Reviews of Armani Code / Black Code (2004)
by Giorgio Armani

Armani Code is a very nice sent. I like how it is masculine without out being imposing, which to me this is the true mark of a classy male fragrance. I do like the dry down better than the opening and I agree with others that the tonka bean is defiantly the dominate note.

I also love the bottle, very cool.

One of my favs, so I'm biased... This cologne just has one particular note that sticks out, lasts long, and smells great. Perfect scent for anytime, last a good 6-8 hours on one spray which always makes me happy, and something I require from a frag. Always keep a bottle of this around.. Similar to A Men to me, somewhat, would consider this A Men light maybe, if you like that scent but find it too strong, you could go with this easily, more wearable and less "offensive" if you're thinking about that..

I have been hearing about this black perfume for long time and 2 days ago i have decided to give it try. opening notes didn't attract me much in fact i couldn't make any judgment because it seemed too faint but after half an hour it turned out to totally different then what i have expected. middle and end notes feel sweet and powdery but not too much. its some thing in between of today's Aquas and masculine evening wear. one of best fragrance for office wear. not offending yet able to make your mark.

the similarity between this and YSL's la nuit de l'homme is uncanny, so much so that the same review more or less fits both. warmth, subtle sweetness, sensuality and a hint of freshness are all combined into a very pleasant concoction that is unlikely to offend anyone. very nice, though possibly undistinguished if not exactly bland.

This fragrance and Acqua Di Gio are my two favorites of Armani. I don't wear this one as casually as AgD, but I wouldn't save this one for only formal events like most people suggest. IMO Its a good fragrance to wear almost anytime.

It has a nice spicy, elegant tone that drys down to a somewhat sweet and slightly floral finish. It is sort of an oriental fragrance, but I wouldn't say that it is a typical oriental. Its a hybrid. Event though it's technically classified as an oriental fragrance, I think of it as sort of a gourmand as well. It's pleasant in many ways.
It is also a simple fragrance in that the drydown isn't composed of a lot of notes. I smell the lemon when I first apply it, then the olive flower lingers for around an hour or so, then the rest is the tonka and guiac. Simple...and remember that a lot of the time you just got to "keep it simple stupid."

This one lasts about 4-6 hours on my skin. Makes a good fragrance to wear to work (if you put a little on), and great to wear out to the club or formal events (put a little more on). I can pick this out of a crowd of people now, and smell it more and more wherever I go. Its getting that popularity that Armani usually gets because of AdG. Wish it wasn't so, but oh well.

The gals dig it so I dig it. I'm more of a vetiver type of guy but the creamy, smoky anise quality of Code is fairly novel. It is a solid scent that doesn't take chances. It is a safe bet.

I thought this one would be a tad of a letdown after what I've read, but actually, it's pretty good. It's straightforward, but there's something special about it.

Best fragrance ever smelled! Nothing compares to it. A bit expensive though. Wish it to be a bit more strong, but still very very nice and perfectly balanced. A fragrance for humanity.

Big thums up. There are so many great scents out there and this is one. To me it doesn't have an edge, a scent eveyone can like. I like the smell of tonka tonka tonka so it fits me well.

Confident, enduring, the essence of virility. This scent combines the traditional musk of men's cologne with the earthy bloom of a Yankee's Candle. It exudes success in the world and in the home. Scientifically formulated to make other men cower in your cocksure emanation. Women will be unwittingly attracted to the intangible Armani label.

Armani Code is a very nice fragrance. It's a burst of lemon and spices at first spritz. THen as it mellows out the tonka bean flows through. Women love the scent. It's a very addictive scent that will make you keep smelling your wrists!!! A compliment getter but I can't say so for myself!!

A classy, discreet comfort scent of some distinction. This modern scent well deserves its popularity.

Very sharp and the alcohol is a bit overpowering when you first spray it on. I smell lemon, and then more complex woody fragrances develop.

overall its very good it is a dark sexy fragrance and it lasts a long time so you dont have to worry about that its dark but not strong.
go out and buy it or at least try it.

Love it. Works with my body chemistry incredibly well. The tonka bean blends very well with the guiac, and the bergamot and lemon combination is instantly recognizable. Always getting complimented on this.

Keep it for the night, though. Definitely not for daytime.

Bought 100ml of this and loved it. Then got 50ml for a birthday present. Very sexy fragrance the women love. Always kept the 50ml in my car to re-apply, the smell never went bad even after 3 months in my centre console.
Just got 100ml of By by Dolce Gabbana, smells very similar, must be the guiac wood note. Because By is a classic fragrance and very expensive, i'm definately buying Black code when my By runs out. This is Great Shtuff!

Fresh, warm, seductive—there is just something special about Armani Code; so special, in fact, that this became my second signature fragrance (the first one being Joop! Homme). Elegant and classy (and not just the smell; the bottle is very stylish too), this is, in my opinion, the best Armani men's fragrance ever and a masterpiece among men's fragrances in general.

Although I have had reservations about paying the high price any Giorgio Armani fragrance attracts, not so Code; it is worth every cent.

It is good. I was expecting much much more. But it is good. Oriental, spicy, not atrocious. Nothing spectacular. Will have it one day, but it's just not high on my list right now.

Hello everyone, I don't know why I'm writing this. I would say, I'm a cologne freak, well anyway, about Armani Code, this is one of the best cologne I have ever had. My sister bought this for my marriage, ever since I always wear this. This will last a long time and stays there the whole day.

interesting fragrance. i was worried it was going to smell like play-doh on me, but thats not the case. i own it, and i intend on buying it again. this and polo double black are some of the best cheaper variety black scents out there.

Actuall the only Armani scent I like right now. Smells linear, but not to connotate it with smelling bad. Definately not a high-school kids cologne. Scent-wise, for 'my' liking, its not my favorite. It is leathery subtly-sharps-spicy scent. Works very well with night-time attire, or go figure...... black (dark) clothing. Very much an evening wear.
But some how, women around here LOVE it. So I guess I cant complain about it too much.
Its a definite buy.

Incredible fragance !!

Simply great !!

I never had a cologne that got so many compliments this fast, until I bought Armani Code. Honestly, I can't figure how they came up with a scent that just pleases girls... I mean, that's pure science.

Absolute thumbs up!

Armani Code is a great nighttime scent for me!! It is an elegant and contemporary scent to wear. It is soft and powdery, yet has an edgy dry down as well!! Seductive, mysterious and warm describes the scent to me

Armani Code.I received a bottle from my daughter for xmas,I think she heard me speaking about it.I have heard so much good things about it and I wasn't dissapointed.Dark,warm,mysterious,sexy,these words have already been used to describe this scent and I totally agree.I love it.

Great Cologne I've been wanting this one for awhile but never bought it cause its way too popular, but for Christmas I got 2 bottles go figure. This cologne smells great and last allllllllll day so be ready to make a commitment when spraying. My girlfriend said it smells like Bvlgari black but its much stronger than Bvlgari. I'd say everyone must own this one cause the ladies love it so much.

I friend of mine once owned this. I now have a sample. I must say that I like it. It's one of those scents where you can complain all you like about how its linear, it isn't terribly unexpected, it doesn't have a standout ingredient, etc. But...it smells great. Wonderful. You have to give it that. It doesn't last long and it doesn't have astounding projection, but while its there, it is outstanding. Nose glued to wrist.

I don't hold its lack of complexity against Armani. This is a designer scent. It is meant to smell great and appeal to the masses. It does both of those things, and manages not to make a mockery of itself in the process. I say bravo to Armani on this one!

When I smelled this a few years ago I thought, Ehh, not quite, but smelled again when my roomate on a cruise sprayed it on, I thought, "Man!!...What's that, he told me and I asked where'd he buy it, and said I could buy it at the shop where they were selling jewlery, watches, and Tuxedos for rental. I missed out cause somebody bought the last one. But when I got back to ATL, I bought quite a few I had on my list, including this one...............NICE!!!!!!!!

This is a marvelous scent. I tried it for the first time in 2005 and fell in love instantly. It was my signature scent for 3 years, and I bought this 5 times in a row. Even now i'm wearing scents that are very similar to Code. Its dark and warm, mysterious and very sexy and attractive. Kind of powdery but I like that.

What a sensual, unique beauty this fragrance possesses! Easily my second favorite Armani offering, right behind the original Eau Pour Homme (1984). The olive flower note is very calming, and merges deftly with the woody base notes. It is a departure from Armani's previous offerings (particularly the Emporio Armani fragrances) as it is classified as a woody-oriental, but this is in no way a bad thing. Wearing this, one can expect to receive many compliments indeed. Longevity is quite strong for me; 3 or 4 sprays last close to 12 hours! Also, some reviewers have expressed that this fragrance is more of a formal evening scent, but I find it versatile enough to wear in any occasion!!

This is a terribly pleasant fragrance, with a citrus and anise opening that moves toward a tonka close. There also seems to be a sweet powdery thing going on. The whole thing just oozes class.

I'm not exactly sure when the right time to wear this would be, as I haven't analyzed it past the sample and to be honest, I haven't even given it much thought. The reason is because I could never buy this. Armani has become the go-to designer recently, and I'm searching high and low for either niche fragrances or "sleeper" fragrances in an effort to stay unique.

If Creed, Malle, or Montale made this I'm sure I'd already have a bottle...
this fact alone makes me feel like a crazy person in need of professional help.

A nice, intensely elegant musk with very formal and somewhat powdery dry-down hinting at vanilla, citrus rind, black tea. It is of medium sweetness. Limited silage and medium.

I absolutely love this fragrance. I haven't come across anything that smells quite like Code, as it's quite unique IMO. When sprayed, I get this dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, dark coffee mixture. Once dry down occurs and everything settles in, this scent really sweetens up and just smells wonderful. SEXY!

Oh I love this beauty. Sweet floral opening with citrus notes and base notes are a wonderful blend of spices. Infact its spicy base notes make me warm and lay a soothing effect on me. Although its longevity is good but has low Sillage. It is very good at night times (at cool and calm places) and I use it for special occeasions....Thumbs Up for this one

A very long lasting and well blended perfume. The scent is smooth, fresh, somewhat clean and at the same time smoky-spicy. People around love it!

This scent reminds me of one thing - Chicago. The same goes for Mania. Everytime I am in that city I smell this EVERYWHERE and I love it, albeit, it still disturbs me. In any event, it is a very refined scent and one I particularly enjoy on others. Good for all occasions and an overall safe choice for those not wanting to shake things up more than a stir. The minty-olive notes are especially nice and the woodsy powder of the base is done rather well, but I prefer Emporio Night He over this any time, anywhere, period. Still a thumbs up.

it is what it is. the number 3 or 4 club scent behind JPG,ADG, and allure. very sweet but not dark. i bought 2 bottles so.........

Decent Armani; they all tend to smell synthetic and well... fake. Not very good sillage but it does smell nice. I'd say this is on the verge of a gourmand but there are no food notes. I get a hint of coffee then a powdery wood then it's all the sweetness of tonka bean. I recommend it for semi-formal evening wear.

I'm not an expert, I just love this scent.

It's my nighttime/formal scent. It lasts very long on me.

It just smells a little strong/heavy for me to wear to work.

I smelled this and liked it on someone else and will try it on me. It was slightly spicy but since it was early morning it was probably the middle notes I was smelling which were pleasant. Sorta can't wait to see if I can wear this since I don't wear some fragrances I like on others well.

This is a wonderful fragrance I don't have any complaints last up to 8hrs on me gets me tons of compliments this is sure to stay in my collection with a back up in the waiting a definite thumbs up.

A very nice oriental scent. The citrus opening is not at all acrid like in many other fragrances, but very soft and pleasant. The warmth of the fragrance kicks in immediately, giving it a sensual allure. The mid notes become spicier (a characteristic of many Armani perfumes), but not over the top, so that the olive flower remains very noticeable. The blend of the ingredients is just right, making it one of the best Armani fragrances.

Everyone loves smelling Code on me except me.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it is bad but I mainly pick up a "medicinal" background throughout that turns me off.

With that said every woman loves this on me and I therefor wear it and pretty much have to give it a thumbs up just for the female attention factor.

Good stuff, very cedary and a bit bitter. Similar to Burberry Brit...too similar to rock them both in a collection. Also similar to Givenchy ph and Givenchy Blue Label. They all dry down to that manly cedary goodness. Can't go wrong with this though, as Armani does very well with sillage and longevity. Good stuff.

I have the mini. While I like the scent a lot, it doesn't last. Also, my female friends are split slightly in favor or 'no big deal'.
I would agree with the fellow who said it is a safe, but decent, choice.

It doesn't smell much oriental to me.. Actually, it reminds me more of mediterranean, bit of oil, flowers and wood (olive flower, huh?). The scent is, IMHO, very beautiful, attractive, sensual but also very straightforward, without any development, surprise and mystique in my nose, which I like about A*Men or Very Irresistible. 4 out of 5.

This is a very safe choice, highly wearable in any situation. Probably won't fetch the most compliments, but won't offend anyone either. The dry down is wonderfull. One of the few fragrances I will ALWAYS have in my collection.

I have a COLLECTORS MUST OWN list (male) with one of the major criterion being that the fragrance be truly unique, and Armani Code is on that list. It is SO VERY intriguing and sensual, dry and dusty, yet sweet and insensy.

The first blast is like inhaling a molecule cloud, or like watching a snow channel on TV: spice, sour citrus, insense, powder and more, all scrambling to find their place. What is so ABSOLUTELY fantastic about this fragrance is that on me, I smell a slight hint of warm, salty, sweat, almost cumin like, that blends INTOXICATINGLY with the sweeter oriental side of the composition. I get this from the VERY beginning (I assume it stems from the gaiac wood's warm/salt and sharpness of the citrus). In NO WAY is this a foul odor. On the contrary, it adds to the amazing mysterious darkness of this fascinating fragrance.

This is a VERY itriguing, extremely sensual fragrance that somehow seems to tap into and enhance the rawness of a man's personal, natural scent. I simply can't get enough. And if you love this I strongly suggest Lanvin Arpege pour Homme.

I cant see someone disliking this. I am wearing it right now, and it is amazing. The top, middle, and base notes blend together incredibly, and this smooth fresh fragrance is ADDICTING!!!
Longetivity = 10+ Hours

A MUST have!!!

Armani code is my favorite...period. I tried it once at Von Maur and loved it. I only have a couple of others, but Armani is by far my best. I love its smell after a couple of hours, its great. I bought the 4.2oz from Macy's, as they were the only store who carried it in that size.

A definate two thumbs up, as it's the only scent that makes me weak at the knees. I can see how people might not like the opening notes, however, it fades so quickly it's almost not worth mentioning. I found it easy to handle during the time it took to develop into the warmer, wood notes.

The rest can only be described as pure sophistication, warm, and comforting. Although its described as an evening scent, it's appropriate for the workplace.

It's not an overpowering scent; you would have to be within a reasonable distance of the person to smell it, but when you do, you end up moving closer to keep catching a hint of it.

Along with Aqcua Di Gio Pour Homme, Armani Code Pour Homme is another great fragrance by Giorgio Armani. Like Aqcua Di Gio, it's top notes contain an intensely fresh citrus aroma and it's base notes are clean and woodsy, but, Aqcua Di Gio is more of a daytime fragrance and Armani Code is more of a nighttime fragrance (It's a darker/heavier scent), in my opinion. Aqcua Di Gio is more for the beach (oversized sweater and lightwash jeans) and Armani Code is more for the city/streets (black leather motorcycle jacket or 5-piece suit). It's a beautiful fragrance, but, you either love it or you hate it. I love it!

Having had the chance to wear the fragrance 2x. Here are my thoughts. First I think this thing has a rather annoying opening. It's not bad it's just so boring and played out. It smells like orange cleaner. However the key is in the dry down. Once the olive and tonka/wood come out this thing becomes a new fragrance. It has good sillage. It isn't over bearing but it will give just a hint to anyone close by. I love that effect. Love the drydown and squeezed at least a good 7 or 8 hours out of this one.

This one is difficult for me to wear. I cannot stand the top notes, it smells almost like body odor to me, but once that goes it is incredible. I absolutely love this in cooler weather, I just wish the opening wasn't so harsh.

This is a another good fragrance from Armani. I think they have succeded in making a pleasantly heavy scent perfect for both festive evenings and formal occasions.

A bit too pricy but I don't agree that it is short lived. On me it has medioker longevity.

Try it out if you haven't!

I just bought this last week. The initial burst has an almost nausea-inducing peppery note similar to Cartier Declaration, but this passes quickly. What is left is a warm woodsy drydown with a hint of sweet candy. The pepper is still there, but much more subdued. I think this is a modern masculine classy frag appropriate for day/night and formal/casual wear (at least in cooler months). Sillage and longevity are both low on me - maybe 4-5 hours tops. But this one is really growing on me.

I liked this scent more than I wanted to. I thought it was going to be yet another soft masculine frag with peppery notes and some vanilla and/or woods at the base, but found it to be much more complex than what it states and I liked that.
The pyramid seems very simple, but the real deal is that the layers are more than that, and it shows…the nicest part of the whole thing was the drydown, wih resinous, smoky woods that combined with the surprisingly long lasting top and mid notes, develop in a very rich scent. This one is far better than the mis-step that was Mania.
Some women have said to me that it was “yummy” and masculine and that the drydown was way better than the top notes. I am a fan of bergamot and the top has lots of it and that makes me happy. I got “new refinement”, luster and class.

This is a great smell. It is great for the young crowd also. You can get away with wearing this everyday because it is not overpowering. it sort of blends in in a good way.

This is perfect for those of us who like classic fragrances, but don't feel old enough to wear them everyday. Most of my young lady friends adore this fragrance - but it doesn't appear overworn by the un-fragrance educated masses. It's great for a day at the mall, or for everyday at work. My wife loves this on me. It opens tart and woody and has good sillage and longevity. Absolutely unoffensive and very pleasant. Its as close as you can get to the Armani Private Collection (Which I highly recommend any true fragrance Connoisseur own) without spending $150 an ounce. As far as mass market fragrances go - this one gets a thumbs up. Warm and woody - but still feels fresh and clean from top to bottom.

Come on people.. this scent is fantastic! Meander through any smokefilled club and you WILL turn the heads of more than a few young women with this blast of sweetness. It reminds me of the root beer candies I used to get in my pillowcase on halloween. Add a 1/4 tsp of vanilla and bam! you've got a dozen chicks licking your neck. Great stuff, powerful sillage. Grand slam Georgio.

Very nice fall scent very masculine and lasts throughout the day. A must have for any Armani fan

Right now one of my top five. As with Chanel Allure, it gives a great mix and balance of citrus and wood notes. Transition from opening citrus to wood/tonka Drydown works. Hard to be disappointed with this one. Simplicity of note structure works great. Very likeable, especially if you prefer oriental spice scents.

I'm in agreement with nearfantastica's review - especially that Armani Code is a 'James Bond' scent! I bought this for my husband and when he wears it...I turn to putty! It's slightly fresh and not too "perfumey". Manly!
I think the tonka in the base keeps it close and sexy. Also purchased the deodorant which he likes very much. Thumbs up for sure!

Armani Code is fresh, masculine, elegant & sexy. differnt from Acqua Di Gio & Armani Mania.
AC similarity to Very Irrésistible & Dior Homme. AC & four unisex collections is best fragrances by Giorgio Armani.
enjoy!

A simple scent that is masculine and modern.

Wow.. sexy sexy sexy scent! The tonka base helps to create a drydown that is truly mysterios and oriental. The black bottle suits the mood of this fragrance perfectly. Though a fairly light fragrance by oriental standards, I would not consider this a scent to wear in overly casual situations.. the seemless blend of florals, sweetness and slight woods.. make this choice great for office, formal.. or romantic situations. I would consider this.. a James Bond scent.

Great for the evening out, smells great the entire time. The drydown remains with me a long time. Still isn't so popular that everyone in the club is wearing it yet. Enjoy!

Very unique scent in my opinion. This is what i wear out in the evenings.

great stuff...seems to be getting really popular lately, even though its very different from Acqua Di Gio

A real slick fragrance that has some spice to it on me, like a spicier version of Chanel Allure, Black Code doesn't really develop into anything but the scent is on point just the way it is, some say Black Code and Brit share alot but i own both and don't really see it, if you like Tonka bean don't pass this up

Good stuff! However, I will admit that the top notes (initial burst) turned me off to this fragrance immediately. Once given time to settle onto the skin, the fragrance slowly unfolds very nicely. This one also lasted a good eight hours on me.

I really dont know what it is about this cologne, but dear god this one has a great unique smell, that's strong, masculine and very sexy!

One of my favorite colonges. Masculine. Clean fresh, just like you stepped out of the shower. Wear this to the club.

I like this scent. It isn't super citrus like smelling and its more of a soft smell, and its not like some where it feels like an icepick is being shoved up your nose. It lasts for a very long time as I've worn it all day and still heard comments at the end of the night. My Girlfriend absolutely loves it.

It's a nice oriental, but sometimes it's too light. It's most suitable for intimate occassions when you're up close and personal because it stays rather close to the skin. It's not one to turn heads because it lacks in the sillage department. I'm among those who complain about its longevity. It doesn't last long for me, which is a major issue because most oriental scents get me through the day. It's a nice scent and good for those who want something along the lines of Le Male, but without the atomic strength.

I love this fragrance, a good substitute for my signature Mania Man. Problem is it doesn't last 10 minutes on me so I have to spray it like crazy to get the same staying power(sillage) and strength as Mania Man. So I have to spray at least 6 times, 2 on my neck, 2 on my arms, and 2 on my body. Delicious dry down, girls love it, but not as much as they love Mania Man. It could be great if Armani could make it much stronger(maybe in Extreme edition?) and maybe add a littel amber or white musk on the dry down?

I ADD A THUMBS UP TO THIS GREAT, ARMANI SCENT! Joshaugustt

It's wonderful!!! This is the first oriental flavor of Armani. If you are the one who very much like manly fragrance, you should not omit it!!!

Shares similar notes to Miracle Homme, except I find Black Code to have a heady floral note that is quite prominent (must be the olive flower). Fresh and floral yet sophisticate and masculine.

I wear this scent during the day and it lasts until my late night evening engagements. Although the dry down remindes me of soap and that "out of the shower scent" that has been so overwrought and emulated by many other perfumes, Black Code towers above the competition. This fragrance is definitly one of my fav this year

Genius scent, showing the house of Armani at its best with its understatement and elegance. This is another one of my husband's signature fragrances that I take out for a spin now and then as it's so unique. It's not a big statement-maker of a fragrance; if anything, it reminds me of how water fresh from a cold-running mountain stream might smell (yes, moreso than Silver Mountain Water does - sorry Creed!) if such a thing actually had a scent. It's got a light efferevescent snap from the citrus, a very light almost-sweetness from the olive flower and tonka. I don't find it masculine with a capital "M", which is part of its charm; it's discreet and sleek, much like the cut of an Armani jacket. One of the best fragrances the house of Armani has done in ages, in my opinion. And the bottle design is perfect, so much improved over some of the Armani packaging of yore.

Wonderful - a skin musk accord blended with a creamy floral and powdery woods. Intoxicating and surprising. A classic is born.

Black Code is great for Sunday wear or more formal events. I suppose that you could pull it off for everyday, but I would rather have something different for daily wear. If you can only have one fragrance this probably isn't the one, but if have several and need something more formal/evening like then this would be a great addition.

Not exactly the best cologne I've ever tried, but it works well for everday use. Can't go wrong...

I love Black Code, the only problem is that it does not last very long on my skin. I have only worn Black Code out a few times but already I have recieved a few compliments from the ladies.

definately a sunday go to meeting bottle, elegant indeed!!!!!!1

A well made fragrance. Gets your attention easily and gets lots of compliments. You can wear it in every occasion. I wish they start to sell Black Code in Turkey quickly. Very long lasting and gets attention whole day. I loved the olive notes much. Well balanced and very well made fragrance. Recommended.

I don't know why only Yvan has given a comment to this great fragrance. But he is right. It's very sophisticated and warm.

This fragrance is in the top four in my collection. I like it very much for work. I still go with my creed scents for special occasions, but this works very well for every day in the cooler months.