Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 15

This rum blend doesn't taste polished. It's harsh, bitter, dry, and leaves your tongue burning. While the flavor is rather plain and similar to Havana Club, you can discern its aging in quality barrels. Regarding the molasses taste, well... rum doesn't need to be sweet, but the caramel undertones are barely noticeable here. For a rum supposedly from a Grand Reserve and aged 15 years (unlikely), this is a harsh, dry liquid that's far from soft on the palate like better distilled spirits. It costs 1.5 times a Havana Club but barely avoids being categorized with bottom-shelf rums.

Nose: sticky molasses, intense charred wood, burnt sugar, vanilla bean, cherry cordial, almond extract, amaretto liqueur, a hint of funky, overly ripe banana, sugary pipe tobacco, maple syrup, with a noticeable alcohol sting. Palate: deep molasses, butterscotch candy, smooth vanilla, maple syrup, banana notes, sweet tobacco, cherry, almond, wood char, malted grain, a solid alcohol presence, with a lengthy finish featuring molasses, fruity funk, and butterscotch notes. This is a solid pour suitable for sipping or mixing. It has characteristics of both Barbados and Jamaican rum styles. I'd be happy to own a bottle.

A rich rum from molasses, aged 15 years via the solera method in French oak barrels. It presents a woody introduction with notes of dried fruits, buttery caramel, citrus, and vanilla; a full body contributes vanilla, oak, toffee, banana, and cacao; culminating in a Cognac-like finish with a touch of fruit, cherry, and wood. January / May / August 2018 / August 2020

The nose presents a strong, rich aroma of black molasses, along with vanilla and caramel. Vanilla flavors are dominant throughout, with a slight woody note. The finish is medium to long. Overall, it's very, very solid. Definitely a repurchase. It's also amazing in a mojito! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. 😀

Appears to be quite adaptable. Really appreciating it straight in a chilled tumbler. The aroma offers delicate hints of cherry, almond, and vanilla. It glides across the palate with notes of chocolate alongside red fruit mingling with gentle nuttiness. A lingering finish reminiscent of chocolate nougat.

Unexpected! Similar to another brand, but with a shorter finish and slightly less balanced palate. Excellent value for the price. A classic spirit with a refined, gentler character due to its sweetness, though I wouldn't describe it as overtly sweet.