Tasting Notes
Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 isn’t just a rum; it’s a tasty time machine, transporting you back to the glittering era of pre-revolutionary Cuba—the so-called Cuban Golden Age. Picture it: the 1940s and ’50s, when Havana was the playground of the rich, famous, and those with an appetite for adventure and daiquiri-inspired mischief. Matusalem was there lifting spirits.
Founded in 1872 by a couple of Spanish brothers who looked at the solera distilling system used for sherry and brandy production – and nicked it for rum-making. The result? A beautifully balanced spirit that’s as smooth as a Cuban tango on a summer night.
Fun fact: the solera system isn’t just fancy winemaking lingo. It’s a method where older rum is blended with younger rum, ensuring that every sip of Matusalem is steeped in history. So, in every glass of Gran Reserva 15, you’re not just tasting one year’s harvest—you’re savoring decades of carefully aged Cuban spirit.
Distillery Notes:
Originally crafted in Cuba, Matusalem’s production was exiled to the Dominican Republic after the Cuban Revolution. Despite the change in scenery, the brand has stayed true to its Cuban roots, ensuring that each bottle is a nod to the island’s illustrious rum-making tradition.
Appearance
When you pour Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 into your glass, you’ll be met with a deep mahogany color, highlighted by amber and golden tones. It’s the kind of hue that makes you think of sun-drenched afternoons in Havana, where time slows down.
Nose
On the nose, Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 greets you with an intoxicating blend of intense spices—think vanilla and cloves. It’s sweet but complex, with notes of caramel and honey playing nice with a subtle toasted wood aroma. There’s a warmth to it that feels like a tropical embrace.
Palate
The first sip? Bold and unforgettable. The flavor is intense and persistent, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Hints of wood and coffee come through, balanced by the sweetness of caramel. It’s like sipping on the very essence of a Havana café.
Finish
The finish is long and lingering, like the memory of that epic night out. The spice and wood notes hang around, giving way to a final whisper of caramel that leaves you wanting just one more sip. Or two. Or three. Who’s counting?
Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 is the rum for the sophisticated rebel, the one who appreciates history but knows how to have a good time. Whether you’re sipping it neat, over ice, or in a classic cocktail, this rum takes you back to the Cuban Golden Age.
Do you have a favourite cocktail recipe that highlights Matusalem 15? We’d love you to share below!
The Rumosphere 