Libation Review: Matusalem Rum

Name: Matusalem
Type: Rum
Origin: Dominican Republic
ABV: 40%
Price: Around $35.00 per bottle from the Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton, MO.

This next review is one that brings a smile to face. Matusalem Rum is probably my favorite Caribbean rum that is easily accessible (Casa Fuente has a bottle of Samaroli rum that is unbelievable if you are a scotch drinker, but that is for another day). My first time having it was at The Hill Cigar Co.. I was hanging out there one afternoon (when I was able to still do that sort of thing) when I sat down to start smoking and ended up chatting with the gent next to me. When I asked him what he was drinking, his response was the Matusalem. At which point his next question was: “Would you like to try it?” After the taste test and him offering me a glass of it, I was more or less hooked. Every rum I have had since then has been compared to this one. It was originally a Cuban recipe and even said to be Hemingway’s favorite rum. Whatever the case may be, I’m always thrilled when I get to drink it. Today, I’ll give you a brief breakdown of my thoughts on it.

I find the color on the Matsulem perhaps slightly darker than gold. It’s definitely in the middle of the pack when compared to other rums. I didn’t get a ton of aromas from the nose of this rum but the opening tastes on the palette are a fantastic blend of molasses, brown sugar and cane sugar with touches of toffee on the aftertaste and finish. The balance between the sweet and bitter notes is well done and really allows the drink to stand on its own. I’ve felt from other rums in the past that the flavor profile could really be skewed in a couple different directions (too syrupy sweet for example) but thankfully you don’t have to worry about that here.

Because of the balanced profile of the rum, I feel you could really pair this rum with nearly any kind of cigar you’d prefer, expect perhaps for a wildly-strange flavored cigar. I’m smoked nearly every range of cigar with this rum over several years and have never been upset. Between that, the price (which in my mind is a steal), and the fact that it’s always a welcome addition for my wife or any friends that show up who are not whiskey drinkers, the Matusalem is a guaranteed winner in my house. Give it some consideration the next time you are looking for something new to enjoy with your cigars – you will not be sorry.

Final Score: 9.25/10

Thank you very much for reading and I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.