Perfumer titan Alberto Morillas was tasked with creating the fresh and inviting Acqua di Gio fragrance collection for Giorgio Armani; he did not disappoint.
With contrasting marine notes, citrus, herbs and woods, the best Acqua di Gio fragrances will keep you feeling fresh, confident and oh-so-stylish.
For my research, I took a trip to Selfridges to test the entire Acqua di Gio collection, and I’ve included my top pick too!
Best Acqua di Gio Fragrances
Fresh and seductive, here is my take on the 5 best Acqua di Gio fragrances that every guy should consider for his scent wardrobe.
1. Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette
Review
A luminous blend, Acqua di Gio Eau de Toilette stands as a Giorgio Armani classic that is marine-fresh, invigorating, and oh-so masculine.
Bursting with a lively concoction of bergamot and green tangerine, it cascades to a heart of marine notes, neroli and jasmine, settling into a patchouli and rosemary embrace. Sheer class.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Neroli, Tangerine
Mid Notes:
Ozonic Marine Notes, Sambac Jasmine Essence, Rock Rose, Persimmon Fruit
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for those radiant summer days. I’d wear it for a casual day out or a Sunday brunch with family.
Performance is refreshing and light; it graces you for about 5+ hours with a modest and inviting projection.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A classic, fresh aquatic scent |
| Cons | Not super long-lasting |
2. Acqua di Giò Eau de Parfum
Review
Acqua di Gio Eau de Parfum weaves a richer narrative, representing an evolved essence of its predecessor.
It still greets you with a citrusy splash of bergamot and marine notes, this time with a heart sage and lavender. I found the lingering warmth of patchouli in the base elevates this scent.
Top Notes:
Marines Notes, Green Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Clary Sage, Lavender, Geranium
Base Notes:
Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
In my book, this is an any-season scent, just right for an afternoon gallery visit or a cosy evening dinner.
It maintains its presence for a commendable 6+ hours, ensuring you’re remembered in every room.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Head-truning fresh marine scent with hidden depths |
| Cons | The sage note is not for everyone |
3. Acqua di Giò Profondo Eau de Parfum
Review
A modern rendition, Acqua di Gio Profondo Eau de Parfum dives deeper into the aquatic realm. If you like Ralph Lauren colognes, then this one is for you.
Azure nuances of aquatic notes meet green mandarin and bergamot at the onset, intertwined with rosemary, lavender, and cypress, concluding with a musky embrace.
Top Notes:
Marines notes, Bergamot, Green Mandarin
Mid Notes:
Rosemary, Lavender, Cypress, Lentisk Absolute
Base Notes:
Mineral Amber, Patchouli, Musk
Seasons & Longevity
The depth of this one makes it apt for any season. Date night or late night, this scent works for any situation.
Its charm persists for about 7+ hours, ensuring a captivating aura throughout.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Sophistocated blend of marine notes and aromatic essences |
| Cons | Maybe too complex for everyday wear |
4. Acqua di Giò Absolu
Review
Acqua di Gio Absolu is a contrasting fusion of fresh marine and comforting woody notes that is an easy reach for any situation.
It begins with a fruity ensemble of bright citrus, delves into a refreshing marine heart, and settles with a woody base of patchouli and warming labdanum.
Top Notes:
Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Marine Notes
Base Notes:
Amber, Labdanum, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
Although versatile enough for any season, this fragrance leans more towards spring and summer to me. Perfect for al fresco lunches or scenic drives.
A resilient performer, it hovers around you for a solid 6+ hours, casting an inviting and robust scent bubble.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Bridges the gap between freshness and warmth |
| Cons | Not as long-lasting as I expected |
5. Acqua di Giò Parfum
Review
The zenith of the collection, the Acqua di Gio parfum edition is a sophisticated narrative of masculinity.
A blast of bergamot and marine notes introduces the fragrance, leading to a heart of sage and rosemary, anchored by incense and patchouli to reel in the compliments.
Top Notes:
Marine Notes, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Clary Sage, Geranium, Rosemary
Base Notes:
Incense, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
I’d reach out for this all year round, whether it’s a fun night out or a corporate meet. Lingers for a whopping 8+ hours, leaving a mesmerising trail.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Deep and intense, yet fresh and invigorating |
| Cons | Excellent performance |
Andrew’s Top Pick
Acqua di Gio Parfum
My top pick is Acqua di Gio Parfum, as it’s fresh, masculine and stylish. Plus, the slight smokiness adds something special. It lasts well, too!
Fragrance Comparison: Acqua di Gio
In a hurry, use my Acqua di Gio as your quick shopping guide.
| No. | Fragrance | Type | Strength | Versatility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette | Citrus marine | Light | Everyday |
| 2 | Acqua di Giò Eau de Parfum | Aromatic, fresh spicy marine | Medium | Everyday, casual, semi-formal |
| 3 | Acqua di Giò Profondo Eau de Parfum | Aromatic marine | Medium to strong | Everyday, casual, semi-formal, formal |
| 4 | Acqua di Giò Absolu | Aromatic woody marine | Strong | Casual, semi-formal, formal |
| 5 | Acqua di Giò Parfum | Aromatic, fresh, spicy marine | Strong | Formal |
Video Guide: Acqua di Gio
Check out Gents Scents super-helpful Acqua di Gio buyers guide.
Conclusion
Navigating through the Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio collection is like taking a leisurely stroll along the shores of the Mediterranean.
Each variant has its unique charm and narrative, and I feel that Alberto Morillas has done Armani proud.
My closing thoughts are that each fragrance shares the same DNA as the Acqua di Gio original yet is different enough to make each scent feel unique.
Also read: 8 Van Cleef & Arpels Fragrances For The Discerning Man
