Sailing Men, Charles Thomas

Although absolutely none of the men in my life wore Bay Rum aftershave or cologne, I have always felt a strong pull to it. The smell is somehow mysterious and historical, and, as it turns out it has quite a history as part of the daily toilette of seafaring men. There are sure not a lot of ways to have a shower on a frigate, and the crew could get a bit ripe. They would rub themselves with bay leaves for the scented oil, and eventually created a liquid version by soaking the leaves in the fermented sugar concoction called rum. Bay rum has been refined over the years and is part of the classic colognes worn by gentlemen. Newport, Rhode Island was at one point the rum capital of the world, and to touch on that heritage, perfumer Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co in Rhode Island has created an all-natural Bay Rum Eau de Cologne, full of local rum and bay leaves, and other fragrant goodies. I was looking forward to reviewing this, because it is made with all botanical ingredients and because I think bay rum scents in general have been unfairly relegated to the dressing tables of nicely-groomed men. I think women are going to love this.

Portsmouth Point, artist unknown

When I put Bay Rum on, I get a rush of sweet rum, mingled with an almost medicinal, spicy bay. Allspice gives the bay a heady boost. There is a nostalgic touch of lime (my father wore a lime cologne sometimes). The waft is sublime. This is perfectly blended: some notes are crystal-clear, while others are just hanging out being incredibly useful, adding panache and a bit of floral headiness. I can envision walking down a busy dock, weatherworn ships of many shapes; crates of cargo being unloaded and loaded by equally weatherworn seamen. I can smell the ever-present rum, the exotic spices, the essential fresh limes, and the salty smell of the sea. As it dries down, it becomes a little more subdued, but it is gorgeous from start to finish.

Perfumer Charna Ethier

Ms. Ethier has composed a scent that is not overly masculine, but drenched in beautiful natural components that have a story to tell everyone. Of course, gents who already have a bay rum fragrance in their collection will have to try this, as well as ladies who enjoy boozy, spicy scents that aren't sticky sweet. This version makes other bay rum fragrances pale in comparison. I want to add it to my collection.

Notes: locally distilled rum, fresh lime, allspice, bay, sea spray, and soft floral notes of jasmine and ylang ylang.  Each flask of Bay Rum cologne is bottled with a West Indian bay leaf which continues to infuse the fragrance with its exotic spicy aroma.

My samples were provided by Providence Perfume Co. 3.4 oz/$65 Available at Providence Perfume Co and coming soon to select stockists in the USA.

Tama Blough, Managing Editor

We have a wonderful treat for our US readers: a 3.4 oz. bottle of Providence Perfume Company Bay Rum Eau de Cologne. Let us know what appeals to you about this scent, and if you have a favorite Providence Perfume Co. scent. Draw ends August 30, 2014.

We announce the winners only on site and our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will just be spilled perfume.