Armani Code Ice Giorgio Armani 2014

Now the vacation is over, I am (unfortunately a bit under the weather) back in Germany and can finally write comments again. And of course, I start with the 2 tests from the Tunisian Duty Free Zone. One of them was the new, seemingly 24th, Armani Code. And it is for me one of the biggest disappointments from the prestigious house. The scent does have the Code DNA, which at least means you can't accuse Armani of identity or consistency problems. But that's about all the positive things I can announce.

Perhaps this funny anecdote: After 10 days of vacation without my EC card, I had forgotten my PIN and also didn't have the boarding passes on hand, which are needed for payment in the Duty Free area, I went to my waiting girlfriend. She was ready to fly at the gate, with the cards and the PIN in her head/phone, knowing that it can take me longer with perfumes. Then I came back into the Duty Free area with the selected perfume, which I had been holding unpaid and clearly visible in my hand the whole time, completely unaware that there was a lot of commotion. Because I couldn't just leave without paying. But it was quickly clarified, and relief spread when everyone saw how openly I was displaying the perfume and that I didn't want to steal anything. Still funny, and it shows once again that the most obvious way is often the simplest and safest; I could have just flown away. But I don’t want to give any criminal tips here^^. I just hope that the security staff didn't become unemployed because of this incident.

Now finally to the new Ice. Sounds summery, cool, icy. But none of that is really true. In contrast, Ice Men or Pure Shot by Mugler seem like true summer refreshers. While I liked Ultimate as a mix of Code and Mania very much and I don't want to deny the original its status as a modern classic, I can only smile wearily and slowly doze off with Ice. Tonka, vanilla, balsamic lavender, a slightly citrusy pencil note, or maybe mint in the top, perhaps the only new, brief guest appearance. Everything else is as usual from the original, unmistakable, but also far too similar. This creamy-almond DNA is still nice, but anyone who owns a different Code, which shouldn’t be few, can safely skip the test here. Believe me, you will not experience anything new. Absolutely nothing. The usual, slightly watered down. Save yourself the excitement, the space on your arm, and certainly the money.

Bottle: this time icy silver, shape as usual.
Sillage: about at a medium level, similar to Ultimate.
Longevity: 6 hours is standard, but acceptable.

A Code will never be a stinker, but increasingly it is becoming a bore. Absolutely unnecessary rehash in my opinion. Leave it be, Armani; everyone has already solved this Code and won't forget it as quickly as their EC PIN ;)