The scent of bayrum, bracing and fresh yet with a twinge of spiciness is one that I grew up amidst. My father was from an old family steeped in their own new world traditions that formed the dramatic backdrop to my father's unique take on life. He was a pragmatist and did not believe in any kind of frillerry or pampery. His world was work, and play; his play. He was born in 1906, a time in Jamaica when it was lauded as the epitome of a kind of masculine demeanor to be absent from any kind of personal embellishments. Yet there was one exception; his cologne - Bayrum. I developed a love for my father's cologne at about 5 years old and would drench myself in it, taking a lick or two of its spicey orange background with tongue curling essential oil of clove or allspice. Needless to say, I made it into adulthood- inhaling, submerged and consumed with Bayrum. (Please do not try this at home!)

There are many variatons of this classic Caribbean scent available nowadays. Most blends start with essential oils of bay with some kind of citrus essential oils such as orange and may be lime with the more anchoring notes of cloves and allspice. This recipe is a basic bayrum with bay, orange and cloves. Further experimentation could yield other versions with allspice, pepper, tobacco, orrisroot and even vetiver essential oils to impart richness to the middle notes and extend the drydown. The top notes may be played with to give a fresher impact with bergamot, lime and mandarin essential oils.



Montego Bayrum Soap

Essential oil blend
5 parts Bay essential oil
1 part orange essential oil (orange 5 fold essentil oil may be used instead or lime e.o)
1 part clove essential oil

(Essential oil useage suggestion 1-1.5% = 0.32 to 0.48 oz per batch)


8 oz. Coconut oil
8 oz. Palm Kernel oil
8 oz. Mango butter
8 oz. Hemp oil
4.75 oz. Lye
12 oz. Water or (milk if making milk soap)
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Batch Size --- 32 oz.

Directions:

Follow directions for making cold process soap How To Make Cold Process Soap.

At the end of trace and after mixing in any herbs or colorants, combine essential oils and add to soap mixture before pouring into mold. Continue as per directions in How To make Cold Process Soap for curing soap.



Where to Buy essential Oils

My favorite east coast supplier of essential oils is A Garden Eastward located in Ludowici, Georgia, run by husband and wife team Denny and Noel. I have been ordering essential oils from them for the last six years and have always been impressed with the quality of their oils.

My favorite west coast supplier of 350 different essential oils is Liberty Natural located in Oregon City, Oregon - great customer service and a really nice crew that will patiently answer all your questions.