Top Notes 
Bergamot
Green mandarin orange
Heart Notes 
Violet
Calone
Base Notes 
Guatemala patchouly
Leather
06/19/2025
GDawg
37 Reviews
GDawg
2
Underrated …
Are you the type of guy that doesn't like the Acqua Di Gio line? Do you struggle to find any freshies or summer scents anywhere that really appeal to you? Well, I'm in that same boat . . . And I gotta say, ADG Elixir might be your ticket. It instantly made an impression on me, with some depth and weight the other options in the line lack, while still being light enough for heat-of-summer wear.
This is a Goldilocks scent. "Just right." The best of the original DNA (30%), with a cucumber twist (30%), and an added depth (30%) that makes it more versatile, mature, and sexy than the other options in the line. The overall scent is so nice. Now many reviews of this scent have been lukewarm, complaining that it's not adding anything new to the family. But that's not true - it's the "just right" combo that makes it special.
The cucumber comes from the violet leaf and calone, and this cucumber vibe is the real star . . . the DNA is more low-key, chill, and appealing . . . and the supposed leather note, I don't really smell it myself -- it operates more in the background just as an alchemy. In the fragrance's late evolution, the patchouli takes over a little more . . .
And the little bit of depth and weight they've created I appreciate - it gives the scent a versatility that will make this great for fall and spring too, and still work in winter even. You can dress this up or dress it down. And given the versatility, if I were taking a vacation, this would be a strong contender for the one fragrance I pack in the luggage.
My one knock on this fragrance is its projection. Within around an hour, it becomes a skin-scent only. While this isn't uncommon in "freshies," it's unusual because the longevity is still present - you will still smell it on your skin 8-12 hours later! Most freshies lack both. While I wish it projected better, no fragrance is perfect. And you can easily still smell it on your skin for a long time (after a shower even). It's also competing in a weak draft class - summer scents - where I haven't found many other good options. (Side note: the only other heat-of-summer scent I really like is Escentric 05.)
Initially I passed on this because of its disappointing projection. I bought Profumo instead as a blind buy, given its high numeric ratings and reviews that made comparisons to Elixir. Boy was that a bust - Profumo is nothing like this (see my review of Profumo). I kept thinking about Elixir, testing it, and wanting it in my arsenal, despite its limitations. So rather than demand perfection, I decided to give it a break, and let myself just enjoy it for what it is. Bought a full bottle.
This is a Goldilocks scent. "Just right." The best of the original DNA (30%), with a cucumber twist (30%), and an added depth (30%) that makes it more versatile, mature, and sexy than the other options in the line. The overall scent is so nice. Now many reviews of this scent have been lukewarm, complaining that it's not adding anything new to the family. But that's not true - it's the "just right" combo that makes it special.
The cucumber comes from the violet leaf and calone, and this cucumber vibe is the real star . . . the DNA is more low-key, chill, and appealing . . . and the supposed leather note, I don't really smell it myself -- it operates more in the background just as an alchemy. In the fragrance's late evolution, the patchouli takes over a little more . . .
And the little bit of depth and weight they've created I appreciate - it gives the scent a versatility that will make this great for fall and spring too, and still work in winter even. You can dress this up or dress it down. And given the versatility, if I were taking a vacation, this would be a strong contender for the one fragrance I pack in the luggage.
My one knock on this fragrance is its projection. Within around an hour, it becomes a skin-scent only. While this isn't uncommon in "freshies," it's unusual because the longevity is still present - you will still smell it on your skin 8-12 hours later! Most freshies lack both. While I wish it projected better, no fragrance is perfect. And you can easily still smell it on your skin for a long time (after a shower even). It's also competing in a weak draft class - summer scents - where I haven't found many other good options. (Side note: the only other heat-of-summer scent I really like is Escentric 05.)
Initially I passed on this because of its disappointing projection. I bought Profumo instead as a blind buy, given its high numeric ratings and reviews that made comparisons to Elixir. Boy was that a bust - Profumo is nothing like this (see my review of Profumo). I kept thinking about Elixir, testing it, and wanting it in my arsenal, despite its limitations. So rather than demand perfection, I decided to give it a break, and let myself just enjoy it for what it is. Bought a full bottle.
Bryan35
RPB1983
Nik604
3aloosh
Patj1994
Topfpflanze3
PersianDoc
Scentfreak25
Shblerple
SHHHS
