Armani Code vs Code Profumo

For this entry in the men’s fragrance match ups, we are going to be taking a closer look at two Armani scents, Code vs. Code Profumo. Which cologne is better? The original or its flanker? I have worn both a lot and reviewed each of them, so, which one do I prefer? I am going to break them down by category, before ultimately declaring a winner.

Tale of the Tape

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

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code opens up with top notes of fruit, apple and citrus. The citrus is the strongest of the fruit notes, and it is joined by: leather, anise, and tobacco. It’s got a powdery quality along with, fresh spiciness, and that citrus which will slowly fade.

To my nose, the newer bottles of Code seem to use more of the tonka bean note. It’s got that creaminess/powdery type of aroma and the anise still gives it a nice kick up top. It’s much the same way that I remember older batches, but probably a bit different.

Code Profumo starts with amber and tonka bean. It also features citrus in the beginning, but its spice, is that of nutmeg and cardamom. It quite rich and warm with a sweet fizzy kind of aroma.

Profumo does have some apple and orange in the opening as well. I get orange way more so than any apple. With the warm fizziness and sweetness, this Code does have a cream soda-like smell at times.

Which is better? While I enjoy the original, I really like the way that Profumo starts off. It has elements of its predecessor, but then, also has its own dynamic personality. It’s sweet, warm, with a nice bit of spice.

Edge: Profumo

Projection

Code starts off pretty strong, but it pretty much moderate in its sillage, for a majority of the wear. Meanwhile, Profumo is stronger from the start, and keeps it close to that range for the rest of the time its on my skin.

Code isn’t weak, it’s just not the same kind of powerhouse. It has lost a step over the years, but it never did have the same ability to project as the newer Profumo does.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

Older bottles of Code used to last for about 8 hours, in my experience. Now, it seems to hit the 5-6 hour mark, and quits. Code Profumo, however, will go for over 10 hours each time. It outperforms the original, easily.

Profumo has always delivered a solid performance, when I’ve used it.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scent check the same boxes, as to when they should be worn. Both are suited for the colder weather. Both can go from the office and into the nightlife. There’s no winner in this category.

I might, however, give the slight edge to Code over Profumo because it doesn’t have the same sweetness and power. So, it might be more office appropriate.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Armani Code is a classic cologne, at this point, but it’s been surpassed by flankers that came after it. I still like wearing this stuff. The citrus top is nice, the leather and tonka bean during the dry down, the spice, and the powdery softness…it’s all very enjoyable.

It has been somewhat changed, also. It doesn’t have the same strength, but, I’d still pick up a bottle for the right price.

Code Profumo is awesome. It’s sweet and creamy. It envelops your senses perfectly, on a cold day. Profumo is bold and will last a long time. I love the tonka bean, amber, and leather trio in the latter stages.

For me, it’s absolutely a better fragrance than Armani Code. The clear winner in this contest. I will say, though, Code Absolu which was released recently; has taken the crown from Profumo as the ‘best Code’ fragrance.

Winner: Code 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.