Acqua di Gio (Original) vs. Depth

Acqua di Gio continues to delight decade after decade as a bestseller. It's something flanker incenses have become very popular themselves right. One of the most recent to reach this status is Acqua di Gio Profondo, which came out a few years ago.

Both of these are solid as easy to wear and very pleasant fragrances. But, how do these two Armani fragrances compare? Which one smells better? Long overdue? Is it better to buy?

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Tape Story: Acqua di Gio vs AdG Profondo

Gio water

Articles include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, sea notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani for Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Oz

Read my review: Acqua di Gio

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Acqua di Gio Profondo EDP

Notes include: mandarin, bergamot, lavender, sea notes, rosemary, cypress, lentish, patchouli, musk.

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

Read my Review: AdG Profondo

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Opening

Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is surrounded by a wonderful accord that resembles a sea breeze and a delicate jasmine that begins to emerge at the top.

With the new bottles, I see more jasmine than I remember, but it actually works very well in the composition.

Profondo eau de parfum actually has a similar good start to its competitor. Bergamot is combined with mandarin, instead of a tangerine note.

They are not quite the same, as the Profondo has more of a sea water note, less of a sea breeze feel. Moreover, the article of lentisk with resin plays a big role.

It's a refreshing dip in the sea, rather than a walk on the beach. It will become smooth and slightly creamy, as it wears.

Which one is better? I think the citrus notes in the original are a little better on top. But, the overall experience with Profondo is much more interesting and enjoyable.

Edge: deep

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An estimate

The sillage of Acqua di Gio is now experienced as medium, at the lower end of the range. It was not a beast, but it had more power.

Still, I wasn't completely disappointed by its strength, and I could always see it on my skin.

Profondo is an eau de parfum concentration. It's also not a monster, but it has enough energy to be a summer outfit. It hangs from side to side very well and is just a bit better at projection than the original.

Edge: deep

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Long life

The original Acqua di Gio had better longevity in the past. It's still decent, just a step or two behind what it used to be.

With the latest samples I got from Armani 2021, it can hit the 5-7 hour range. It's near the low end, but I hit 7 sometimes depending on what I'm doing.

Profondo gives me a consistent 7-8 hours. In the past, the original may have gained an edge. Now, it's easy to win in Profondo.

Update: Testing the Profondo again in 2024, it still hits the same mark as it did when it was released, at least for me.

Edge: deep

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Flexibility

Both scents are very versatile. It can cross the age range, enter the nightlife, etc. However, I think the former still has the edge.

The Profondo might be better for the hottest summer days, but I think the AdG is perfect for the cooler parts of the year.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a 'winter cologne', but the floral heart doesn't feel out of place either. Underneath the navy/sea blue feel, she has Profondo.

Limit: Acqua di Gio

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The whole smell

It's been a few years since I gave the classic Acqua di Gio a try. I have to say, I still enjoy the cologne. Given that you can get bottles of it for cheap, I think it's a great value fragrance.

Citrus and floral heart, with a hint of sea breeze. It's still classic and very comfortable to wear.

But, it's not as good as Profondo, overall. Acqua di Gio Profondo is my second favorite from the current line. I give it a slight edge Perfumebut it's even better than the current AdG incarnation.

Smooth and green-ish/green scent. Woody characteristics and sweetness. Some don't like the harshness of Profumo's wind notes, Profondo gives you a middle ground between it and the original AdG.

Update: Profondo eau de parfum has now been followed Lights and A deep perfume. The original EDP is still the best of the Profondo series so far and I still prefer it out of the two.

Winner: serious