Thread: Homebrew Bayrum Recipes

So I tried the spiced rum with the other spices and found I didn't like the smell, reminded me of spiced cookies and not bay rum. Made a new batch with 1oz white rum, 1/2oz of witch hazel, 1 drop of cedar oil, 2 drops of bay oil and 4 drops of glycerin. I really like this one. Now to make a larger batch.

Originally Posted by Thug

Mine for some reason has Zero burn level.

Using real rum is somewhat tricky, in particular when you add other liquids which actually lower the alcohol strength. Rum usually has an ABV of 38-40% and if you add a non alcoholic liquid - such as witch hazel - you are diluting rum's alcohol therefore lowering the burning effect. We should consider the average ABV of aftershaves ranges from 38% to 55% (with some exceptions reaching 60%)

Originally Posted by maliboy67

So I tried the spiced rum with the other spices and found I didn't like the smell, reminded me of spiced cookies and not bay rum. Made a new batch with 1oz white rum, 1/2oz of witch hazel, 1 drop of cedar oil, 2 drops of bay oil and 4 drops of glycerin. I really like this one. Now to make a larger batch.

To me, Bay Rum should smell both rum and bay. Dark rum, in my opinion, adds complexity to bay and I like the result. Cedar oil certainly goes well with bay essential oil.
As for my latest Bay Rum batch, the one made with real bay leaves, I am allowing it to rest and age: as for all fragrances, perfumes and everything in which the expression of fragrance is a main quality, aging is a crucial aspect. The fragrance I am getting is very good, at least to me, and it is getting better and better week after week. I will let it age some weeks more and then I will bottle it.

My favorite bay rum aftershave is Ogallala, it has a low alcohol content and really no burn. The small batch I made has a little burn and a very similar scent. For what I'm after I came very close my first try. I don't think leaving my mix sit will change it much as I used EO and it doesn't mix with the other ingredients unless you shake it well.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I have a trial run brewing myself, may strain it tonight...

Strained it out last night, I have to say not bad. Good enough to make another batch, double recipe. I believe I will pick up some higher alcohol content rum though, not enough "tingle".

I need to do a proper post with recipe and notes...
But one of the nephews asked me how my home made aftershave was coming.
I had it under the sink (2 - 750ml Bullet Burbon bottles worth) so I pulled it out and put some in a shot glass, warned him not to drink it and let him try it.
He wanted some so I recycled an empty Pinaud flask with a left over Movember Card...




Bay Rum / Grapefruit Skin - 110 proof (may need to tone that down...)

After a proper aging, today I tested again my latest batch of Bay Rum and I finally decided it was ready to be bottled. It is a homemade Bay Rum, therefore not for sale, made with real dark rum and, for the first time, I used real pimenta racemosa leaves and no essential oil. The aroma is absolutely fantastic and smells like a Bary Rum after shave should: dark rum and bay!

Care to share the formula?

Originally Posted by nipper

Care to share the formula?

Dark Rum and Bay leaves. That's it!

Thanks! Very cool. Aftershave and cocktail hour all-in-one. Just grab a cigar and enjoy!

Originally Posted by razorguy

After a proper aging, today I tested again my latest batch of Bay Rum and I finally decided it was ready to be bottled. It is a homemade Bay Rum, therefore not for sale, made with real dark rum and, for the first time, I used real pimenta racemosa leaves and no essential oil. The aroma is absolutely fantastic and smells like a Bary Rum after shave should: dark rum and bay!

How long did you age that for?