The Intoxicologist Is In

Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum Tasting

If you took the opportunity to view the Matusalem Rum You Tube ads posted a few weeks ago you already know it is traditional Cuban rum rich in history.  Following links to the Matusalem Rum site will reward you with the entire heritage surrounding Matusalem Rum spanning the early days of Caribbean settlement, through the “Golden Age of Cocktails” even surviving the devastating grip of Communist control.  There is such detail about each of the Matusalem Rum varieties you will swear you can almost taste it while you read.  But you cannot.  Not from the Matusalem Rum site.  Not even from the review on this site.  To reap the full benefit of Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum you must pour yourself a short glass, sit back with your feet up and relax to enjoy fully. 

Sipping rum is one of the most enjoyable liquors for someone who does not care for the “rough” burn of scotch or whiskey, but loves the enjoyment of a slow easy spirit.  For me medium to dark rum can be warming, soothing and more substantial than wine, but still carries that slight hint of sweetness.  While sipping rum is excellent on cold winter nights curled up by a crackling fireplace, it is equally as indulgent on breezy summer evenings relaxing out on the deck.  There is no specific time of year reserved for rum, which makes Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum so perfect year round!

Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum has a soft aroma to it rather than one that prickles at the nose.  At first taste, there is an undertone much like baker’s chocolate but smoothes out into a caramel undertone.  A slight bitter element reaches the far back of the tongue due to this being dark rum with seemingly less sweet to it.  Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum is exceedingly warming to the senses.  The first sip warms the mouth and nose and slowly eases down the throat into the chest.  This is what relaxation in a glass is all about.  Easing in, mellowing out and warming the spirit. 

How does Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum compare with other premium rums?  Rather nicely in fact.  I tasted Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum against Solera and Pyrat, two rums I sip on occasion.  Pyrat smells and tastes more of citrus and sweet giving it a syrupy consistency.  Solera is more in line with the aroma of Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum, but is thinner leaving a weaker feel in comparison to the Matusalem.  Solera burns a little more on the nose as well.  Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum was definitely my favorite of the three. 

To be honest, I never thought to “ruin” fine sipping rum by daring to mix it in a cocktail.  Really, why dilute it?  But I did.  One of my personal favorite rum cocktails is the basic Daiquiri.  Ordinary, until…Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum.  The color is exceptional with its amber glow rather than the usual clear to light frost one is accustomed to in a Daiquiri.  The flavor is extraordinary with the deep vanilla and caramel undertones rounding out each smooth sip to a satiny finish.  Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum truly makes the Daiquiri glisten. 

Daiquiri

2 ounces Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum

1 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Bar Syrup

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into a well chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.

To find more cocktails using Matusalem Gran Reserva Rum look in the pages section under Matusalem Rum Cocktails.  More Matusalem Rum Information may also be found in the pages section or go to the Matusalem Rum site.