Matusalem Gran Reserva
Review: Ron Matuselum Gran Reserva (93.5 pts)
a review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf)
Posted October 2009
IN THE BOTTLE (5.0/5)
I like spirits which arrive in some kind of box or sleeve to keep light from causing any harm to the liquid. Corks are necessary to prevent evaporation and I Like some attempt to make the bottle unique in some way. This fits the bill nicely.
IN THE GLASS (9.0/10)
A very nice aroma rises from the glass (mostly rummy caramel with a little spice), but it is not quite as rich and full as it could be. No off notes at all but the aroma is just a tad muted.
IN THE MOUTH (56.5/60)
This is very good; mellow vanilla and caramel are the dominant flavours. In fact mellow is the best description for this rum. It is very smooth which makes this a good rum to drink straight. There are no bitter notes or other flaws in the flavour profile, and on days when I feel like a more mellow drink this really hits the spot. I have a suspicion that the rum has been filtered or has been distilled multiple times to achieve this effect. This is not a drawback but an observation.
IN THE THROAT (14.0/15)
Just a little more kick and this would be perfect. As it is we have a nice, smooth, mellow exit.
THE AFTERBURN (9.0/10)
I consider this a mood rum. When I feel mellow, and I want to stay that way, this is perfect.
I really like to smell my glass after my drink and savour the last moments.
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My Final Score is out of 100 and you may (loosely) interpret the score as follows:
0-25 A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49 Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59 You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn’t.
60-69 Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74 Now we have a fair mixing rum or whisky. Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79 You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84 We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89 Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94 Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+ I haven’t met this bottle yet…but I want to.
Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal scale as follows:
70 – 79.5 Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5 Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95 Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+ Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)
Steve from Cheshire, UK said
Completely see what you mean about ‘mellow’ being the word…I tried Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva last night and that was, to my beginners pallette, very complex and fruity……the Matusalem I have in my glass now is an altogether different animal. It offers precious little from my Glencairn glass aside from light vanilla, and its quite similar once you take a sip….but 5 minutes after the event, my throat is still hanging onto the mellow vanilla taste and that just kinda sums up your review for me. I’m still learning…and your reviews are helping.
Arctic Wolf said
Thanks Steve,
Your comment is very much appreciated! I hope journey into the world of rum will continue to be an enjoyable one.
(And to be honest, I am still learning too.)
Bob Sabatini said
I have been a fan of Havana Club 7 for a long time as it served me well when it comes to a little bit of heaven…then one of my
friends (Stefan) introduced me to the greatest rum, Matusalem 18
Havana Club who?????
C Gains said
here is the short version without the rant.
Nose: soft oak. cherry- good. But not a rum smell.
Legs: (good. sticky. slow roll -good
in the glass: gold colour (why the dark bottle)
WHISKY comes to mind. I’m angry!
yeast and alcohol taste and smell
bittersweet then no molasses to follow.
crisp.
Nothing generally rummy at all here.
Mixing: made no difference.
Verdict: I literally wanted to pour molasses in my mouth as my brain was trick to think this drink had any”
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Clive
You noticed I didn’t publish your last rant, it was too long and just a little over the top. The short version is better and still conveys your message. I disagree with you almost entirely but that’s okay, you plunked down your bucks and you have every right to disagree with the bottle, and my high score in the review.
I hope you like the Havana Club, it may be more up you alley (especially the 7), I am thinking the FDC 7 might be for you as well.
Cheers!
C Gains said
oh the last 1/5 of bottle the taste intensifed to ‘rich fruit cake soaked in brown sugar.Yum! maybe it was the oak, yeast flavor at start or my bland taste lately.
Cheers!
Arctic Wolf said
I am glad the bottle improved for you!
Merry Christmas!