A nicely affordable 15-year-old rum? We had to include a Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 review. This isn’t one that you’ll find in the supermarkets, but Amazon and other online retailers often have it in stock.
Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 Review
Ron Matusalem are a Cuban distillery in the Dominican Republic. Yes, I realise that makes little sense. What I mean is that they were originally one of the biggest rum distilleries in Cuba, but ended up moving because of their home country’s adoption of communism. They upped sticked to the Dominican Republic in order to keep those big bucks coming in, but kept the same quintessentially Cuban method of rum production they’d always used.
Although it says that it’s 15 years old, you may want to ask for some sort of ID. Ron Matusalem is aged using a solera method which sees the revolving of barrels and the adding of younger rums to old barrels. It’s all above-board stuff, but probably makes for boring reading if I try to explain it. Lets just vaguely say that the majority of the rum in the bottle is around 15 years old.
How Much is Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15?
Around £35. You can sometimes catch it for just below £30, but generally it’ll set you back 33 fat ones.
Is Ron Matusalem 15 Suitable for Sipping Neat?
It’s designed to be drank neat. The bottle boasts of its smoothness, but this wasn’t the most prominent thing I noticed. Instead I found it a little more peppery than other Cuban/Dominican rums. It’s alright. Similar in style to Havana Club 7.
Is Ron Matusalem 15 year old Suitable for Mixing?
I’m sure it would be fine. In fact, I reckon it’d be great if you’re after a luxury ‘dark and stormy’. There’s cheaper rums you can mix with though, including the similar but cheaper Havana Club 7.
Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 Review – Verdict
It’s good. It’s fine.
If that feels like a bit of a dull verdict to come to, then I guess it’s because Ron Matusalem 15 does nothing wrong, but doesn’t exactly wow either. While I’d be more than happy to accept a glass again sometime, I’m less likely to actually purchase it again. Reason being is that it’s quite similar to the £10 cheaper Havana Club 7, which I think I actually prefer. Still, if you like Havana 7 but think it could be a bit spicier, then give this a bash. 6/10
You’ll Probably like Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 if You Already Like…
Havana Club 7 or maybe even Mount Gay Black Barrel owing to its slight spicy note.
Like a bit more pepper with that? Take a look at this Mount Gay Black Barrel review.
More of a whisky lover? Have a look at this £16 supermarket bargain single malt Scotch.
After a solid, cheapish rum? Look no further than The Duppy Share.
In this price range, you might want to check out Hattiers Egremont. You can thank me later.
If you like this, you might dig Pacto Navio‘s sauternes finish too.