Ron Matusalem is my selection for the fifth, Cuban style of rum identified by Dave Broom. The Cuban style is light and it will be no surprise that a good Cuban rum often accompanies a good cigar. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve - produced by a Cuban distiller and formula in the Dominacan Republic - is no exception.
Sue Sea:
Me: My earlier experiences with MGR left me with the impression that it would be a good cigar rum. But as Sue Sea pointed out "...this is one of the very few rums I could drink with a good meal, as well as after it". A must have for your basic collection.I wasn't sure what to expect with a Cuban rum so I was excited to taste this major style. Its first aroma was light and clean with notes of a bit of oak and vanilla, butterscotch and caramel. With a bit of examination I found a touch of toasted almonds and what I can only describe as orange marmalade rye toast! I'm serious. Matusalem's Gran Reserve is light bodied; its taste is completely consistent with its aroma. As far as finish, the Gran Reserve is decrescendo - a great but short smokey finish as it puts the marmalade on the toast. Or actually the reverse. Lovely.
Note: this was one of our earliest reviews at a time when I did not feel confident or experienced enough to comment more specifically. The following is my current impression:
Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva is a well respected product that is as close to authentic Cuban as available legally in the U.S. It comes in a classic, short-necked bottle that is somewhat shorter and bit more squat than the most typical bottles, and sports a beautifully conceived traditional label and neck covering. Sealed with a cork. Gran Reserva is a 15 year Solera, meaning a rum wherein the angel's share is annually replaced with younger rums.
The result: the Solera concept - which is carried out in different ways by different distillers - tends to add layers of complexity from the rums of differing years blending together. It's like the bottomless catsup bottle at your neighborhood diner - constantly being refilled.
Heck, I bet there's catsup in there that's 15 years old too, lol...
But, as always, I digress. Sue Sea and I are in close proximity on the one. Gran Reserva's aroma has that clean and cultured complexity of a good Solera. Clean but deep with aromas of a high vanilla, a deep orangey leather, nice bit of oak. Sue Sea's caramel is there, adding a definite smooth sweetness. Early palate is smooooth and sweet, carrying through consistently with all in the aroma, and ends with some light astringency. The finish is short and lightly peppery, leaving a smoky orange aftertaste that makes this a cigar rum.
Great quality, great rum that belongs on your shelf. The reference rum for the Cuban style. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva is both light and full flavored. Go figure. But after all, it's Cuban!
Rating (10 is best): Sue Sea - 7, Jimbo - 8.
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Note: This rum retasted below the next post, with an interesting discovery!