Matusalem Gran Reserva 18 is a traditional rum from the Dominican Republic, produced in a column still. The aging method used for this aged rum is solera: aged rums are blended with younger rums to "educate" them. The average age is 18 years.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the profile is decidedly caramelized and roasted, reflecting the molasses from which this rum is extracted. It remains fairly light, however, with fine notes of cocoa, coffee and roasted nuts. The molasses has a slight medicinal bent, as in addition to its characteristic licorice, it shows a little latex edge. The rum soon relaxes and becomes very suave, with vanilla, sweet caramel, almonds and soft nougat.
Aeration calls up the roasting register again, before opening the profile to sugar-laden fruit. One thinks of very ripe apricots, or swollen, oozing, sticky mirabelle plums. This concentrated side contains a lightly waxed woody reduction to caramel and vanilla that's quite engaging.
Light and easy on the palate, the notes of blond tobacco, caramel and wood are soft and balanced. There's still some roast, toasted wood and spice, but it's just an evocation of a distant pepper.
On the finish, the rum disappears in a final, slightly warm, vanilla and caramelized breath.
"This Matusalem offers a real step up in consistency compared to its younger sibling..."
