Black Code

Black Code, inspired by Armani Code (2004)

Citrus opens briskly, but black pepper is there from the start to keep it from feeling purely fresh. Star anise then brings a licorice-like sweetness, paired with olive blossom, a delicate white flower with a faintly green, honeyed tone. In the base, tonka bean and vanilla soften the spice, while guaiac wood and labdanum add a smoky, leathery depth that some compare to tobacco.

About the original

Armani's first oriental-style fragrance for men appeared in 2004 under the name Black Code and was renamed Armani Code a year later. The composition is usually credited to Antoine Lie, Antoine Maisondieu and Clément Gavarry. Armani Code is still sold: it was relaunched around 2023 in a refillable bottle, and the brand's current published notes (green mandarin, lavandin or nutmeg, tonka) differ from the 2004 pyramid described here. Later Code flankers and Armani Code for Women are separate fragrances.

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

Star anise and tonka give it a sweet, spiced warmth, so it leans seductive rather than sporty. Reviewers tend to favour it for winter evenings. Men who prefer clean aquatics or sharp citrus may find the base too dense.

Related scents

• Giorgio Armani Code
• Giorgio Armani Code Parfum
• Giorgio Armani Code Absolu pour Femme

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

Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Black Pepper

Heart notes: Star Anise, Olive Blossom, Vanilla

Base notes: Tonka Bean, Guaiac Wood, Labdanum, Amber

Lemon and bergamot are quickly joined by black pepper, which gives the opening a dry bite.

Star anise dominates the heart with its sweet, licorice tone, softened by olive blossom and a little vanilla.

The drydown is tonka bean and guaiac wood over labdanum and amber, smooth and faintly smoky.

What is the difference between Black Code and Armani Code?

They are the same men's fragrance. It launched as Black Code in 2004 and has been called Armani Code since 2005.

Is this based on the current Armani Code?

It is inspired by the 2004 composition described on this page. Armani's current Armani Code eau de toilette, relaunched around 2023, lists different notes.

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.

Black Code and Giorgio Armani are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Parfumour is not affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by Giorgio Armani. Our fragrance is an independent interpretation inspired by the original, created to evoke a similar scent experience. All trademark names are used for descriptive and comparison purposes only.