I just love all that code. In the past the original code was one of my favourite scents and one of the most worn scents of mine. This was a long time ago and I still love it today. Of course there are many better alternatives, especially since the current formula doesn't last very long. Nevertheless always a great alternative. Furthermore, I still own Sport, Colonia and Profumo from this series. The flankers A-List and Absolu are also really good, but I didn't need them in my collection. Reinterpreted for ARMANI CODE ABSOLU, the iconic sleek bottle shrouded in gold is now entirely coated in this precious hue. From the base to the cap embossed with the Giorgio Armani monogram and the emblematic tuxedo cummerbund belt, the bottle is now seen as a symbol of an ever more timeless elegance. This is a great release from Armani and one that I’m going to be wearing a lot of, in the future. That’s saying something, as Armani has been crushing it with their new releases, in the past few years.

It’s got the performance, but with an underlying sophistication. Code Absolu will garner complements and is a sexy type of cologne. I love that aspect, because orange blossom is one of my favorite floral notes. There’s not a lot of it, but just enough to catch my attention. A magnetic oriental-ambery fragrance, structured around tonka bean, Armani Code's signature pillar, is revealed with the sparkling notes of mandarin and green apple, the leathery and spicy notes of the saffron and the modern touch of the woods of cedar and guaiac essence; as the benzoin resin unleashes the nobility of the fragrance.

Grooming.

To my nose, the nutmeg is the strongest at the top, along with tonka bean. This lasts for 5-10 minutes before the suede really comes in. Further along, the vanilla and tonka bean, really assert themselves. Those two notes are going to be the main thrust of Absolu, so one will need to like them, to enjoy this cologne. During this dry down, there is a secondary layer of wood and the suede. The Absolu went too much in the direction of Profumo. Roughly speaking, this one also goes in a similar direction, but with much more spices and iris it took a different path. What you read in the pyramid is what you get here and you can smell many notes very well: You get great fruits like tangerine and a rather tart apple. The heart note is already noticeable at the start: a carotene iris, which is present almost throughout the whole process. This reminds me so easily of La Nuit de L'Homme Intense, which has a similar iris note. Also a strong saffron note sets in very early. A great spice, which fits great to the sweetness. All in all much more spicy than the other flankers. Leather rounds off the spice well and provides style. Elegant blend that always works. Also the Tonka sweetness is to be smelled like most codes over the entire process. The base sounds softly woody. From beginning to end a harmonious creation, which definitely has power. Even if there are many sweet-spicy scents, roughly speaking: This has recognition value and remains in the memory. Is it a versatile wear otherwise? Yes, it is. It can be worn from casual to formal occasions. It will fit well for men of almost any age. I do think that this one, is going to be another superb addition to the nightlife, and it will fit right in at a bar or nightclub.

The suede blending with the other notes, really has more of a leather smell, at times. It’s quite rich and just a fantastic addition to the overall composition. The orange blossom and mandarin note, are still detectable at this point. Overall, do I like Armani Code Absolu? Yes, I really do. I compared it to a few sprays that I had left of Profumo, and I must say, I prefer this new release. They are very similar, so if you have one you won’t need the other, but I think that Absolu is smoother and more refined. Armani Code Absolu Gold is an oriental ambery interpretation of Code Absolu, starring precious ingredients. Created by Antoine Maisondieu, the perfumer who composed Armani Code Absolu, the fragrance opens with sparkling notes of mandarin and green apple accord that guide us towards the sophisticated oriental ambery heart. Unique saffron, leathery and spicy, enhances the carnal dimension of the perfume, leading to an emphatic, textured and ultimately rich olfactory experience. The Armani Code signature ingredient, tonka bean absolute, accompanied by the woods of cedar accord and gaiac essence, add a new modern touch as the benzoin resin unleashes the nobility of the fragrance. A scent of modern self-fulfillment, the olfactory casting of Armani Code Absolu Gold creates a beautiful balance between fresh notes and deeper, powerful ingredients, embodying masculine allure. Reinterpreted for Armani Code Absolu, the iconic sleek bottle shrouded in gold is now entirely coated in this precious hue. Embossed from the base to the cap with the Giorgio Armani monogram and the emblematic tuxedo cummerbund belt, the bottle is a symbol of an evermore timeless elegance worthy of the highest and most prestigious movie awards. Created by perfumer Antoine Maisondieu, who composed ARMANI CODE ABSOLU, the fragrance opens with sparkling notes of mandarin and green apple accord, guiding us towards the heart. An oriental ambery for a premium and sophisticated creation, as a unique saffron accord, leathery and spicy, enhances the carnal dimension of the perfume, leading to an emphatic, textured and ultimately rich olfactory experience. While the tonka bean absolute, Armani Code signature ingredient, accompanied by the woods of cedar accord and gaiac essence add a new modern touch, the benzoin resin unleashes the nobility of the fragrance. The olfactory casting of ARMANI CODE ABSOLU GOLD creates a beautiful balance between fresh notes and deeper, powerful ingredients embodying masculine allure.This is a limited edition of the Flanker Absolu. I had tested it, but I was not convinced to buy it. This edition has much more power and expressiveness. If you want a bottle now, you’d better be prepared to pay up for it. The women’s version still seems to have more bottles available, but the supply of this has evaporated. Discover the scent of seduction, Armani Code Absolu Gold. The magnetic, oriental-ambery scent with notes of iris, saffron and benzoin is a call to seize the moment. The iconic midnight blue turns into an absolute gold to unveil an alluring and elegant reference to the dreams in gold. The bottle is really beautiful and chunky in gold. The same as the Absolu, but all in gold. This fragrance is also very good value for money. About 70 Euro for 110ml. Fair, if you consider this great performance. Seasonally, it also leans colder weather like Profumo, but I think with it smoother profile it can fit right in during the spring or other temperate days. In the heat, not really, but I’ve been wearing it on fairly warm spring nights and have had no issues with Absolu thus far.