The label on Matusalem Gran Reserva’s 15 year old bottle of rum looks as if Blackbeard himself designed it. It resembles a found treasure map with parchment paper, ragged edges, rich embossing and antique Cuban coins giving it an old world charm. The dark brown classically shaped bottle is the same one you’d see wash up on a deserted island. But the message inside of is not a lonely SOS note but an eloquent love letter of layered tastes and pleasing aromas. If you are trapped on a desert island, a few swigs of Gran Reserva will certainly help you forget your predicament. A sweet buttery opening thanks to Venus’ Vanilla continues on to a subtly smoky flavor and finishes with a woodsy, enjoyable aftertaste. I tasted it neat, but this hearty rum would make any Mojito proud. Worth it’s price tag of $35-$40, it’s certainly in a category above average—well above average, actually. This is real rum, from the mother country of the Mojito itself… Cuba! The family was forced into exile by Fidel Castro and they now operate their distillery out of the Dominican Republic. The Gran Reserva calls on a recipe that is 130 years old and uses a 15 year old aging and blending process. Persistence pays off, it just won the “Double Gold Medal” in the reputable San Fran Spirit’s awards.

Check out their humorous Fidel Castro ads on youtube.
Visit Matusalem Rum