Product Review: Matusalem Gran Reserva
Product Review: Matusalem Gran Reserva
Since moving to Hawaii, I’ve enjoyed sampling different rums mixed with local tropical fruit juices. It feels geographically appropriate and captures the essence of island living. I was excited to try MATUSALEM GRAN RESERVA.
Initially I mixed it, like any other rum, with pineapple, mango, guava or passion fruit juice. It was a perfect mate… a smooth and seamless blend.
Next, I experimented by using less juice in the mix. This was equally enjoyable; I was able to savor the rounder flavors of the rum which the lighter mix was allowing to take shape.
Finally, I decided to try MATUSALEM GRAN RESERVA on the rocks. I have never even considered drinking a rum on the rocks. I was wowed by its sophistication and elegance. It is an experience comparable to drinking a fine cognac.
I savored all the complexities that were buttery and warm yet smooth and light enough to fit my new island attitude.
-EW
More on Matusalem Rum from this press release:
Matusalem Rum is famous for being one of the first rums to utilize the Solera blending process.
WHAT IS SOLERA BLENDING?
The traditional process of blending aged spirits that was originally developed for Sherry in Spain in the late 1500’s was adopted by the Alvarez family to create award-winning rum. This technique is a maturation process blending young rums with older rum multiple times in French oak casks. At completion, Matusalem bottles a 15 years old blend, Gran Reserva; a 10 year old blend, Clasico; and a 3 year old blend, Platino.
CUBAN HERITAGE
Introduced in Santiago de Cuba in 1872, Matusalem Rum was the national rum in Cuba known for its exquisite taste and smoothness. Matusalem’s reputation spread the world over when Cuba became the destination of choice for celebrities and trendsetters from the 1850’s through the 1950’s. With Castro’s uprising, the family fled Cuba and has produced Matusalem in exile ever since.
MATUSALEM THE NAME
The founders of Matusalem rum believed the key to creating the finest tasting rum was a patient aging process. The name Matusalem derives from the old Spanish proverb “Esto es mas viejo que Matusalem†(it’s older than Methusaleh). Methusaleh is the Old Testament patriarch fabled to have lived for 969 years.
ORIGIN
Santiago de Cuba, 1872
DISTILLERY
Dominican Republic
PROOF
80 Proof (40% alcohol)
AVAILABLE SIZES
750mL
POSITIONING
Matusalem was the pride of Cuba until Castro came along and kicked it out – leaving the Matusalem brand with a rebellious spirit and unique personality.
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Stumble It!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Interesting. Even sounds better to drink it in Hawaii.