Acqua di Gio Absolu (2023) Full Review – Why You Need It
Absolu.
A lesser-known Acqua di Gio.
Acqua di Gio Absolu was released in 2018. It is based on citruses, marine accords, woods, and resins. It lasts seven to eight hours on the skin with moderate to light projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Yet, we only endorse fragrances we’ve personally used or are highly recommended by trusted peers. You can learn more about our Disclaimer & Disclosure here.
Table of Contents
What Does Acqua di Gio Absolu Smell Like?
The opening is led by citric grapefruit with a fruitier pear and apple combination. It is sweet, but that’s not the main emphasis. The backbone is all about woods, seawater, and tonka bean. It is a fresh aquatic fragrance but with a twist different than all others.
The mid develops quickly. Resinous labdanum moves in with a hint of patchouli. This combination has a subtle earthy tinge, but that’s not the focal point. The resins are undertoned by ambery and herbal rosemary undertones.
Within a few minutes, you’ll smell everything Absolu has to offer. The rest of the wear simplifies. There are citric and spice nuances paired with a prominent marine accord. All sit atop a semi-sweet woody and ambery resin base.
Acqua di Gio Absolu notes:
TOP NOTES
- Sea Notes
- Bergamot
- Pear
- Apple
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
MID NOTES
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Geranium
BASE NOTES
- Woody Notes
- Tonka Bean
- Amberwood
- Patchouli
- Laddanum
Performance
The performance is better than the rest of the Acqua di Gio line. Absolu lasts seven to eight hours on the skin with moderate to light projection. It pushes out an arm’s length for the first two to three hours. After this period, it recedes to a light ambiance for the rest of the wear.
The sillage is as good. The more you move around, the better this smells. Yet, it never becomes overwhelming, making this an exceptionally wearable fragrance. This performance is with five sprays.
This is all-season wear except for the coldest days of winter; even though it has a prominent aquatic accord, the woody and resinous depth gives it great depth to last. As for occasions, it is all. Mainly from the exceptionally wearable projection.
The mass appeal and likability are excellent. The Acqua di Gio is an extremely likable line to begin with. Absolu takes this likable DNA and adds a more alluring wood and resin base that rakes in attention. This more profound addition to the scent translates to a unique aroma.
Final Words
The most similar fragrance is said to be Rasasi Hawas for Him… I see the similarities, but they aren’t dupes. They have a sweet fruitiness in the opening, an aquatic mid and base, and a deeper amber/wood dry down. So yes, they have the same scent development but don’t smell the same.
The final burning question is, is Acqua di Gio Absolu worth it? Yes. One of the best Acqua di Gio’s. I enjoy that it takes the DNA in a darker direction with better performance.
After you try Acqua di Gio Absolu, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.