Beach Geeza Bay Rum held by Ryan Hunts via Instagram

“I’m asked ‘what is your creative process? and I say I don’t really have one. Like a writer, painter, or musician, life experiences are what comes through in the work and in the medium of perfume, if a material or an accord generates a distinct memory then I know I’m on the right track”.-Ryan Hunts

Ryan Hunts Founder and perfumer of Beach Geeza

Who knows what Bay Rum is? If you’re of a certain age you might remember your grandfather, father, or uncle wearing it. In the age of genderless and fluid fragrances, this was the original masculine scent. You would have most likely found a bottle of Bay Rum in the medicine cabinets of men born before 1950. Bay Rum is uniquely masculine and robust. Bay Rum has long been confused with the distilled alcoholic beverage known as rum. Let’s be clear about this, they are two different things. And what about Bay Rum the cologne and Bay Rum the aftershave? Is there a difference? I was asked that question after I reviewed Euphorium Brooklyn’s Bay Rum. And the truth is…sort of.

19th-century trade card, showing bay rum from St. Thomas. Via wiki

Different formulations of bay rum can have unique scents, so it is possible to tell the difference between bay rum fragrance and bay rum aftershave. Bay rum is a fragrance that can be used in both cologne and aftershave lotion. The scent, woody, sweet, and spicy originated from the West Indies bay leaf, and includes ingredients like spices, cloves, citrus rind, and rum. Bay Rum, frequently found in bay rum after-shaves because of the bay leaves, helps to de-stress one’s skin, helping prevent the occurrence of wrinkles and skin outbreaks. Long ago, days Bay leaf oil was also used to relieve cuts and bruises because of its antifungal and anti-bacterial properties.

Bay Rum is said to have a timeless appeal. But has that time come and gone? Did it ever leave? Or is it making a comeback with a new generation  that will embrace it? The exact origin of Bay Rum traced back to the mid-16th century, when Caribbean sailors created the distinctive scent by steeping the leaves of the West Indian Bay Tree in rum which would create a unique fragrance masking their malodor and provide a refreshing and invigorating scent to boost morale among the crew. As they sailed to different ports and shared their discovery, Bay Rum’s popularity spread throughout the Caribbean and then globally. The original recipe evolved over the years  to include added ingredients such as spices and citrus, resulting in the Bay Rum we are familiar with today. Most barbershops in America later developed their unique versions of bay rum aftershave to give their customers a manly scent after a straight razor shave. So, Bay Rum is a classic masculine scent that can be used as cologne, aftershave, deodorant, or shaving soap fragrance.

Bart Schmidt of Brands with Purpose and Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza at Le Labo 233 Elizabeth Street in The Fragrance District photo Hernando©

Ryan Hunts, Founder and sole perfumer of Beach Geeza and I finally met at Sniffpalooza’s Fall Ball 2022 after exchanging a call or two and some emails. Well, hailing from Austin, TX there isn’t a beach in sight so he brings on those beach vibes. We spent that morning scenting around and getting to know each other olfactive preferences. I was happy making introductions to show some New York hospitality. I also facilitated to have him be one of the lunch presenters.

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza and Scent Bar NYC store manager, Vijay Uttam photo Hernando©

I was glad to see that he was well-received by all the scent aficionados so much so he was invited back for Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023.

Beach Geza Bay Rum

The brand’s ethos is all about taking you on summer vacation. There’s something special about being on ‘Island time’ where anything is possible yet there’s no hurry to make it happen. Ryan believes the warm beach feeling is a healthy way to live and his scents have the way to transport you there. Beach Geeza Bay Rum, released in 2021, is a little much in the summer heat, unless you are in a climate-controlled environment. The cool weather is where it will shine. From the opening a prominent boozy scent sets the tone. Bay leaf has that delicate, warm aroma similar to oregano and thyme blends right into cassia, (known as “Chinese cinnamon” or “false cinnamon”) which does smell and tastes like cinnamon and has a strong, spicy, and slightly earthy aroma. Allspice? What is that you ask? Allspice got its name from the way it manages to smell like a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg – sweet and dry, all at once. And of course, the rum.

Nutmeg Myristica fragrans ( Nutmeg ), Illustration by Köhler,  Public Domain Birds and all nature
Chicago Nature Study Publishing Co.,1898-1900.

At the heart of Beach Geeza Bay Rum, there is a whole lot of clove going on. One must really appreciate its very distinctive smell, warm, spicy, and a touch of bitterness. Here it has a smoky note reminiscent of a campfire. Clove blends well with various other notes. Cardamom, known for its warm, spicy, and slightly sweet scent profile has crisp notes of camphor, lemon, and mint, with woody and balsamic undertones and especially with nutmeg. Often used as a middle note its distinctive scent adds warmth and depth to Beach Geeza Bay Rum Cane sugar can smell sweet, a little  earthy due to its molasses content. Here the sweetness is welcomed.

Copaiba Balsam via Unsplash

At the base of Beach Geeza Bay Rum Ryan works with three unusual notes, Copaiba Balsam, a sap-like substance that has a honeyed, balsamic-like quality to it. And Benzoin Resin, which offers up a distinctly rich scent of woody, sweet vanilla. Its layered composition unfolds in warm, honeyed facets not dissimilar to caramel, almond, or maybe roasted coffee. The other balsam Gurjun Balsam is soft with its woody, sweet, dry, balsamic, and resinous with hints of pine, patchouli, and camphor.

Beach Geeza Bay Rum puts a unique spin on the “cool weather” classic but it blooms in the heat. Although it does lean masculine, women will enjoy it too. Don’t wait for autumn !

Top: Bay Leaf, Cassia, Rum, Allspice

Heart: Cane Sugar, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Clove

Base: Oak Cask, Gurjun Balsam, Copaiba Balsam, Benzoin Resin

Beach Geeza fragrances can be purchased through their website and LuckyScent.

Disclaimer: My bottle of Bay Rum was kindly sent to me by Ryan Hunts. My opinions are mine and only mine!

Hernando Courtright ~ Senior Events Contributor and Brand Ambassador

All Photos are courtesy of Ryan Hunts except where credited otherwise and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Art Direction: Michelyn

Beach Geeza Bay Rum

Thanks to Beach Geeza there is a 50 ml bottle of Bay Rum EDP in the USA. To enter the draw, YOU MUST BE A ÇaFleureBon registered reader. Please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Hernando’s detailed history of bay rum and his review of Beach Geeza Bay Rum.  Draw closes July 03, 2024. The winner is announced within 10 days after and it is your responsibility to check back as we do not email you.

Please read Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza’s Profile in American Perfumery here

Please enjoy Steven Gavrielatos aka Redolessence reviews of Beach Geeza Monkey’s Blood and Pearl Leather

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