Armani Code

Armani Code, inspired by Armani Code for men Eau de Toilette (2004)

The 2004 Armani Code starts with lemon and bergamot, but the citrus is brief. Star anise, with its licorice-like sweetness, and olive blossom, a delicate white flower, shape the heart, while guaiac wood adds a smoky dryness. Tonka bean gives the base an almond-vanilla tone, and leather and tobacco darken it.

About the original

Armani Code was launched in 2004 and sold early on under the name Black Code. Antoine Lie is the perfumer most sources credit. It grew into a large family that includes a women's version and many flankers. In 2023 Armani launched a new Armani Code Eau de Toilette in a refillable bottle, listed with green mandarin, lavandin, tonka bean and cedar, and sources disagree on how much the composition changed. This page describes the 2004 original.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Giorgio Armani stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Evenings and cooler weather are where it makes the most sense. The anise and tonka give a noticeable sweetness, and the leather and tobacco base adds a darker tone. Fans of the 2023 version, which reviews find lighter and fresher, should know this page follows the original profile.

Related scents

• Giorgio Armani Black Code
• Giorgio Armani Code Parfum
• Giorgio Armani Armani Code Profumo

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot

Heart notes: Star Anise, Olive Blossom, Guaiac Wood

Base notes: Leather, Tonka Bean, Tobacco

Lemon and bergamot open it briefly, already tempered by a sweet, aniseed undertone.

Star anise and olive blossom form the heart, with guaiac wood adding a smoky line.

The drydown is tonka bean with leather and tobacco, rich and slightly sweet.

Is this the original Armani Code or the 2023 version?

It is modelled on the 2004 original with star anise, leather and tobacco. Armani's 2023 Eau de Toilette is listed with green mandarin, lavandin, tonka and cedar.

Is Armani Code the same as Black Code?

Black Code was an early name for the same 2004 fragrance. We also list a product under that name.

Is this the men's or the women's Armani Code?

The men's, from 2004. Armani Code for women followed in 2006 and is a different scent.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Giorgio Armani and Armani Code are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Giorgio Armani in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.