Best Long-Lasting Bay Rum Colognes For Men

Bay rum cologne is a classic, masculine scent that has been a mainstay of men's grooming for centuries. The fragrance is derived from bay leaves, with additional notes of citrus, spices, oakmoss, and herbs. While the scent is often associated with barbershops, there are also many long-lasting colognes available that provide a robust and sexy scent. When it comes to longevity, factors such as skin type, application technique, and the quality of the cologne itself come into play.

When searching for the longest-lasting bay rum cologne, it's important to consider the different notes of the fragrance. Top notes are the initial aromas that are perceived upon application and tend to last for a shorter duration. Middle notes form the main body of the scent and can last for up to five hours. Base notes are the deeper, richer aromas that linger on the skin even after the top notes have dissipated, and can continue to emit the fragrance for several hours.

To make your bay rum cologne last longer, it's recommended to apply it to clean, dry skin right after showering, and to moisturize beforehand for maximum absorption. Spraying the cologne on pulse points, such as the inner elbows, wrists, and neck, can also help prolong the scent.

Some popular options for long-lasting bay rum colognes include Ogallala Bay Rum, C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum, St. John's Bay Rum, and Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum. However, the longevity of a cologne can vary depending on individual body chemistry, so it's always a good idea to test out different options to find the one that works best for you.

Bay rum cologne: a brief history

The origins of bay rum cologne can be traced back to the 16th century when sailors ruled the seas of the Virgin Islands. With these sailors spending months at sea without bathing, the odour problem led them to seek out a solution. They discovered that crushing and rubbing the leaves of the West Indies bay tree onto their skin masked their stench. Around the same time, slaves on the islands invented rum as a by-product of making sugar from molasses. One of the sailors borrowed this recipe, distilled it, and created a new variation that was ten times stronger. They also learned to extract bay leaf essential oils, and thus, bay rum was born.

The recipe then spread throughout the West Indies, with special recipes that included cloves, citrus, cinnamon, and other spices being born. However, it wasn't until Albert Heinrich Riise mass-produced bay rum aftershaves that the rest of the world, starting with the UK and USA, caught up with the Virgin Islands and fell in love with the scent.

In the early 19th century, a famous French perfumer named Edouard Pinaud created his first grooming products for men, including Clubman Pinaud. This fragrance soon became a staple of barbershops around the world, with generations of fathers and sons loving its clean and masculine scent.

Over the years, bay rum cologne has become a mainstay of men's grooming, with its classic, inexpensive, and sexy scent. The fragrance is typically made using the leaves and berries of the West Indian bay tree, as well as rum and citrus oils. Other common ingredients include cloves, cinnamon, and oakmoss.

Today, there are numerous brands offering their own take on bay rum cologne, with options available for all budgets and skin types. Whether you're looking for a strong and long-lasting scent or something more subtle and natural, there is a bay rum cologne out there for you.

How to make your own bay rum cologne

Ingredients:

• 4 oz vodka or witch hazel
• 2 oz Jamaican spiced rum
• 10-40 drops of lime, orange, bergamot, or other citrus essential oil
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 stick of cinnamon, broken into smaller pieces
• Zest of one orange or two limes
• 3 dried whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional)
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Method:

• Wash and dry your chosen citrus fruit.
• Using a vegetable peeler or lemon zester, remove the outer skin of the fruit, being careful not to peel off the bitter white pith.
• Place the peels in a jar and cover with the vodka/witch hazel and rum.
• Add the essential oil, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns. Add glycerin if desired.
• Shake the jar thoroughly and place it in a dark cabinet for four weeks. Remember to shake it every few days for the first week, then occasionally after that.
• After four weeks, test the cologne by splashing a small amount on your wrist. If you want a stronger scent, leave the mixture to steep for a couple more weeks. If you'd like it to be sweeter, add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Once you're happy with the scent, strain out the peel and spices and pour the cologne into a clean bottle or jar.

Tips for Application:

• Apply bay rum cologne right after showering, on clean, dry skin.
• Moisturize before applying cologne for maximum absorption.
• Spray the cologne onto your skin, not your clothing.
• Target your pulse points, such as your inner elbows, inner wrists, and neck.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne onto your skin after applying.

How to make bay rum cologne last longer

To make your bay rum cologne last longer, there are several steps you can take before and during application. Firstly, it is important to understand the different notes in your cologne. Top notes are the aromas you perceive immediately after application and last up to two hours. Middle notes emerge during the application and can last up to five hours, while base notes are deeper, richer aromas that linger on the skin even after the top notes have dissipated, and can emit fragrance for up to eight hours.

To ensure your cologne lasts as long as possible, it is recommended that you apply it right after showering on clean, dry skin. Moisturising before application can also help with maximum absorption. When applying, target your pulse points such as your inner elbows, inner wrists, and neck, and avoid rubbing the cologne onto your skin afterwards.

Some of the longest-lasting bay rum colognes include St. John's Bay Rum, C.O. Bigelow No. 032, Bentley Intense by Bentley, and Royall Bay Rhum 57 by Royall Fragrances.

Popular bay rum cologne brands

Bay rum cologne is a classic masculine scent that has been popular for centuries. The fragrance is typically made using bay leaves and berries, rum, and citrus oils.

St. John's Bay Rum Cologne

St. John's Bay Rum Cologne has been around for over 70 years and features top notes of eucalyptus and bay leaf, with base notes of musk, cinnamon, and clove. It's handmade in small batches and packaged in a unique woven bottle. While it may not be everyone's favourite, it's definitely a popular choice.

C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum Cologne

C.O. Bigelow's offering is another popular option that's been around since 1907. It combines citrus and bay leaf with a smoky tobacco scent. While the fragrance is quite strong at first, it eventually leaves a subtle masculine scent. However, some reviewers note that it doesn't last very long.

Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum Shave Cologne

This cologne is a great budget option, offering a classic masculine scent that's suitable for both casual and formal occasions. It combines spices, citrus, and bay rum, resulting in a mild and warming aroma. It's also available in different sizes to suit different budgets.

Royall Bay Rhum 57 by Royall Fragrances

This cologne is perfect for those who prefer a crisp and light scent. With mint essential oils, it provides a slight cooling sensation upon application, making it ideal for summer. It's a great alternative to the intensity of coconut-based scents.

Ogallala Bay Rum

Ogallala offers a refreshing dual-purpose cologne and aftershave with an old-fashioned bay rum scent. It's handcrafted and features additional notes of sage and cedar. While some enjoy the scent, others find it doesn't last very long.

Duke Cannon Supply Co. Solid Cologne

For those seeking convenience, Duke Cannon Supply Co. offers a solid cologne with a traditional bay rum scent. Combining bergamot, cardamom, and cedarwood, it's perfect for those who want a subtle fragrance. The solid formula is easily portable, making it ideal for touch-ups on the go.

Bay rum cologne vs regular cologne

Bay rum cologne is a classic, inexpensive fragrance that has been a men's grooming staple for centuries. It originated on the island of St. Thomas and was originally made from a simple distillate of bay leaves and berries, rum, and citrus oils.

The top notes in bay rum cologne are the aromas perceived immediately upon application, which last for 15 to 120 minutes. The middle notes make up the main body of the scent and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours. The base notes are the deeper, richer aromas that linger on the skin even after the top notes have dissipated, and can emit fragrance for two to eight hours.

Some popular bay rum colognes include:

• C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum Cologne
• St. John's Bay Rum Cologne
• Bentley Intense by Bentley
• Havana by Aramis
• Royall Bay Rhum 57 by Royall Fragrances
• Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum Cologne
• Ogallala Bay Rum Cologne

Compared to regular cologne, bay rum cologne has a distinct, classic scent that is generally long-lasting and inexpensive. The longevity of bay rum cologne can be enhanced by applying it to clean, dry skin after a shower and moisturising beforehand.

Frequently asked questions