Armani Code vs Code Absolu Comparison

Giorgio Armani has put out a lot of insanely popular men’s fragrances, over the year. Among the best of them, have been the Code series. Armani Code was the original and made a huge impact, on the fragrance world, 10-15 years ago. Since then, a whole host of flanker fragrances have been released under the Code banner, including 2018’s Code Absolu. Which one smells better, though? Which has the better performance? Which one is the best buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code vs. Absolu

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 Absolu

Notes include: vanilla, tonka bean, suede, nutmeg, rum accord, mandarin, apple, orange blossom, wood, and carrot seeds

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Absolu EDP Eau de Parfum For Men 3.7oz

Read my review: Code Absolu

Opening

The original Code 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. Yet, with that nice citrus touch, which will grow weaker during the latter stages.

Code Absolu opens up with a spiciness provided by nutmeg and rum. These two notes are smoothed out by suede and tonka bean. This also has some citrus, at the top, from mandarin orange. Plus, the same apple note. Nutmeg and tonka bean are the strongest at the start, before the suede starts coming in more.

Which is better? I have to say, that I enjoy Code Absolu, more than the original. It starts off with a better spiciness, the sweetness and smooth suede is also better. It feels like it has more depth and a darker quality.

Edge: Code Absolu

Projection

The sillage of the original Code is moderately strong, at the start. Then, it is pretty steady, in the moderate camp thereafter. Code Absolu, hits a stronger initial ability to project itself, and stays fairly strong (but not overwhelming) throughout. It’s got the better projecting ability.

Edge: Absolu

Longevity

Code feels somewhat weaker than it used to and no longer stays around for the same amount of time. Older bottles, used to get around 8 hours. Now, it seems to be confined to the 5-6 hour range. Absolu will go way above 10 hours, on my skin, and blows the older bottles of the original out of the water.

Edge: Absolu

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

The original Armani Code is a classic and still a best seller, to this day. It’s got a great scent. The citrus up front, with the spice, and the later leather/tonka bean notes are all very nice. However, reformulations happen, and it’s not exactly the same as it used to be. Still very good, but weaker and tweaked a bit.

Code Absolu is now the best of the Armani Code lineup. It’s slightly better than my previous favorite, Code Profumo. I also consider it to be, one of the best fragrances out there right now, for men.

It does everything right, from the smell, down to the performance. The vanilla and tonka bean, come to dominate the dry down, but the spice and the light citrus make this one beautiful to smell.

You can still pick up much cheaper bottles of the original, but without any consideration for price, Code Absolu takes this one.

Winner: Absolu

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.