Acqua di Giò Absolu (2018)
by Giorgio Armani

Nice bottle, nice look. I don't think the juice matches the asthetic. It is a sweet modern kiddy frag. Not for me. Longevity middling, projection above average.

If I didn't know the name of this fragrance I would never have thought it was part of the Acqua di Gio family. While there may be a slight resemblance in some aspects of the woody dry down, there is very little familiar AdG DNA in Absolu. In fact, it seems like it would be better suited as a flanker in the Stronger With You line, let's say a summer version or eau fraiche. That's not a knock against Absolu necessarily, just a comment pertaining to where it fits in and what you can expect before buying it.

Absolu opens with a tart and fruity bergamot accord--fresh, sweet, and sort of similar to that found in recent releases like Azzaro Wanted and Dior Sauvage. It goes on somewhere in the middle between scratchy-synthetic and smooth. And it's in the opening 15 or 20 minutes that it reminds me most of Azzaro Wanted with this kind of chemical, tart fruitiness that's a bit harsh, vaguely fresh and mildly sweet. However, it really becomes pleasant after 20 minutes or so and feels much more smooth and polished once it settles in (definitely smoother and less brash than Wanted). The fruity bergamot takes on a bright clarity and vibrancy, and develops more of a distinct, unique smell. This accord takes command of the scent, but it's also supported by a mildly sweet and subtle powdery quality via lavender and tonka bean, which fills out the base and gives it a bit of a sensual edge. So just to be clear, Absolu is not just a "fruity" scent, as in a bunch of fruit notes supported by some half-assed woods and white musk or something like that. While it features a fruity accord that drives it, a good portion of Absolu still consists of other, non-fruity elements which add this dimension of a sweet, aromatic, powdered base. In this sense it's a complete fragrance, albeit somewhat linear. Absolu doesn't change much throughout its duration, mostly it's just the intensity of the fruity bergamot accord which increases intensity and gradually decreases.

Does it smell nice? Yes. Does it smell familiar? Somewhat. Absolu is pretty indicative of modern men's perfumery, which lately consists of a lot of semi-sweet, fresh aroma chemicals, well-blended and creating something vaguely fruity and sort of clean, with a touch of sensuality to boot. But at least here it's well done, and serves as a more appealing example of this style. If you already own several scents like this, you may find it a little redundant, but if you appreciate and enjoy this style, then you'll surely like Absolu as well. I don't get a lot of aquatic sea notes in this. Unless I'm missing them, I don't think it's particularly watery, especially to the extent that the other AdG offerings are. Performance is above average, lasting a solid 8 hours with medium projection, reaching about two or three feet off the skin at its peak, and probably sitting about a foot off the skin the majority of the time. Absolu has a semi-casual sort of appeal, crossing the boundaries between romantic, sporty, and office wear. In other words, it's pretty versatile. While it's not the most groundbreaking scent, it's well-done. Smooth, tightly constructed, and possessing a nice, bright vibrancy, Absolu gets a thumbs up and a final 8.5 out of 10 rating. Recommended for sampling.

This review is strictly off of a test strip. I will re-review it, if I decide to try it in the future.

Based off of the test strip, I would have no desire to really want to smell this again. It kind of just smells like everything else that's out there today, with a ton of fake woods (Norlimbanol). The opening has Acqua di Gio, over a heavy Norlimbanol aroma, right from the start. I get a very heavy peachy smell too. Kind of smells a little bit bubblegum-y too.

Bergamot & mandarin notes are intense. This is actually a good combo on my skin. It's fresh but deep. It's like a cold day by the ocean.

The heart reveals a completely masculine mix which smells good with my chemistry / nose. Frankly, this mix of geranium and lavender are perfection. These are two flowers I am usually ultra picky with, in fragrances. The rosemary must be the intermediary note here. That, and the residual marine aspects are adding some buffer as well.

It wasn't long before some wood moves in. I smell oud and cedar, maybe a touch of sandalwood. I'm not certain. Don't care - it smells good! It smolders.

Dollops of Tonka and patchouli eventually reveal themselves. The base is aglow in an earthy, still by the seaside, presence. Good stuff!

A fresh opening based on bergamot, with a fruity layer underneath - not very specific the latter, but a bland sort of fruity sweetness. Additional freshness is provided by a marine/sea breeze component that is also present right after the opening blast.

The drydown adds a floral interlude, a floral basket that is fairly traditional and predictable: lavender, a standard floral, geranium and touches of peony at times. White florals mainly.

The base adds - not overly sweet - vanilla as well as a soft and fairly light patchouli impression. There is a nonspecific woodsiness intermingled with the vanilla that gradually fades out towards the end.

I get moderate sillage, good projection and six hours of longevity on my skin.

A pleasant scent for daytimes in the transitional seasons of spring and winter, which follows traditional pathways. The drawbacks are the distinct unexciting synthetic character of the ingredients as well are the overall generic nature of the mix. 2.75/5.