Bay rum newbie.

**Dalli** · 02-28-2012, 11:46 AM

Hi folks,

I'm just starting to try different types of aftershaves and am still yet to tick bay rum off the list :) I have picked up a bottle of Benjamins Bay Rum (not metholated) yesterday, since it is readily avaliable in the uk. I can't say I really liked it too much although it did mellow down somewhat after the initial hit :) Can any bay rum fans tell me if this type is representative of classic/typical bay rum smell? Other recommendations of bay rums which can be found in the UK (harris/taylor etc.) would be appreciated.

Cheers

**RobertSubnet** · 02-28-2012, 01:59 PM

I can't say I really liked it too much...

As I'm sure you know scent is a very subjective thing and often a person has to try different after shaves to find the one(s) they really like. For example I have tried and do not care of Pinaud and Ogallala Bay Rums both having been poured down the drain. But I really like Dominica and Stephan's.

I know it can be frustrating to spend money only to discover you do not like the product. Bay Rums are pretty much variations on a theme with Dominica being considered the standard. If you did not like the Benjamins there are others out there worth a try.

I would suggest you next try Dominica to get a baseline standard. From there you can decide what "direction" you think you would like to try. Pinaud is heavy on the cinnamon, Ogallala has a witch hazel base. As mentioned I like the Stephan's as it uses a water base so it does not burn like crazy when you put it on. Some like that others do not.

Good luck.

**Ptroiani** · 02-28-2012, 02:22 PM

Check the B/S/T area here. Captain's Choice Bay Rum is my Go-To now. Give it a go - he has small sample bottles that won't cost you much for a try.

Regards,

Paul

**cryhavoc** · 02-28-2012, 02:44 PM

A lot of people are praising Captain' Choice but I haven't tried it. I love Clubman VI Bay Rum and Masters is ok. Everyone's nose is a little different so save money and check out Garry's Sample Shop http://sampleshop.blogspot.com/. His samples change often and he has a great variety and usually some Bay Rum's. Good luck in your search
PS- Also check out the Reviews section and read what people have said there

**Heespharm** · 02-28-2012, 03:08 PM

I find captains sweeter smelling but not as long lasting as ogallala and ogallala smells a little more cinaminy and clovey

**cryhavoc** · 02-28-2012, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Dalli

Hi folks,

I'm just starting to try different types of aftershaves and am still yet to tick bay rum off the list :) I have picked up a bottle of Benjamins Bay Rum (not metholated) yesterday, since it is readily avaliable in the uk. I can't say I really liked it too much although it did mellow down somewhat after the initial hit :) Can any bay rum fans tell me if this type is representative of classic/typical bay rum smell? Other recommendations of bay rums which can be found in the UK (harris/taylor etc.) would be appreciated.

Cheers

Welcome to B&B!

**Latherdude** · 02-29-2012, 11:24 AM

The original Ogallala Bay Rum burns like the flames of hell, but their other scents don't seem to have that same effect. I happen to love their Bay Rum, Limes and Peppercorns scent, and the Bay Rum and Sandalwood is also quite nice. They smell nice and don't burn quite as much. Best of all, you can order a sample pack from them to try 'em all out, and then keep the little bottles for your traveling shave needs.

**Barcls** · 02-29-2012, 11:42 AM

ogallala bay rum is my recommendation, have only tried the original at the moment but a sampler pack is available its also available in the uk through maguires barbershop on eBay, have used them and have always received great service. a bottle for a quid is for sale (2oz of cologne) which would allow you to try the smell.
(im not associated with Magiuires barbershop im just a happy customer )
good luck with the hunt
JB

**bbaldwin** · 02-29-2012, 11:43 AM

The Ogallala Bay Rum Bonanza Pack is great for trying their scents. The Sandalwood and Limes+Peppercorns are very nice. Ogallala is long lasting, but to me has a powdery/talcum powder scent that I don't like.

Captains Choice is more spicy without the powdery undertones.

**k2clones29** · 02-29-2012, 01:23 PM

Captain's Choice and Ogalla are great bay rums, but they may be hard to obtain in the UK. Since you are over there, check out DR Harris. I love their bay rum. It is more clove-scented than others. Personally, I love it.

**Gam** · 02-29-2012, 01:53 PM

The Dominica is a nice starting off point,there's 2 types,one with Lime,which I like alot,and regular.Captain's Choice is another favorite of mine,St. Johns Bay Rum is another nice bay rum but might be hard for you to get across the pond.When I first tried St. John's there was only 2 varieties,lime and regular,now I think they have 4 or 5.

**Dalli** · 03-03-2012, 04:29 AM

Thanks for the advice folks! Looks like I've got some sampling to do

**sir-nix-alot** · 03-03-2012, 07:00 AM

Not a huge Bay Rum fan but I do love Captains Choice.

**Gam** · 03-03-2012, 01:53 PM

Hey Dalli I see you have Old Blue Eyes as a avatar,you may want to check out Aqua Lavanda Puig.It's not bay rum but it was Sinatra's favorite.It can be used as a cologne or aftershave.

**nelson** · 03-04-2012, 12:00 PM

When used only as a scent, my favorite Bay Rums are, in no particular order, St. Johns VI bay rum, Taylor of Old Bond Street bay rum, and D. R. Harris bay rum. When putting it on my face is a criterion as well as scent, then it's the D. R. Harris bay rum. Although I'm not a frequent user of any alcohol based after shave, D. R. Harris after shaves are among the very few I will use on my face. Unfortunately, none of these 3 are particularly cheap. Of course, many of the products mentioned in this thread have good scents and are often available at fairly reasonable prices; very few, in my opinion, are good aftershaves.

nelson