Bay rum
Bay rum is a traditional fragrance and aftershave tonic originating from the Caribbean, produced by distilling rum with essential oil derived from the leaves of the West Indian bay tree (Pimenta racemosa), typically blended with spices including cloves, allspice, and cinnamon for a spicy, aromatic profile.[1][2][3]
Its creation traces to the 16th century, when sailors in the West Indies discovered that infusing rum with crushed bay leaves masked body odors and soothed skin irritations from long voyages at sea.[4][5] Commercial production began around 1838 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, under Danish chemist Albert Heinrich Riise, who refined the distillation process using local rum and bay leaves, establishing it as a staple in men's grooming for its antiseptic and invigorating qualities.[6][7]
Beyond grooming, bay rum's essential oil from P. racemosa leaves provides warming and calming effects, historically used for muscular relief and circulation, though undiluted forms can irritate skin and are toxic if ingested.[8][9] Today, authentic formulations prioritize steam-distilled bay oil over synthetic alternatives, preserving its heritage as a barbershop classic valued for evoking Caribbean maritime tradition.[10][11]