ARMANI
ACQUA DI GIO

1996

PERFUMER
Alberto Morillas
Annick Menardo
Christian Dussoulier

Lime
Lemon
Bergamot
Jasmine
Orange
mandarin
Neroli

Sea Notes
Jasmine
Calone
Peach
Freesia
Rosemary
Hiacynth
Cyclamen
Coriander
Violet
Nutmeg
Rose
Mignonette

White Musk
Cedarwood
Oakmoss
Patchouli
Amber

Acqua di Gio is one of the biggest fragrances of all time. Although somewhat fallen from grace. In the years prior to this writing, Acqua Di Gio is rarely ever recommended within the fragrance community, with ‘influencers’ all opting to recommend Acqua Di Gio Profumo.

I was one of those ‘influencers in the making’ as well I guess, and I bought Profumo, after having worn Acqua Di Gio alongside Armani Code for over a decade as my signature scents, before getting into the perfume hobby. At first, I had a preference for Profumo and it’s an easy, versatile recommendation. Nowadays, I think I’d opt for the regular Acqua Di Gio again, as it’s fresher and cleaner.

The newer Acqua Di Gio EDP from 2022 seemed like a nice take on first impression as well (after only smelling it in store), while the 2023 Acqua di Gio Parfum is an excellent classy take on the DNA.