That's interesting you say that. I had Stephan's Bay Rum Aftershave, and have read where people say there is SOME clove in it, but it's balanced with the bay part pretty well. At my first trial, I asked myself "Hmmmm...are they sure?" Then I later read it is clove-free. Albeit this was the A.S., not the soap.
Did you like the Stephans? Someday I'm going to get another bottle. Masters (again, IIRC) is more bay than clove. It's nice, just not what I was looking for.
I liked Stephan's for the smoothness it gave my face and neck. Also the fact that it originated in 1897 and has been called a "true barbershop classic". I still have some of their shampoo left. I may order another aftershave(the BR), so overall I did like it.
How "clovey" is Soap Commanders' Purpose??? I put in a trade offer for it as I hear lots of good things about Soap Commander and most of their stuff is impossible to order now.
I just checked my tub, and I don't find it clovey at all. It is a very well balanced bay rum scent, but if you are looking for an in your face smell, it's not the soap for you. It's a subtle, pleasing scent. I did a quick palm lather, and in less than a minute I had gobs of very slick, cushioney lather. Great stuff.
What would be an example of a strong scented, low-clove scented Bay Rum soap? I also want matching after-shave and maybe even cologne.
The only others I've tried are the Shave Den's and Stirling's and of the two the Stirling has a stronger scent, but a tad more clove.
I have only used one Bay Rum scented soap so far - Captain's Choice. Wonderful thick and rich lather and heavy on the clove scent. I love that so it works well for me. Will be trying other Bay Rum soaps in the near future but it will be hard to beat Captain's Choice.
My favorites: Fragrances: 1) Meehan Bay Rhum 2) Dominica (with and without Lime) 3) C. O. Bigelow No. 32 (non-clove) Soap: 1) Mike's Natural 2) Krampert's ** ** Nice soap, great scent, burns my face...
I'm not a bay rum guy, so I don't have a dog in this hunt, but what I do know is that Mystic Water soaps and Dr. Jon's soaps have some of the most amazing and beautifully balanced scents of any soaps I've tried. You've have recommendations for both of these vendors already in this thread. Michelle at Mystic Water sells good sized samples for a reasonable price. To my knowledge Dr. Jon's doesn't sell samples, but the last time I purchased soap there, they had a 2-oz size in the regular line-up. So, without putting out much cash, you could try some MW and some Dr. Jon's. If I were you, that's what I would do.
I am looking for the closest possible to St John's Bay Rum. My grandfather went to St Thomas when I was little and I can still remember that smell, I am looking for a soap to smell as close to that as possible. I know I can buy that after shave but I want soap to match.
St John's is one of my favorite Bay rums. The closest soap I have found is my Ogallala Bay Rum Shave Stick.
For after shave ... stephans is the best bay rum ! Than there is gables and master comb tied for second! Pinaud virgin islans is a putrid sour pickle smell to me and i gave it away .
Try this link... http://www.bigelowchemists.com/search?q=St+John's+bay+rum ... To be continued... Don
