Unbound for Men (2002)
by Halston

I guess I'm breaking the trend of all positives reviews. This is a tricky one. It's almost pleasant, but it's not. The melon, tomato leaf and pepper together is almost stomach turning, and it smells rather cheap. I guess it's not bad for the money, but I am not fond of it.

I happen to love Acqua di Gio, despite the fact that I smell like everyone else (I don't know anyone else that wears it). the cedary basenotes always take me by surprise (I often wonder who smells so good - oh, it's me!). AdG also reminds me of being a child and sneaking/rummaging through my parents drawers, smelling the cedar blocks in there. Finally, AdG has been a constant dependable fragrance for the office, which is close quarters. So, when a fellow BNer recommended Unbound to me, since it was apparently an AdG clone at a fraction of the cost, I decided to try it, especially after looking at 17 positive reviews and nothing else.

I will agree with Sunsetspawn: "just take AdG and turn the citrus and white musk down a bit...add some watermelon and a hint of a floral scent...Almost di Gio. However, I will disagree with all other 17 positive reviews so far and say that this is close but definitely no cigar. The topnotes to me were almost identical with Unbound being a little sweeter (probably the blackcurrant) and sharper than AdG. I started to tell the difference in the middle notes, which were soapier, like a dryer sheet fabric softener in the Unbound but brighter than AdG, yet still not as smoothed out. The middle notes in Unbound are more floral, sweeter while AdG retains marine notes. The difference was slight but obvious. But the drydown disappeared in a hurry, at least it did on me. I tried them both, side by side, today, and right now Unbound seems tired, almost vinegary, while AdG is still strong, with a comfortable, warm woody cedar smell. It's just what I like at the end of the work day.

I can say this, though: I purchased a bottle of Unbound for only $12, and therein lies the difference. This is only my first time trying Unbound and so will give it several more goes before I give it away but for me, Acqua di Gio is far superior. If you like AdG, stick with it, it's been the best selling fragrance for men for the past six years...for a reason.

I have never tried Acqua di Gio or 360 Red, but I agree that is a nice, pleasant everyday scent. The melon is easily discernible and is overall a fresh, light fragrance. It's also available at a much lower price than ADG, or 360 Red as a matter of fact!

I give this one 5 stars. One of the best out there in this whole marine thing and I've got a soft spot for aquatics. I think they smell great but this one is particularly nice. It's not sweet, not at all. It's very fruity and bitterly green up top. That's the melon and tomato leaves. My nose isn't complex enough to get through the myriad of notes in the middle but I get some marine feel and woods later. Very much a staple in my wardrobe. Wonderful stuff!

Picked up a bottle of this from Amazon.com dirt cheap. Man oh man. I've got to agree with the previous reviewers that this is AdG done correctly. If you like that monstrosity, you'll absolutely love this. It seems to last forever and ever on my skin.

What can I say about this? Take ADG and turn the citrus and white musk down a bit. Now add some watermelon and a hint of a floral scent.
Viola, you have Almost di Gio


Seriously, if you love your ADG but don't want to smell like other people, this is the one to get!