Out of Dominica’s bay rum and interested in trying other brands this summer, I was pleased to find Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum at my local Walgreen’s. Coming in at about $7 for a 12-oz. bottle, I couldn’t resist. Though I’ve logged less than 24 hours with this after shave, I already feel compelled to offer up a review:
The Ingredients: Unlike my beloved Dominica, there don’t appear to be many natural ingredients in the Pinaud. In fact, the ingredient list (and some of the ingredients themselves) is mildly disturbing. But hell, this is a manly after shave, and real men scoff at danger.
The Scent: Spicy. Pinaud’s offering has long been popular among bay rum lovers, and I can see why. Its fragrance is assertive and masculine, heavy on cinnamon and clove. Upon taking a whiff, Mandy immediately reported “It smells like a pirate ship.” I’d have to agree. The scent settles down quickly, but retains more presence and lasts longer than the all-natural stuff.
Uses: Like many bay rums, Pinaud promotes this as “a classic all-purpose fragrance,” and encourages the user to “splash freely all over the body.” I took that advice following this morning’s shower, which leads me to the next point…
The Burn. Dear God, the Burn: The burn of Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum is legendary. It burned upon application to my face yesterday, though it had been hours since I shaved. Hell, it burned my face this morning though I hadn’t shaved at all. But the really disconcerting sensation followed the all-over application. Sweet Moses, my huevos were set alight in a manner exceeded only by toxic dollar-store Gold Bond and Ben-Gay knockoffs. I can only imagine how this stuff is gonna feel directly following a shave. Not for the faint-hearted.
The Packaging: Awesome. I have to take off points for the plastic bottle, but the shape, cap, labeling and colors are glorious. With a sails-down galleon gracing the label and the liquor bottle shape, the packaging exudes the imagery associated with bay rums and well, actual rums for that matter.
The Bottom Line: I had reservations about this after shave – especially with all the more natural bay rums out there that consistently receive rave reviews – but I’m pleasantly surprised and this will surely find a spot in my rotation. With its classic, lasting scent, its hellfire burn and aesthetically appropriate packaging, Pinaud Bay Rum is well worth the money.
-Brent
1 Comment
July 20, 2008 at 12:08 pm
The only acceptable tears for a man to shed are the ones caused by the application of alcohol to raw skin.