acqua di gio

Acqua di Gio Absolu by Giorgio Armani

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In today’s review, I have another release from Giorgio Armani, and one that is a flanker fragrance to the best-seller Acqua di Gio called: Acqua di Gio Absolu. It was released back in 2018 and has flown under the radar, compared to some of the others in the series.

I am going to explore, what it smells like, how it performs, when it should be worn, and if it is actually worth a try. Please continue below for my full take on Absolu.

What does Acqua di Gio Absolu Smell Like?

Notes include: patchouli, marine notes, labdanum, tonka bean, wood, bergamot, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apple, pear

Click here to try: Acqua di Giò Absolu Eau de Parfum Spray 4.2 fl oz Men

My Full Wear Review

Upon the opening smell, Absolu immediately smells familiar to me, and has quite a bit of overlap with Invictus Aqua. Namely, the share the woody notes, marine aspects, and grapefruit.

It’s mostly at the beginning that they smell alike and this Armani fragrance is much better in my opinion. Aqua can have this stinky dry down of the sea notes, but the Armani doesn’t.

Anyway, AdG Absolu, opens with the citrus notes, some pear/apple, wood, sea water, and tonka bean. It’s a very fresh aquatic, but is grounded with the woody notes, and doesn’t get too far into just being a citrus water fragrance; like so many others.

A few minutes in, Absolu begins to take on a resinous smell, thanks to the labdanum. There is also a hint of patchouli which brings in some earthy spice into the mix. The patchouli isn’t super heavy or anything, but it does play its part within the composition beautifully.

This is older than AdG Profondo as a release, but that resin, woods, and marine aroma have significant overlap between the two. Profondo is just a better scent overall.

Absolu really has that ambery sort of smell throughout, I know the labdanum is playing a big part of that, but I wonder if one of the wood notes is amber wood? I haven’t seen it listed, but I do think so. It is a harsher aroma versus the more naturalistic amber notes out there.

Another interesting aspect of this cologne is the herbal undertones that peak through during the wear. It doesn’t seem to be consistently there, but I catch distinct rosemary, at times and it plays off really nice in this aquatic fragrance.

Ultimately, what I get with AdG Absolu is a citrusy marine cologne with a woody base that is covered in amber resin. Then tonka bean and light spices peppered in.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage starts out fairly powerful, but settles down into something that is more moderate but steady. You won’t need more than a few sprays for this stuff to do its magic. For an (semi) aquatic kind of cologne, it does have great power versus many others of this ilk.

Longevity is also quite good, but not amazing. 8 or so hours is what I get out of it on my skin, it can go a bit longer, depending on the climate that day. Update: Testing it out further, it can go up to 9, but that’s rare. Expect 7-8.

The versatility for Absolu is perhaps its biggest selling point. While it seems like it’d be one strictly for the summertime, it can actually fit in during any time of the year. So, guys who are looking for an all purpose scent, should give this one consideration.

It is also versatile in terms of when it can be worn. It can go casual or for something to wear at the office or out for an evening on the town.

It’s not really a mature scent, but not one that would only appeal to teenagers or college guys. I’m not sure that I’d wear this one on a formal occasion, but it would fit for everything else, no problem. Skews younger, but a cologne that can get a lot of use for that demographic.

Overall Impressions of AdG Absolu

Overall, do I like Acqua di Gio Absolu? Yes, I do. I get the similarities with something like Invictus Aqua, but it’s so much better than that, and doesn’t have the same level of synthetic smelling ingredients. I

t’s a very nice all-around cologne and one that should enjoy more popularity than it does.

It’s closest comparisons are that Invictus, Profondo, the original AdG, and I guess Absolu Instinct (but I haven’t tried that out).

Is it my favorite scent? Nope, but it is one that I could see myself wearing sometimes, even if it’s not really my style of cologne. Armani did a great job with this one and men in their 20s will probably really like wearing Absolu.

However, I’d would rather wear almost any other of the Acqua di Gio line (outside of Profondo Lights). Profumo, EDT, and Profondo are all better. As such, I don’t have a need to grab a full bottle.

I’d recommend any of those before this. Unless you really love this style of cologne, get something else. But, if you have one of those already and want something a little more unique, Absolu can be a very nice pick up.

Acqua di Gio Profondo by Giorgio Armani

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Acqua di Gio has been a best seller for about 25 years or so. It has made Armani a ton of money, so, they’re going to keep reusing the name and tweaking the formula with new flankers for as long as they can. In 2020, they introduced Profondo to the lineup. Is this entry in the dark blue bottle worth it? How does it smell? Does it last a long time? Is it better than the other AdG fragrances?

What does Acqua di Gio Profondo Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, marine notes, rosemary, cypress, lentisk, patchouli, musk

Click here to try: GIORGIO ARMANI Acqua Di Gio Profondo for Men Eau De Parfum Spray 4.2 Ounces, blue

My Full Wear Review

Before getting into my personal review, let’s see how Armani describes it: Like taking a plunge into the deep blue sea, senses are awakened by green mandarin and bergamot while an ultramarine, nearly icy hue is conveyed by Acqua di Giò’s iconic marine notes. As the bubbles of oxygen rise to the top, the rosemary, lavender, cypress and lentisk absolute blend at its heart. Exuding a masculine character of depth and intensity, notes of woody patchouli and enveloping musk finally fuse with the saline accent of a mineral ambery accord at the base.

Upon initially spraying Profondo on my skin, I got a blue-green impression. Aquatic, but not as dark as AdG Profumo. With more woodiness and depth than the original Acqua di Gio. 

It kicks things off with the usual citrus notes being present, more of the bergamot versus the mandarin orange. Very marine without the incense of Profumo and less of the rosemary of the original. 

What is here, underneath the similar DNA is a sweetness and woody resin. This must be the lentisk note, as described on Wikipedia: “The plant is evergreen, from 1 to 5 m high, with a strong smell of resin, growing in dry and rocky areas in Mediterranean Europe.”

I will say, that as it dries down it becomes more of a true blue sort of aroma. I get that mineral note that is so prevalent in Profumo and also a smooth, almost creamy smell coming through. Less salty and more of a Light Blue aquatic type of marine accord. I guess, the impression of water, rather than a full on oceanic note.

Armani wanted this to have a deeper sea vibe and they accomplished it. The latter stages of the fragrance are extremely well blended. Woody with nuanced notes peaking in at different times during the wear.

There isn’t a tonka bean note listed, but there kind of seems like there is one lurking in here. I think that it’s just the way that the remaining lavender is interacting with the other ingredients, though.

I like this. Fresh and a deep blue finish, that does feel different enough from the other Acqua di Gio scents.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This isn’t a heavy sort of fragrance. It’s light, but not weak. Meaning, it hangs around but doesn’t have an enveloping thickness about it. I keep catching whiffs of it throughout the day, it’s just not a beast.

Longevity is good, but not insane for an EDP fragrance. 7-8 hours on my skin, is what I seem to get here. Nothing more, but also nothing less either. For a summertime wear, I’ll take it. 

Update: Every time that I’ve tried Profondo, it sticks to this 7-8 hour timeframe. No more, no less. At least it is consistent.

Seasonally, as I said, summer. More specifically, spring or summer, but this is really made for the warm to hot days. I think this might be the AdG cologne to go with, if you live in a super hot or humid climate and Profumo becomes too overbearing. 

Very attractive, sexy, and pleasant. Not a nightclub beast, but great for daytime and casual to semi-formal situations. You could wear this on a date and it would fit right in. It can be worn by guys of all ages, without issue. More refined and mature than Acqua di Gio, but retains enough of the original vibe. 

 

 

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Gio Profondo

Do I like this fragrance? Yes, a whole lot. I still put it behind Profumo as my favorite from this line, but this definitely has its place. Update: I still rate this one second, as of now. It’s pretty close to Profumo in terms of enjoyment.

It serves as a midway point between the original and Profumo, similar to each, while doing its own thing. The original seems pointless to me now, with its performance having taken such a hit.

Update: They followed this up with Profondo Lights and Acqua di Gio EDP. Profondo is better than either. Lights isn’t a very good flanker to this, in my opinion. I never wanted to wear it. EDP is nice enough, but I won’t be buying a new bottle, when I finish the rest of my current one.

If you have Profumo though, you don’t need this one. I just bought a bottle of Profumo, but would also consider getting some Profondo as well. Update: I never did grab a full bottle. But for folks without a fragrance website, it’s fairly redundant. I’d test both and just pick the one you prefer.

I do like the dry down period with Profondo. That’s where it’s at its most different from the others. Really smooth, with depth, a blue-ish aroma, and a woody sweetness coming in. The opening is also good, just doesn’t capture my attention in the same way.

Acqua di Gio EDP by Armani

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Acqua di Gio keeps rolling right along with the 2022 release of the eau de parfum version. This following on the heels of the Profondo flankers. It’s finally available for purchase here in the US. How does this one smell? How does it compare? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Acqua di Gio EDP Smell Like?

Notes include: green mandarin, patchouli, sage, vetiver, geranium, lavandin, marine notes

Click here to try: Buy from Amazon

adg eau de parfum review

My Full Review

Let’s see how Armani describes it: ACQUA DI GIÒ EAU DE PARFUM encapsulates a powerful, long-lasting freshness, where innovative marine notes blend with natural green mandarin, sage, vetiver, patchouli, and a woody mineral dry-down. The infinite horizon of the sea is captured in a new innovative refill bottle.

If you’ve tried it, you can post a review and score in the comment section below.

Acqua di Gio EDP starts off much like Profondo Lights and Profondo. I’d say it’s closer to the former, with the prominent green mandarin note, but thankfully none of the cardamom. That was the note, which made me not really care for Lights.

The mandarin feels more pronounced in this eau de parfum version. It’s bright and much juicier/sweet than the Profondo colognes.

A strong citrus start, some of the blueish sea notes, sage, and geranium. Another thing that it lack is, the cypress note of the Profondo scents.

Is this similar to the EDT? Yes, but the original AdG has more of a floral feel. But, you can obviously tell that all of these fragrances are related. I always get a lot of jasmine on my skin with the original.

After a while, that top will start to burn off. EDP becomes less citrus dominant and the patchouli, sage, and geranium really start to come in stronger. During this part, the eau de parfum will start to resemble Profumo, and less of the Profondo editions.

It’s interesting, Acqua di Gio EDP will do its own thing to an extent, but it closely mimics the other releases throughout the duration of the wear.

So, during the Profumo-like part, it lacks the incense smokiness and darker feeling of that fragrance…but it’s near identical outside of that.

That too, will start to shift. This becomes a drier fragrance as it moves on. You do still get that sweetness from the mandarin note, but patchouli, the fresh mix, and a touch of the mineral note is most of the rest of the development.

The mineral note is there, like in Profumo, just toned down. Especially towards the end, its a lot of patchouli, vetiver, and that mineral note. The sage, mandarin, and geranium are basically just an impression that you can vaguely pick up on.

gio edp review

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts off with a decent amount of power. But, it will go quickly into moderate territory, and follow that up being fairly light.

Acqua di Gio EDP isn’t a powerhouse, nor a beast performer. It’s been solid on my skin, for about two hours, then it enters its lighter phase.

How long does EDP last? In total, 6-8 hours. Keep in mind, those last hours are very much a skin scent, but I can still pick it up on me during that time period.

Update: After wearing this fragrance a large number of times, it skews much closer to the six hour range than it does the eight. It is still capable of hitting 8, EDP just isn’t consistent in this regard.

The performance here is just okay. Not going to blow the doors off or anything, just be pretty much serviceable in its wear.

Seasonally, this like the others in the series, is a spring and summertime fragrance. But, a super versatile daily wear within that timeframe. Plus, it wouldn’t be too out of place during the rest of the year, but there are better options for cold weather.

Also, the age range is wide. From younger men to older, no problems. It’s enjoyable, but not a club beast, and I’m not sure if it’d be classified as being ‘sexy’. I haven’t worn it around any women, yet, so I’m not sure.

acqua eau de parfum

Overall Impressions of AdG Eau de Parfum

Overall, do I like Acqua di Gio EDP? I do like it. Though, it’s not completely amazing, nor a must have. If you already have other AdG fragrances, you probably won’t need this.

I do like it more than Profondo Lights, but maybe a notch below Profondo and Profumo, during this initial testing phase.

I really like the opening act. That mandarin note is great, giving you that citrus juiciness without as much in the way, as with the Profondo scents. I also enjoy the fact that I get to experience the others in the series, all wrapped up into one bottle.

I already have my Profumo bottle and this will give me elements of the others, during this spring and summer.

I do wish that this was a stronger scent. The longevity is well enough, but if it could pack a punch for a longer time, this would be more worthwhile. Better than the EDT? Yes, but that’s been weakened over the years, and this isn’t a huge step up.

I like its aromatic freshness and the fact that it doesn’t go too heavy with the mineral note. I do kind of wish that it was more marine, adding more of that ‘sea note’ accord.

On the whole? I’m enjoying EDP thus far. Is it a buy? Sure. However, you might not need it, if you’re already someone who has bottles of the other.

Update: After almost a year of having it and using quite a bit during the last summer, I must say it still basically holds up, as far as me enjoying it. I still really like that opening hour or so way more than I do the dry down. Though, I’ve knocked a couple of points off my original score below, in this update.

Also, wearing Acqua di Gio EDP outside, it’s a much more likeable fragrance for the duration. Indoors, it starts to feel very casual and not all that compelling. I’m going to finish off this bottle and don’t think that I’m ever going to re-up.

If not? Give it a try, you might like it better than Profondo or Profumo. To me, it’s up there. Not necessarily a must have, but I don’t regret buying a full bottle, in the slightest.

Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani

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Since its release in 1997, Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani, has enjoyed an immense popularity and success in terms of praise and sales. This cologne is always at the top of the charts in terms of numbers of units sold and enjoys a near universal appeal.  For this post, I want to take a deeper look at this popular Armani fragrance and explore what exactly gives it this appeal.

Note: I have come back to this post, to revamp and really, do an all new review. I have grabbed a sample of the latest batch, that I could get, and tested it out. Reformulations do happen with fragrances over time (although this wasn’t completely different from what I remember of older bottles).

Key Takeaways on Acqua di Gio

  • An absolute classic, that’s continues to be a best seller
  • Breezy citrus aquatic with spice and jasmine highlights
  • Moderate performance with newer batches
  • Easy and approachable daily wear. Great starter fragrance.

What does Acqua di Gio Smell Like?

acqua

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

AdG Fully Tested Review

Acqua di Gio opens up with a whole host of citrus notes blended with a slightly salty marine aroma. It’s immediately very fresh and clean, easy to see why it has become an absolute classic. It is a bright scent with a summery disposition and conjures up images of a breezy shoreline.

The citrus is a lime and lemon affair mostly, but with definite bits of tangerine floating around in there. It’s a great smell, that can actually be sour at points, but that’s not a persistent feature.

AdG has always had this undertone of floral notes, I definitely pick up on jasmine being in the opening stages, which is a nice contrast from the juicy citrus and aquatic elements. Though, when you move forward in the dry down, there is neroli and hyacinth also peaking through at times.

I have really been enjoying that opening lime and lemon, especially when it starts to transition, and more of the jasmine comes out. That phase it utterly fantastic.

If all Acqua di Gio offered was some citrus and light floral notes, it would have never been as copied by other perfume manufacturers as it has been in these past 20+ years. No, what I think it is that gives it its strength, is that woody base and the pure aquatic vibe.

These two aspects permeate every part of this cologne, its sort of a water-logged cedar soaked in the citrus juices. Then, add some light musk, and other slightly spicy ingredients to boost the freshness. It never gets bogged down or overly spiced, just super clean and upbeat.

The version that I am using in 2020 for this review, doesn’t seem to have quite the same amount of woodiness, but it is still there. This batch feels quite more marine than I remember the older ones being, but that might be a trick of memory, rather than reformulation. Overall, it is quite like how I remember.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s always had a moderate but solid sillage. It’s an aquatic after all, so it’s not going to be a complete bomb of a scent. You can certainly over-spray and choke out a room, but with normal application, it will be a narrow radius of scent around the wearer.

I get about 6 hours of wear from this sample, maybe closer to 7 during some wears. Again, not amazing but a very solid daily wear.

This is probably one area, where this fragrance has lost a step over the years. The longevity, is still good, but the other AdG scents have a much better performance. The sillage in the later hours is fairly soft, also.

Seasonally, I really like it in the warm weather, but in actuality this can be an all-purpose cologne and that’s what guys have been doing for decades. It’s also kind of become a unisex fragrance, at this point, because many women really enjoy this smell and so don it themselves.

AdG is of course a very versatile cologne that can be worn casually or more formally or out on a date. It’s been a best seller for a reason, people really love this aroma, in general.

It does skew more for younger men, but I think its flanker AdG Profumo, is better for older guys (and better overall).

Nonetheless, it still has a mass appeal and can be safely worn by anybody. There’s a reason, it became a classic.

Overall Impressions of Acqua di Gio

Overall, do I still like Acqua di Gio, all these years later? I have to say that I do. It’s not my favorite cologne, I like Profumo more, and it’s been copied countless times…but it is still a very good scent.

It really set the stage for many colognes that came out from the late-1990s on and is going to be a best seller for many more decades probably. For citrus aquatics, this is still among the best to ever do it, and bottles are certainly easy to come by.

I do enjoy most of the newer AdG offerings more than this. However, the citrus opening and the use of jasmine here is still awesome. That’s what is distinct about it versus the others and experiencing it again, is what made me tear through my samples pretty fast.

This is still a good cologne. There are just other options out there, that smell very similar to this, but are much more affordable. For me, I appreciate this scent, but don’t have much use for it anymore.

That being said, I’ve been seeing Armani put this one sale a whole lot lately. So, maybe some of that value can come into play for those looking to get a bottle. With discount codes, you can get a giant bottle for at a nice price, and I could be swayed to grab one if the mood struck.