eau de Parfum

Notes include: lavender, tonka bean, cedar, lemon, vanilla, suede 

Read my review: Code EDP

Opening

Code EDT opens up with some fruity top notes, consisting of citrus and some apple. The citrus is the main attraction, but quickly joined by tobacco, star anise, and leather. It is freshly spiced with a powdery quality. This is all, while it still has that citrus aroma, which gets progressively weaker.

EDP, on the other hand, strikes me as if you took the original Code and blended it with Luna Rossa Sport by Prada. Tonka bean and lavender are both overlaps between those two fragrances. Also, you get the citrus opening and suede in lieu of leather.

Which do I prefer? I like Code EDP’s opening act more. It is difficult for me to recall what older formulations of EDT smelled like, but Code eau de parfum is a nice approximation, but ‘remixed’.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Eau de parfum has the greater concentration and therefore the stronger sillage, correct? Yes. However, it isn’t actually a powerhouse and is a fairly moderate fragrance overall. It projects better than the modern EDT, but it’s not miles better.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

With the current bottles of the original Code, it will last on my skin for 5-6 hours. It used to go 8 hours. Meanwhile, 7-8 hours is what Code EDP will get me. Neither is amazing, but there is a clear difference.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

These two colognes, essentially occupy the same space, as you’d expect. Both are best worn when the temperatures are cooler and are great as nightlife scents. Yes, the both have an attractive and sexy scent. No clear winner, here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic fragrance, there’s no doubt about that. However, it has been surpassed in terms of smell and performance by its flanker fragrances. I personally prefer Absolu and Profumo versus either of these two.

That being said, if you want something that’s closest to the original formulation of Code EDT, the EDP is going to give you that…with some changes. It doesn’t have the star anise spice, which is disappointing, but EDP is inherently smoother with a very nice vanilla finish.

For me, Code EDP is the clear winner. Frankly, I don’t see why you would even bother with EDT any longer. It had it’s day in the sun and the newer releases are just better than what is left. Code Eau de Parfum is a worthy successor.

Winner: Code EDP

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.