Bay Rum?

[TheVez2]

What is the deal with Bay Rum? I've heard a lot of talk about it and had visions of the Bahamas and Jimmy Buffet in my head when people talked about how it smelled. I was intrigued.

I picked up some Pinaud Bay Rum from Walgreens the other day. I put it on and got nausious. It didn't put on much and it was overpowering. I expected more of a rum smell, but the only thing I could smell was clove. Is that what it is all about? If I wanted to smell like clove I could have just goen down the spice aisle of the supermarket for a lot cheaper. Am I missing somethign or is that what it is supposed to smell like?

 

[luvmysuper]

What is the deal with Bay Rum? I've heard a lot of talk about it and had visions of the Bahamas and Jimmy Buffet in my head when people talked about how it smelled. I was intrigued.

I picked up some Pinaud Bay Rum from Walgreens the other day. I put it on and got nausious. It didn't put on much and it was overpowering. I expected more of a rum smell, but the only thing I could smell was clove. Is that what it is all about? If I wanted to smell like clove I could have just goen down the spice aisle of the supermarket for a lot cheaper. Am I missing somethign or is that what it is supposed to smell like?

The Pinaud Bay Rum is VERY clove like. Some folks like that, others don't.

If you're like me and you don't, then try some Ogallala Bay Rum, not so "clovey", it's more Tropical.

 

[Patrik]

I fall into the camp that likes the clove smell, and Pinaud's Bay Rum (as well as Clubman) is very very kind to my skin. The first time I used it I felt overpowered by the burn - but in a good way. I just stood still enjoying it; to me the feeling was akin to that rush you feel right after dumping water on dry sauna rocks.

But that's just my experience - naturally, YMMV. SWMBO doesn't particularly like the smell, but she doesn't seem fond of any of my aftershaves (even Adidas Dynamic Pulse... I mean, come on... )

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

I'm with you on Clubman, but I also disliked Ogallala. I enjoy a sweeter scent and thought Col Conk's was really nice, even if it is ridiculouly priced. If you'd like to get an idea of the different takes on Bay Rum, you can try the Bay Rum sampler offered by Barclay Crocker.

 

[TheVez2]

Thanks for the recommendations. I may try another one later. I'll give this one a couple more tries to see if it grows on me, and see how SWMBO likes it.

I had read a recipe for homemade Bay Rum and liked what I was about whaty went into it. I just expected a more balanced scent and not one overpowering with clove.

 

[Dennis]

Clove = nasty. For a great Bay Rum AS without the clove, try Master's Bay Rum. Usually available locally at Sally Beauty Supply or other barber supply.

 

[TheVez2]

Awesome, I'll check out Master's next time I pass a Sally's.

 

[Bill Smith]

I'm partial to Dominca Bayrum and Lime.

 

[Robxcarlson]

The Rum in Bay Rum isn't from Rum, but taken from the name of the bay rum tree, Pimenta racemosa, which is the main ingredient in bay rum aftershave.

 

[theperfectstorm]

The D.R. Harris Bay Rum is also an excellent example of the genre. It is VERY dry, with no sweetness, but is not overpoweringly heavy or clove-y. Exceptionally British example of Bay Rum.

I like the Pinaud on occasion, but not for the smell--mostly for the more self-flagellant aspects of the performance.

 

[WastedResources]

The Rum in Bay Rum isn't from Rum, but taken from the name of the bay rum tree, Pimenta racemosa, which is the main ingredient in bay rum aftershave.

Um, no. The "bay" part does come from the bay tree, pimenta racemosa, but the alcohol portion did originally come from "rum".

Pimenta Racemosa is the West Indian Bay Tree. The name Bay Rum Tree comes from its use in Bay Rum, and not the other way around.

 

[T_M]

I've been a fan of the Dominica Bay Rum for about 10-15 years. I just recently purchased a bottle of their Bay Rum & Lime as well. You can get either from a number of vendors online. If you happen to have an Orvis store near you, they usually stock it as well, and they should have samplers so that you don't have to make a blind purchase.


-------T_M

 

[nEver-Ready]

For a light, natural bay rum aroma with no clove, try Superior 70. Available at many CVSs for about $3 for 11 ozs. I have and use Pinaud, Ogallala, and Dominica, and the Superior 70 is my personal favorite.

 

[leeparmet]

Don't forget Master's Bay Rum

~Lee

 

[Topgumby]

Bigelow Bay Rum is worth a shot too. I like the Ogallala, going to have to try the stronger stuff...Is it the Special Reserve?

 

[The Nid Hog]

Special Reserve makes anything great.

 

[Geordon]

The Rum in Bay Rum isn't from Rum, but taken from the name of the bay rum tree, Pimenta racemosa, which is the main ingredient in bay rum aftershave.

<pedant>
Actually, the "rum" in Bay Rum is from the beverage. The tree in question is West Indian Bay. Rum was used to extract the goodness from the WI Bay leaves. c.f. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_rum
</pedant>

 

[SmoovD]

McLas Bay Rum has a bit of menthol- nice touch, IMHO.

 

[ackvil]

I've tried three or four different bay rums - but just don't like the smell.

 

[Prince]

Bigelow Bay Rum is worth a shot too. I like the Ogallala, going to have to try the stronger stuff...Is it the Special Reserve?

C.O. Bigelow is my favorite Bay Rum. More sweet, less clove.