Quote Originally Posted by Thug View Post
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%)

Quote Originally Posted by maliboy67 View Post
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.