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New Fragrance: Armani Code Ultimate

post #1 of 79
7/16/12 at 2:31pm
Thread Starter 
From fragrantica.com:

Amani prepared the launch of a new men's fragrance from the Code line for fall 2012, which bears the name of Armani Code Ultimate. The new edition aims to be more intense, sensual and luxurious than its predecessor.

The composition is signed by Antoine Maisondieu of Givaudan. Fresh and energetic cocktail of grapefruit, mandarin and star anise welcomes you at the opening. Cedar, cypress and olive blossom in the heart and are accentuated with heliotrope accords. The base notes include guaiac wood, tonka bean and vanilla.

The fragrance is available as 50 and 75 ml Eau de Toilette.

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post #2 of 79
7/16/12 at 2:55pm
How many is this now?

Armani Code
Armani Code Summer
Armani Code Sport
Armani Code Sport Athlete
Armani Code Ultimate

3 of those in the past couple of years as well.
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post #3 of 79
7/16/12 at 3:01pm
I love the original code and feel it has more than enough projection and longevity. "More intense" actually sounds a little scary to me .. but I will try it.
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post #4 of 79
7/16/12 at 3:03pm
Will also try it when I cross paths with it.
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post #5 of 79
7/16/12 at 3:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall Flagg View Post

How many is this now?

Armani Code
Armani Code Summer
Armani Code Sport
Armani Code Sport Athlete
Armani Code Ultimate

3 of those in the past couple of years as well.

Yeah, let's hope they are serious with "ultimate". :-)
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post #6 of 79
7/16/12 at 3:17pm
Kind of interested to try this out
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post #7 of 79
7/16/12 at 3:36pm
Pass...
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post #8 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:05pm
^^^^ What alfarom said.
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post #9 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:11pm
We all know nothing intense every comes from Armani. Look at the Aqua Di Gio Essenza and that was considered an intense parfume!
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post #10 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:17pm
I'll pass and just wait for Armani Black Code Ultimate Summer Sport.
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post #11 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

Pass...

Is there room in that crowded elevator for me?
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post #12 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:43pm
Proceed with Caution grasshopper.
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post #13 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andylama View Post

Is there room in that crowded elevator for me?

Im getting on too. Hopefully Keanu Reeves will save us if we start to fall to our doom.
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post #14 of 79
7/16/12 at 4:55pm
Well, I wanna try it! Armani Code, more intense? I am totally down for that! Bring it on! And yes, what Candide said, I hope they are serious with 'ultimate'!
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post #15 of 79
7/16/12 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alfarom View Post

Pass...

This ^^
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post #16 of 79
7/16/12 at 5:36pm
I will try. All the code flankers have been underwhelming thus far though, so it's not promising. However, I have to say that from that notes list I can't help but getting a bit excited - star anis, cypress, guaiac wood and tonka bean! A bit scared of the heliotrope and vanilla though.. I have a feeling this one may turn out to be too sweet.
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post #17 of 79
7/16/12 at 5:47pm
The rest of the Armani Code's have worked great for me. Can't wait to try this one.
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post #18 of 79
7/16/12 at 5:56pm
Can't wait to sample.....Gary
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post #19 of 79
7/16/12 at 5:59pm
I would only trythis because of heliotrope!
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post #20 of 79
7/16/12 at 6:05pm
Wax on wax off
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post #21 of 79
7/16/12 at 6:22pm
I would like to sample, the original smells good in my opinion, mediocre but good.
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post #22 of 79
7/16/12 at 6:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall Flagg View Post

How many is this now?

Armani Code
Armani Code Summer
Armani Code Sport
Armani Code Sport Athlete
Armani Code Ultimate

3 of those in the past couple of years as well.

I've actually been confusing them on the counter at Macy's. I think there were 3 kinds together just recently.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ziffy321 View Post

I love the original code and feel it has more than enough projection and longevity. "More intense" actually sounds a little scary to me .. but I will try it.

Makes me wonder if this is just "EDP without using the deadly 'parfum' word that gives men cooties".

Quote:
Originally Posted by Candide View Post

Yeah, let's hope they are serious with "ultimate". :-)

LOL! Of course, they would never deceive us about such a thing. Never!

Quote:
Originally Posted by andylama View Post

Is there room in that crowded elevator for me?

Going......DOWN.......

Quote:
Originally Posted by senore01 View Post

Proceed with Caution grasshopper.

LOL!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamwires View Post

Im getting on too. Hopefully Keanu Reeves will save us if we start to fall to our doom.

Doom is right. I'm such a chump for these guys. "OMG! Slightly more guaiac wood! BUY!!!"
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post #23 of 79
7/16/12 at 6:34pm
I heard the final and best Code flanker will be called Armani Code Emporio Diamonds Emeralds Rubies Gold Platinum Profit Margin Tax Shelter Remix Intense for Him, so I'm just going to wait for that one, if this rumor is true.
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post #24 of 79
7/16/12 at 7:48pm
Thing is, Maisondeau is an awesome perfumer (Hinoki, 7 de Loewe, Burberry London, Monocle Laurel, some Etat's...). And the original Code + Heliotrope? That does sound good. More mens scents with heliotrope is a good thing, and I'm surprised to see many of the veterans knocking this so soon. Armani may tend to play it safe, but most of their scents are damn polished, and, quite simply, damn pleasant.
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post #25 of 79
7/16/12 at 7:55pm
The only good designer that's been made as of late is Spicebomb, the rest have been garbage. I'm not writing this off but when I try it I won't have high hopes.
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post #26 of 79
7/16/12 at 8:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Thing is, Maisondeau is an awesome perfumer (Hinoki, 7 de Loewe, Burberry London, Monocle Laurel, some Etat's...). And the original Code + Heliotrope? That does sound good. More mens scents with heliotrope is a good thing, and I'm surprised to see many of the veterans knocking this so soon. Armani may tend to play it safe, but most of their scents are damn polished, and, quite simply, damn pleasant.

Do you know who reworked it for the Sport flanker? I'm really starting to fall for that one. All the other Sport flankers this year are so anemic, but that one actually has some decent projection and a very pleasant, powdery citrus accord.
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post #27 of 79
7/16/12 at 11:10pm
Hey RP,

Jacques Cavallier signed his name to sport. I revisited that not too long ago and whatever chemical bothered me before no longer does. It's actually a pretty interesting scent and I'm going to have to get myself a sample one of these days.
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post #28 of 79
7/16/12 at 11:55pm
will check it out, but not expecting much from it
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post #29 of 79
7/17/12 at 12:08am
I look forward to giving this a test run! Love the original!
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post #30 of 79
7/17/12 at 4:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Thing is, Maisondeau is an awesome perfumer (Hinoki, 7 de Loewe, Burberry London, Monocle Laurel, some Etat's...). And the original Code + Heliotrope? That does sound good. More mens scents with heliotrope is a good thing, and I'm surprised to see many of the veterans knocking this so soon. Armani may tend to play it safe, but most of their scents are damn polished, and, quite simply, damn pleasant.

Agree! I enjoy most of their offerings and wear and enjoy the much hated on Mania quite often...well done cedar and musk perfect for button down and work.
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post #31 of 79
7/17/12 at 4:32am
Looking forward to try this.
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post #32 of 79
7/17/12 at 5:06am
Armani Code/Black Code by Giorgio Armani left much to be desired relative to its longevity and projection. Have to see if that is still the case.

Thanks for the heads up.
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post #33 of 79
7/17/12 at 12:02pm
I'd bet my 2 cents on that "Ultimate" is new marketing trend like "fresh", "sport", "blue" and "black" a while before.
I'm really looking forward to take a sniff of Dior Homme Limitless, Gucci Guilty For A Lifetime, CK Eternity Is Not Enough For Men etc.
Quote:
Armani Code Emporio Diamonds Emeralds Rubies Gold Platinum Profit Margin Tax Shelter Remix Intense for Him

Good one, Bigsly
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post #34 of 79
7/17/12 at 1:01pm
I never understood Armani Code's popularity in the first place. I was testing fragrances with my roommate and he said that Code smelled like furniture polish to him..as for me, I never liked the smell my self..dried soda on a rug mixed with a cheap body wash.
Ultimate though sounds interesting so i will give it a try.
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post #35 of 79
7/17/12 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Hey RP,

Jacques Cavallier signed his name to sport. I revisited that not too long ago and whatever chemical bothered me before no longer does. It's actually a pretty interesting scent and I'm going to have to get myself a sample one of these days.

Thanks, SOS!

That's a dependable name for me. And - strangely - what happened to you happened to me. When it first hit the counters, I was not even impressed. Minor annoyance was all - it merely validated the original for me. But when I smelled it this year - BAM - lovin' it. Makes me wonder if they did a quickie fix when it came back out this summer. There's a lot more latitude to do that on yearly summer scents, but maybe it applies to sports, too. It's not like the vintage-loving noses are going to notice......
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post #36 of 79
7/17/12 at 3:31pm
I am interested. Armani Code is somewhere deep down on my "to buy" list. Maybe if this flanker does a better job, I might get this one instead.
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post #37 of 79
7/17/12 at 4:19pm
Just for the record: Maisondeau, who is doing this flanker, was also responsible for the original, although for the original he collaborated with Antoine Lie.
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post #38 of 79
7/17/12 at 4:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mt219 View Post

will check it out, but not expecting much from it

Same here
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post #39 of 79
7/19/12 at 10:01am
I occasionally wear Code (mine is the original "Black Code" bottle). Judging from the comparison of notes, I think Ultimate might be slightly fruitier but lighter than Code. I do find a certain heaviness to Code, especially an hour or more in, but the addition or emphasis of grapefruit and mandarin (rather than the former bergamot and lemon) might lend a "rounder" fruit note, while the cypress might give it a more arid green wood note. Just my take...I guess we'll see.
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post #40 of 79
7/19/12 at 11:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Just for the record: Maisondeau, who is doing this flanker, was also responsible for the original, although for the original he collaborated with Antoine Lie.

Maisondeau also had his fingers, (nose) in the fabulous Burberry London. There could be hope!
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post #41 of 79
7/19/12 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

I'm surprised to see many of the veterans knocking this so soon.

Seriously?

I was reading a 3 page thread the other day, and nearly half the posts were knocking THE NAME of a "soon-to-be-released" fragrance! THE NAME!

I was also at another online fragrance community yesterday and they had 5 "Dislikes" for the new Tom Ford Noir - a fragrance that hasn't even been released yet!

So no....nothing that people write or attitude that they express in these online fragrance communities surprises me much these days......
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post #42 of 79
7/20/12 at 4:25pm
Just got a preview of the ads for this and it says " a stronger more sensual version of Armani code man with increased leather notes". I'm not seeing the leather, or is that in the guaiac wood? Prices are $84 for the 2.5 oz and $66 for the 1.7 oz
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post #43 of 79
7/20/12 at 6:20pm
Guaiac wood is indeed often used as a leathery note (it is smoky/creamy/woody) and also often augments tea notes, and rose notes.
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post #44 of 79
7/20/12 at 8:10pm
Look forward to trying this one out. I never thought the original was long lasting enough. Or, it wore too close to the skin after a couple of hours. Hope this one is better.
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post #45 of 79
7/20/12 at 8:21pm
The more I think about this scent, the more I get excited. Going for a grapefruit/orange angle instead of the lemon will indeed make it a bit more sensual. I hope they ramp up the guaiac/leather notes to offset the added sweetness (and sensuality) of heliotrope. A smoky heliotrope/guaiac/vanilla base would be awesome. I can't wait to see how the olive blossom (which is an awesome floral note and probably the key element that made the original so nice) pairs with the heliotrope.

The only problem the original had, imo, was a tad too much tonka - or at least not enough woods to balance it out. I really hope they get the balance right on this, because I've never seen heliotrope AND guaiac wood (two of my favorite notes, ever) in the same scent before.
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post #46 of 79
7/26/12 at 4:12pm
Just got this in the store today. As advertised it is code with some leather. It's not a high end leather, but decent for designer frags. The opening is the typical code opening (which I don't care for that much) then the leather makes itself known.
I'm a little concerned about projection and longevity but I have just tried it for about an hour while spraying other things for customers, so I will have to test it at home.

I think it will be a nice addition to the fall/winter designer line and will do well.
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post #47 of 79
7/26/12 at 4:17pm
SteelerOpera - thanks for the update! Did you get any of the heliotrope (vanilla/cherry pie/lilac) note?)

Also, how does the sweetness compare to the original? Does this one feel more overtly sexy than the original? Any more thoughts and updates appreciated, as I'm super excited to smell this.

Also, when does it actually hit the shelves in your store?
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post #48 of 79
7/26/12 at 4:45pm
Kind of off topic: but how do people get to try these before they come out? I'm in Denver, which I know is not exactly a fragrance hot spot, but we don't seem to get anything here until they are actually for sale. (As for niche...the only thing we have is Creed and a couple Tom Ford's so I won't even bother with that market...lol).
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post #49 of 79
7/26/12 at 5:17pm
It's on the shelf now at my store and I think it's exclusive to Macy's for right now. Will let u know more about the notes after I give it a proper wearing. If your interested in getting a bottle now u can go to the Macy's website, it should be there. Or if ur so bold pm me and u can call me at the store ( not soliciting, I know sometimes new items are not put in the website but are available in the store)
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post #50 of 79
7/26/12 at 5:19pm
Thanks for the update would like to hear more after your proper wearing
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post #51 of 79
7/26/12 at 8:15pm
I am excited about this for sure!!!
Gary
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post #52 of 79
7/29/12 at 1:46pm
I have it in hand reminds me of flowerbomb's woody sweet down dry. Very long lasting on my skin
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post #53 of 79
7/29/12 at 9:50pm
I'll try it.

I like the concept of the original Code, though there are better choices in this same style. i.e., Roberto Cavalli Black.
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post #54 of 79
7/30/12 at 1:13am
OK, after I have worn this a few times I can 2nd what scentimus said, it last for a VERY long time on the skin. In fact the next day after a shower I can still sense it on my arm, though it remains very close to the skin. The projection confuses me, it wasn't that noticeable to me except when I would get a whiff of it when I moved a certain way, but I received MANY compliments on it from those around me.
I do like it, but my main problem with it is the price. $84 for a 2.5 oz bottle of designer juice is absurd IMO. To put that in perspective a 3.4 oz/100ml bottle would cost $114.
I sometimes rate frags by how much I would pay for them (LOVE IT - I'd pay full price; LIKE it A LOT - I'd buy with a small discount; Like it so-so - I'd buy with a large discount; if it's just OK- it needs to be free and if it's below that I either won't take it or I will just give it to a friend) and I think I would only buy this if I got a large discount. Last year for our holiday discount we were able to get 50% off frags in the store and if that happens again I might get this one. I still have to wear it on a cool or rainy day so maybe that will change my opinion. It's a neat entry and hopefully other designers will put out some more leather/smokey frags in the future
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post #55 of 79
7/30/12 at 3:06am
Actually, it doesn't sound hideous based on notes, but I just have too much at the moment to bother with this.
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post #56 of 79
7/31/12 at 5:56pm
Just received my bottle today in the mail from the Macy's website. Most people disagree, but I get very good sillage from the original Code. This one, not so much. Stays close to the skin but appears to last a very long time. First impressions are that it's a toned down version of the original but I'm also getting a bit of Attitude Extreme. I'm really liking this and think it would be a great office scent or for an intimate evening. A bit overpriced but a good addition to my collection.
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post #57 of 79
7/31/12 at 10:21pm
Lost interest in the Code line after realizing they made both a sport, and sport athlete..
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post #58 of 79
7/31/12 at 10:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by senore01 View Post

Proceed with Caution grasshopper.

lol
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post #59 of 79
8/4/12 at 4:51pm
Didn't think it was out in the UK for a good while yet. But ended up finding it in stock here. http://www.thefragranceshop.co.uk/p4...5ml-Spray.html
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post #60 of 79
8/4/12 at 5:47pm
Thread Starter 
I am not a fan of any Armani Code fragrance, and after trying this one today, I can continue to say so. I certainly do not get any leather from it - pleather maybe.
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