Caswell-Massey, Bay Rum, 88 ml. or 3 oz. Flacon, Cologne Water, 1889, 1980, Newport, Rhode Island, USA ..

Founded in 1752 in Newport, Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey is America’s original apothecary and perfumery, long considered one of the foremost purveyors of scent and luxury. They are known for their exquisitely crafted triple-milled bath and hand soaps, their time-tested apothecary remedies, their shaving soaps, and for extraordinary grooming and shaving accessories. Caswell-Massey was the author of classic American fragrances and an early leader in developing many popular remedies such as our cucumber eye pads, almond and aloe soaps, lotions, and shaving creams.

Stewards of the brand such as Dr. Hunter, John Rose Caswell, William Massey and Ralph Taylor shared a passion and a talent for perfumery and customer service .. still hallmarks of the brand today. Their treasured archives contain original formulas for many of their signature and bespoke perfumes, including their enchanting Elixir of Love No. 1. Their ongoing commitment to unique fragrance experiences has also yielded iconic American scents such as Number Six, Jockey Club, Newport and White Rose.

During the Twentieth Century, Caswell-Massey established its reputation as a leading perfumer by creating exclusive scents for celebrity customers, especially those willing to pay for something bespoke. They count Jaqueline Onassis, JFK, Cole Porter, Lauren Bacall and the Rolling Stones among their fans.

In their legendary New York City Store, Ralph Taylor made it a practice to become deeply acquainted with the person he was making the scent for. For example, the perfume he created for Greta Garbo, who was known as a woman of mystery, featured nutmeg .. thought to be a narcotic ‘mood enhancer’. Into the 1970s, there were profiles created for each customer .. what they liked to do, eat, their size, shape, favorite colors and pastimes .. to land on the perfect bespoke scent. Customers would ‘try on’ scents for a few weeks before their personal formulations were mastered.

Many of the fragrances offered by Caswell-Massey today are rooted in these bespoke fragrances, and many more exist in their famed archives as starting points for new fragrances they have yet to introduce to the public.

"Bay Rum is a distillate of citrus, rum and bay leaves, which originated in the Caribbean on the island of St. Thomas sometime during the 19th century.
Caswell Massey created their own version from a formula by a certain Mr. Michelsen around the end of that century. It consisted of orange, lime, rum, clove, West Indian bay leaves, pimento and cinnamon.

Michelsen's is pungent and long-lasting for a cologne splash and I recall it had great depth. Of the various bay rums I experienced, I always went back to Michelsen's as the one I favored most.

Sadly out of production, but the beautifully labelled bottles are still available online from various sellers of vintage scent. Worth seeking out for a sophisticated experience." Basenotes Review, Jack Twist

Offered here is a fabulous bottle of this exquisite Bay Rum, which has become hard to find today .. It comes in its original presentation box . .