Pamela T. Falmouth, MA

I appreciate your email and love your products.

J'ouvert is my signature fragrance - so distinctive!

Jim G. Texas

Can't do without my St John's Bay Rum. Have been wearing it for about 50 years!

B Taylor MN

 I am looking forward to trying the balm! I recently received samples from you and your bay rum is the best I have smelled (and I have tried a lot of them).

Kind regards,

Ben

Dan S. Georgia

I've used your St Johns Bay Rum and West Indian Lime After Shave since about 1972. Love both products and the compliments I get.

David H. South Grafton Mass.

Thank you very much! I have used your Bay Rum for years and will certainly continue to do so. You make a great product, and match it with excellent customer focus.

Dolph G. Nevada

I have loved this product for over 50 years.

LCII

Somethings cannot be improved upon and SJBR is one of them. I was recently in St. Thomas for the first time and was pleased to pick up a couple of bottles straight from the source. LCII

D. Jones Loveland, CO

thanks so much - great service - I've used the West Indian lime aftershave for 40 years .....

Howard B. Ennis, MT

I am happy to have found a company that produces Bay Rum lotion, which I use to have to purchase at my Barber's in New York. Since moving to Montana and still trying to familiarize myself with online shopping, it is rewarding to know of you existence.


Thank you for your personal note. I found it quite refreshing within this highly impersonal electronic medium. 


Cordially yours, Howie

Robert W.

I have enjoyed your product for many years, and you should be very proud of all your products.

Comment by Southlandtrad — May 3, 2012 @ 6:44 am

Great post - Bay Rum is my go-to aftershave and scent. My grandfather used to say “Bay Rum don’t draw flies.” I believe he was talking about the fact that the ladies seemed to like it but who knows…

Bay Rum, The Scent Of Madison Avenue

Bay Rum, The Scent Of Madison Avenue

Thu 3 May 2012

In 1946, American John Webb settled on St Thomas and saw the opportunity to reintroduce the fragrance. Webb founded The West Indies Bay Company and began producing St Johns Bay Rum, which he distinctively packaged in bottles hand-wrapped by natives with Tyre palm fronds. Fueled by the postwar fascination with island exotica (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” hit Broadway in 1949, Hollywood in 1958), St. Johns Bay Rum was soon distributed to every major US city and most college towns.

Today St. Johns Bay Rum is still going strong. It is sold coast to coast in the finest clothing stores, and is being shipped from the Virgin Islands, to devoted fans as far as China and New Zealand.

Cinthea S. California

My Father has enjoyed St. John Bay Rum for 55 years.

Duane K. California

I've been a customer for years. Great Stuff!

W. Dickson Washington DC

Thanks for being there! I've been addicted since 1960

Janet F. Florida

I have been buying your products since 1958, at the old airport.

Heath W. New Jersy

St. Johns Bay Rum is hands down the best on the planet!

Elerling

Finally found you! My Dad served on St. Thomas during WW2 and a little afterwards. He was a doctor at Hanson's facility. Throughout my youth, he used your Bay Rum aftershave. Such memories...

Rolland K. New York

Thank you!!! From a third generation user. Pop, Dad and Myself

Richard K. Arizona

Bought a 8oz Bay Rum which I  leave with my barber, I do not like anything else and have my barber use it on me every time I go.

L Bayer Alabama

I have been looking for your product in the stores on and off for over 40 years. You see I bought an 8 ounce bottle of St Johns Bay Rum in the base exchange in Saigon Vietnam in 1965 while serving in the army. I have carefully nursed this bottle ever since. Every department store I shopped in, here in the states and in Europe I would always check out the toiletries section. Finally I said, "why not the internet" and bingo. I can't wait for my bottle to arrive.

Kristin W. MO

Just found your web site-it's wonderful!! Have been looking to find St. Johns Bay Rum for my Father-one of my first memories as a young child is my Dad letting me splash on some of his St. Johns Bay Rum after he shaved every morning & the give me that delightful bottle to play with when it was empty. Anyway, I'm 45 years old now & this is still one of my most favorite memories! After almost 35 years I look forward to giving my Dad a bottle of his favorite cologne.

Scott L. Morristown NJ

"Excellent quality, love the products. Had a great experience at the store during a layover in St. Thomas. Joe, the store manager, was very helpful and provided exceptional customer service. I highly recommend a visit when your in town"

Constance P. Florida

Love this Bay Rum! Thanks so much.

Tim R. Kansas

I prefer yours to any other Bay Rum the smell is unique.

Dennis D. Maryland

I purchase my first West Indian Lime Cologne at Powers & Goode Mens Clothing Shop at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD as an undergraduate in 1962. I have been using it ever since. Since it has become more difficult to find in store, I am glad to be able to order it directly. Thanks again!

David C. Texas

I've called for a few items over the last few years and have always enjoyed your products and your swift polite service. Maybe sometime soon I'll get back to say thank you in person.

Ralph K. Califorina

Has been using St Johns Bay Rum and Lime Aftershave for 50 years. Will not wear anything else. Willing to drive for an hour to buy it!!!

Peter W. Oregon

Your fragrances are exceptional! I remember St. Thomas when we were there in 1959.

Victor B. Florida

Have been using Bay Rum since the late 50"s

Rolland K. New York

I am a third Generation St. Johns Bay Rum use. First time ordering on online, My best wishes for your continued success.

Karen M. MO

My Husband has used Bay Rum Aftershave since he was 18 years old (when we first met). He just turned 65! Love Love Love your products!

George L. New Jersey

Thank you for providing a great web site to order your products. I first learned of your famous Bay Rum as a child 40 years ago standing next to my Father after his shave and seeing him shake from the "straw bottle" this wonderful smelling liquid...I've used it ever since.

Frank A. New York

The Best After Shave in the World!
"A bit of Caribbean splash in the Morning"

Ashtin C. TEXAS

I feel good knowing that I know QUALITY just by smell. I found this cologne for my friend when was in STX 3yrs ago, but since I've moved away I've tryng to get my grandma to find it. He's almost out and he told about the website. So I'm so glad I found it.... .

Douglas J.

I had my first experience with St Johns Bay Rum about two years ago. A friend of mine had a partial bottle that he'd been hoarding for several years, and he let me have a whiff. I was in AWE!!! It was truly the finest men's scent I've ever encountered.Well it took me some time, but I finally happened upon your website and ordered my own bottle several weeks ago. I received it last week, and I've worn it everyday since. It's great for daytime, nighttime and even just to hang out at home in. It's just one of those scent that makes you feel good. So, I'm Obsession, Hugo, Cool Waters, Envy and Joop. This is now my one and only fragrance. Thanks for making it. You'll receive my next order soon.
 By the way...I'm glad SJBR isn't overly promoted or commercialized. It makes it even nicer to know that you're one of the lucky few who gets to smell so good!

Louann P. Texas

Loved the smell of Bay Rum since my honeymoon in the Virgin Islands in 1964.

Valerie G. Mass.

My Husband LOVES this product. It reminds us of our first vacation together :-)

R and D Lonon

Jerry,

Diane and I really enjoyed meeting you and visiting your facilities on the West Indian Company Cruise Ship Dock on Monday March 19.  We especially enjoyed the tour and seeing how your product was made.  Your entire staff was very friendly and gracious.  We appreciate the fact that we could purchase your product so we can enjoy it for a long time.

Thanks again for everything,

Ron Lonon

David H. West Virginia

I have been using this for 60 years.

Don Gold Maryland

Love your cologne!

Kathryn W. California

This is the only cologne I will let my Husband wear. I love it!

Malcome B. Canada

Love your product & will buy again, picked up 1st bottle last April at your retail store in St. Thomas & will be back again in April 2012. Thanks for your hospilality.

Margret P. California

I am so happy to get my Island "Fix" with your  perfumes!

Peter W. Oregon

Have enjoyed your product since 1959, when on board SS New Amsterdam,w/Holland-America Lines

Adam G Washington

My Father introduced me to St. Johns Bay Rum in the mid-60's when we first visited Sapphire Bay, St. Thomas. I am delighted to have found your Website

Duane K. California

Yours is truly the best. Been a satisfied customer for 15 years plus

Damon W. New Mexico

Been using the product since 1964.

3-20-12 Diane and Ron L. Texas

I bought Bay Rum in 1975 for my Brother, It smelled so great, now my Husband has been wearing it for 25 plus years.

3-20-12 Tom G. Texas

My Mother-in-Law bought Bay Rum for me 35 plus years ago and I have been wearing it ever since.

11/24/2008 Wallace D. Washington DC Thanks for being there!

2011 Photo Contest Winners Treasure Map

Congratulations to

- Bill D. from Holland, MI
- Terese R. from Seabrook, NH
- Margo G. from San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Rob S. from Raleigh, NC

for being winners of the 2011 Photo Contest created by our friends at Island Treasure Map. Each winner received a 2oz bottle of either our classic Bay Rum or Bay Rum with Lavender, Lime, or Grapefruit. Thank you for entering the contest and submitting such beautiful photos from our islands.

Also, visit Island Treasure Map's website which features a map for St. Thomas and one for St. John which can be downloaded for free. It is a great way to become acquainted with the islands before or during your vacation in the V.I.  (www.islandtreasuremaps.com)

Feedback From Our Customers

Many of our customers have remained loyal to us over the years and generations, and we would like to thank them for all of their kind words.

"Love the smell of Bay Rum since my honeymoon in the Virgin Islands in 1964" - L.P. in Dallas, TX

"I really love the products!" G.I. in Mission Viejo, CA

"My grandpa used Bay Rum, my dad, and now me - we just love it" C.D. in Portland, OR

Weaver by the Sea

In centuries past island locals learned to weave palm tree fronds for many practical purposes, creating special designs for thatched huts, as well as unusual fishing pots to capture food from shallow lagoons. Through countless generations this custom has remained unchanged, and the traditional fish pot design has become the hallmark of quality for St. Johns fragrances.

This art is perpetuated by families in St. Barts in the French West Indies where most of the palm castings are made. Others, totaling thousands a month, are made in St. Thomas, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Deftly and rapidly, busy hands form narrow strips of Tyre palm fronds (collected in the hills surrounding Hull Bay on St. Thomas). They are dried in the sun, then shaped into small baskets and slipped over bottles in a glove like fit. It takes over 30 minutes to hand weave one bottle.

The history of this weave illustrates not only the uniqueness of our product, but also the rich history of the Caribbean. St. Johns Fragrances has been using the fish pot design on our hand woven bottles since 1949 when the owner John Webb noticed the special palm weave used in fishing traps by the French community on St. Thomas. One evening in Cafe Normandie in Frenchtown, he was introduced to Joe Felix, a native of St Barth. Felix explained that the distinctive pattern of the fish traps was called, "fish pot weave" and was made of Tyre palm fronds. Webb knew this look would be ideal for his Bay Rum product and Felix was able to devise a "jacket" out of palm strips which he slipped over the bottle like a glove. He then finished the weaving by delicately tying the palm around the neck of the bottle. The whole process took between 20 to 30 minutes. John Webb was elated with the result of Felix's efforts and the beautiful packaging he had created.

From the 1940s onward, St. Johns Bay Rum was able to employ weavers on many Caribbean islands which helped keep this weaving tradition alive as fisherman have turned away from the tyre palm traps. The skill has been passed down preserving an important slice of island history. The image of the Weaver by the Sea is our tribute to this story and was featured on our limited edition 60th anniversary bottle of Bay Rum.

Welcome to Our Blog

St. Johns has been manufacturing and distributing locally made fragrances since 1946. Our signature scent Bay Rum is made from the finest bay leaves in the world, grown on St. John. As described by Gail Schulterbrandt (http://www.stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/Articles/Bay-Rum.htm), Bay Rum is a historic industry of the Virgin Islands for its amazing scent and beneficial properties. Since our inception, we have expanded our line to seven fragrances, including two for women. Please visit our site for more information on ordering products and samples.

Please feel free to leave us any comments or questions. Our blog will serve as venue for not only sharing information about our company, but also insights on happenings in the Virgin Islands.