We have introduced a new scent with a masculine vibe for Valentine's Day. The recently released Man Candy is scented with the popular classic scent of bay rum. If, like me, you are unfamiliar with the smell of bay rum, let me share what I have learned. Even if you don't find all things soap and scent fascinating, it's an interesting story.
The use of bay leaves for fragrance began in the 1500s. Sailors sailing from the West Indies would take bay leaves and rub them all over themselves to help mask the stink a long voyage at sea would create. This was a common practice that went on for centuries.
As the exportation of goods grew, so did the profit from sugar. West Indian plantations began growing sugar cane to export to Europe. A few ingenious plantation slaves discovered that molasses, a by-product of sugar, could be fermented and turned into what we now consider a staple of the Caribbean: rum.
Brewers expanded upon the idea of fermenting molasses for great profit. Each brewer had their secret recipe for the best rum, which often included spices such as clove, citrus, and cinnamon. Eventually, a sailor discovered that bay leaves steeped in rum created a delightful "perfume" that was easier to apply than rubbing dry leaves all over one's body. The scent of the Caribbean was made, and the Bay Rum scent became popular among barbers and perfumers.
Today, the Bay Rum fragrance is associated with the manliest of men and is the most popular scent for beard care products. I find the smell intoxicating and have declared it one of my top ten favorite scents. It is exotic, warm, spicy, and fresh. Of course, The Bibbed Wonder asked to be in charge of naming this new soap. I agreed as long as it wasn't inappropriate. He heaved a sigh of annoyance and declared he would settle for calling it Man Candy. Which, by the way, is what he calls himself. He is my man candy. The man candy of the business, and everyone loves the sight of man candy in bibs. He's a lot. Seriously.
The soap not only smells fantastic, but it is wonderful for one's kin. We added aloe vera juice and Tussah silk fibers to our original cold-process soap recipe to create a luxurious, skin-pampering bar. Yes, this scent is considered masculine; however, I like it so much that it is the soap I am currently using in the shower. It is delightful.
On this bitterly cold January day, that is a step up from saying Arctic cold January day, stay safe, be smart, enjoy delightfully scented soaps, and keep washing your hands.
Can’t wait for my husband to try it❣️