Our take
What does Acqua di Giò Absolu Instinct smell like?
In spring 2019 Giorgio Armani added a limited edition to the Acqua di Giò family. Absolu Instinct extends Acqua di Giò Absolu from the previous year, and Alberto Morillas composed it. He also wrote the 1996 original, so he knows this territory well. The opening feels familiar: bergamot and lemon over properly salty marine notes. Then the scent moves toward the ground. A clean patchouli sits at the center, joined by the seaweed accord that some retailers list. The base is where this version earns its place. Ebony and a warm woods accord bring a dryness that borders on smoky, far from the soapy freshness of the first Acqua di Giò. Compared with Acqua di Giò Profumo, the other dark flanker in the line, Absolu Instinct smells less of incense and more of wet wood. Being a limited run, bottles are now hard to find.
When to wear it
Made for late summer days and September evenings. Three sprays on the chest are plenty since the woody base lasts.
It belongs to the Woody, Aquatic family. Acqua di Giò Absolu Instinct is one of 46 creations by Giorgio Armani in our encyclopedia.
