Bay Rum similar to C.O. Bigelow?

**GAR** · 12-08-2012, 04:56 PM

I love the original Bath & Body Works C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum (and my wife especially loves it

). It's discontinued and the sellers on Ebay want a fortune for it. Are there any other bay rums out there that are similar?

**indy0423** · 12-08-2012, 05:14 PM

I can't help you with the exact one, but C.O. Bigelow doesn't really "Make" much of anything. The vast majority of their stuff is rebranded product. With something as low-volume as Bay Rum (no offense intended, it's just not something that every 16-75 year old has in their kit) they would have to be rebranding an existing product.

**Matt555** · 12-08-2012, 09:42 PM

It is not discontinued. Bath and Body works just does not carry it anymore. You can order it straight from Bigelow for $29.50.

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/c-o-b...Fad_QgodviIAJg

**goby** · 12-08-2012, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Matt555

It is not discontinued. Bath and Body works just does not carry it anymore. You can order it straight from Bigelow for $29.50.

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/c-o-b...Fad_QgodviIAJg

I was going to post that. It was discontinued for a while, but they started making it again last year.

BTW, it's amazing stuff. I wore it today.

**GAR** · 12-09-2012, 12:06 PM

I didn't know that! Thanks very much!

**wagstaff** · 12-09-2012, 12:22 PM

Any comparison to Meehan's Bay Rhum cologne? (It's certainly less pricey, which is always a consideration for me).
And anybody try the Bigelow Bay Rum AS Balm?

**GAR** · 12-09-2012, 12:41 PM

I regularly used the Bigelow Bay Rum Aftershave Balm - great stuff. Very soothing and although it doesn't smell exactly like the cologne, it's still a very pleasant scent. I stopped when I ran out and couldn't find it anymore but thanks to the link above I just ordered the aftershave balm and cologne. My wife will be very happy (and so will I)...

**Matt555** · 12-09-2012, 02:42 PM

I don't have a lot of experience (any actually) with Bay Rums. I have always wanted to try a few. Any others that are worth checking out?

**wagstaff** · 12-09-2012, 02:56 PM

Thanks, GAR -- I'll probably wait till I get through my Gilbert Henry balm and what's left of my Burt's Bees balm before giving in to the AD. But I'd like to try a cologne (and hope it's not just a clove on the dry-down!)

Matt555 -- I am opinionated across a range of Bay Rum aftershave splashes (and a couple of balms)... but I don't know which fragrances are worth checking out. There's a Meehans, the Bigelow, and Em's Place, and that's all I know of, off the top of my head. For AS splash I'm very partial to Captain's Choice.

**GAR** · 12-09-2012, 05:30 PM

Wagstaff: The Bigelow has a definite leather/tobacco scent to me that is different than other clove-dominated bay rums. After it settles in a couple hours, it mellows and intensifies into a truly unique scent that, while bay rum in its foundation, is also very earthy. Give it a go.

**BillC** · 12-09-2012, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Matt555

I don't have a lot of experience (any actually) with Bay Rums. I have always wanted to try a few. Any others that are worth checking out?

My favorites are Meehan Bonny Doon and St Johns. There are a bunch of nice bay rums out there. I'm a broken record but check out the Barclay Crocker bay rum sampler

**wagstaff** · 12-09-2012, 07:14 PM

GAR - you're talking the cologne, now, right? (vs. the balm?) Either way, sounds like it might be well worth a try! I'll get to both of them, no doubt, but cologne first. I want to try the Meehan's, too, but... the price is a bit off-putting for something that (from what I read) doesn't really last much longer than AS splashes. I know it's typically "the nature of bay rum" to be short-lived. Sort of wish I didn't like it so much!

**GAR** · 12-09-2012, 07:52 PM

Yes, the cologne. It's subtle/sharp at first like many colognes, but definitely intensifies as the day progresses and becomes a very interesting bay rum/leather scent toward evening. I found it a longer lasting scent than most bay rums. Of course, it all depends on your personal chemistry.

**wagstaff** · 12-09-2012, 08:42 PM

Sounds perfect, GAR, thanks. I'm sure adding "leather" helps with the longevity -- it's nice they picked something other than the typical clove for this purpose. (I do like clove, but ... not a linear clove).

I'm going to order some Bigelow Bay Rum cologne this week. I'll share my impressions, when I get a few wearings.