An enduring legacy from the days when sugar dominated the global economy that triggered colonial expansion by the Spanish, English and French to the new world in the Caribbean, the culture and lore of rum continues to this day. Tales of pirates, naval traditions and explorers in the new world are just part of the mystique of this well-loved spirit made from sugarcane or molasses. Enjoy a tipple and rediscover the golden age of rum with The Peninsula Manila's Rum Diaries...
The Peninsula Manila showcases some the world's finest rum with Rum Diaries at The Bar from April 25 to June 30, 2019. Immerse yourself in the rum experience at The Bar with a flight of three iconic labels, Ron Matusalem 23 Gran Reserva from the Dominican Republic with its deep and indulgent hints of toffee-like sweetness, the Dictador 20-Year Old from Colombia with its complex notes and the multi-awarded Clement VSOP from Martinique. The best of the Caribbean in one flight, and it's here at The Bar. Like what you see so far? Read on for a closer look at one of the featured rum labels...
There are three distinct style of rum, the Spanish ron, the spiced English rum and the French style rhum, it's a reflection of the colonial influences that dominated the Caribbean. Driven by the search for sugar, it wasn't long before the Spanish, French and the English transformed the prized commodity into a spirit. The name of the sugarcane or molasses-based liquor is said to have been derived from the English word "rumbullion" which means "mayhem," and that's no surprise given the historical context of the Caribbean at that time. Explorers, traders and the battle-hardened crews of the Spanish, French and English navies roamed the seas carving up their own territories in the new world establishing vast sugar plantations. Add some privateers and pirates to the mix, and you get the picture.
The sun-kissed tropical climate of the Caribbean makes it fertile ground for the profitable sugar crop, with its vivid sunsets captured in each bottle of rum. And one of these world-renowned labels shine bright at The Bar. Established in 1872, Ron Matusalem was founded by Evaristo Alvarez along with the enterprising brothers Benjamin and Eduardo Camp in Santiago de Cuba. The name is inspired by the Old Testament, the biblical patriarch who lived to the old age of 969 years and a Spanish proverb, "this is older than Matusalem." It's an appropriate reference to the lengthy aging process of the brand.
But the founders had with them a secret that set Ron Matusalem apart from the rest, an uncompromising and patient aging process called "Solera" often used for the finest brandy, sherry and cognac. The tedious process includes stacking rum blends of different ages in tiered casks with the oldest at the bottom and the youngest on top, the same method used in Jerez for their famed sherry. And like all the finer things in life, it takes time. The Solera process results in an elegant and softer finish with deep and vibrant notes. Only six other rum brands use the slow process, and time does the rest. But no one does it quite like Ron Matusalem. Under the watchful eyes of the master blender who, by tradition, comes from the family of founder Evaristo Alvarez, each batch is patiently given the time to mature.
Ron Matusalem is now managed by the fifth generation of the Alvarez family. Ron Matusalem uses American bourbon casks and French barrels for their prized rum, with each barrel imparting its own distinct notes made even richer by the delicate process of toasting or charring the wood. From charring each barrel to the tiered cask or Solera aging process and the blending, Ron Matusalem continues a 147 year-old family tradition with its exceptionally smooth and meticulously blended rum.
And since 1872, Ron Matusalem was the preferred rum of choice for centuries to come. During mid-1930 to the early fifties, Cuba was the popular destination of the world's movers and shakers lured not only by the white sand beaches but by its famed rum. It's a period described as the "Golden Era" when Ron Matusalem dominated the gold rum market with an impressive 50% market share. Ernest Hemingway, the legendary old man, enjoyed Ron Matusalem. In fact, it was his favorite rum. There's even a cocktail, the Papa Hemingway, made with Ron Matusalem, lemon juice, grapefruit juice and maraschino Luxardo created in his honor. But the golden era came to an abrupt end when a revolution led by Fidel Castro toppled the Batista regime. Like many prominent Cubans, the Alvarez family went into exile in the US leaving their distillery behind. It was an end of an era...
...and the iconic brand became a part of the Caribbean's many storied legends. In 2002, Matusalem and Company was relaunched with a new distillery and production facilities in the Dominican Republic. With renewed branding efforts focused on its Cuban roots targeted at the high-end market, Ron Matusalem is definitely back. Ron Matusalem recently hosted a tasting and training session at The Peninsula Manila with their prized selections, the Matusalem Platino, the Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 and the Matusalem Gram Reserva 23. Each one is an elegant expression of the master blender's craft with unique notes reflecting the spirit's diverse flavor profiles. Like the subtle nuances of the Caribbean's many colorful sunsets, each sip recreates the history, lore and rich culture of the sugar-laden islands.
Hektor Monroy, APAC Regional Director for Ron Matusalem, described in detail the history and the exacting Solera process behind the brand...
...attended by mixologists, bartenders and staff of The Peninsula Manila. The casual and informative vibe of the session not only revealed the brand's fabled past but a renewed and bold vision keeping it in step with the times. The graceful swallow in the brand's classic logo is all set to fly once more. But the best part of the session is the tasting... 
...starting with the Matusalem Platino, a crystal-clear premium quality triple-distilled Solera-aged rum filtered and refined for an exceptionally clean, crisp and delicately balanced flavor with comforting sweet hints. A bold yet fragrant aroma hits once you raise the glass to your lips, with a sip delivering upfront flavors with subtle notes of nutty molasses, spicy black pepper, toffee and vanilla followed by an almond and roasted coconut finish. The deceptive absence of color is no indication of the complex layers of flavors, mellowed with a velvety sweet finish through the proprietary Solera process. The Matusalem Platino, with its intense flavors, is perfect for cocktails.
Known as the cognac of rums, the Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 is a deep golden amber hued rum with aromatic hints of chocolate, butterscotch and mild ginger. Delicate layers of vanilla, mocha, espresso, walnut, sweet butterscotch and chocolate, cinnamon and a light citrusy finish like orange zest drapes the palate with each sip. The deep, rounded caramel sweetness with just a whisper of nutmeg and dark chocolate adds that lavish and indulgent finish. This is the rum from the golden age, recreated with the same passion since 1872.
Distilled from fermented molasses, aged in American bourbon barrels and blended in the family's famed Solera system, the Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 is a definitive expression of the finest Spanish style rum of Cuba. But there's more...
The Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 is another elegant spirit made with the Solera system with its deep copper hues. The full-bodied flavors with hints of honey, vanilla, caramel, espresso and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg follows a nose of rich chocolate and coffee, all coming together in a silky smooth finish. Indulgently layered with complex flavors, the Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 is another fine example of Solera aged rum.
The aged rums have their own distinct flavors, notes, color and aroma reflecting the heritage and tradition of Ron Matusalem...
...that's best appreciated and enjoyed neat.
And it's a welcome addition to The Bar's premium selection of fine spirits at The Peninsula Manila.
One last round of rum and the session ended on a high note. At the end of the session, Ron Matusalem's APAC Regional Director Hektor Monroy joined the staff of The Peninsula Manila to answer more questions on the brand and the obligatory group photo. It's a great start to get reacquainted with a legendary rum... 
And, just like Jack Sparrow, you're asking why is the rum always gone, worry not. You'll have all the rum you want at The Bar's featured selection, Rum Diaries (more on the Rum Diaries at The Peninsula Manila's The Bar on the hotel's website at https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/special-offers/dining/rum-diaries). Starting April 25 to June 30, 2019, you can enjoy Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 along with other fine rums including Clement VSOP from Martinique and Dictador 20 Year Old from Colombia at The Bar with a tasting flight paired with a cigar for only P 1,400. After your initial flight, have another or why not have a shot of your preferred rum? Better yet, have a bottle. At The Bar, you can enjoy shots or a bottle of Ron Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 (P 900/Shot and P 13,500/Bottle), Dictador 20 Year Old (P 1,100/Shot and P 16,500/Bottle) and Clement VSOP (P 700/Shot and P 10,500/Bottle) with Rum Diaries.
But Hektor Monroy wasn't done yet.
At The Bar, Hektor Monroy spun his own magic creating handcrafted cocktails blended with the prized rum...
...offering even more refreshing options to enjoy your rum experience with Ron Matusalem.
With each soothing cocktail, the much heralded golden era of rum shines once more at The Bar with some of the world's finest rums. Each deep, mellow and sweet sip takes you back to the free-wheeling Caribbean high seas when exploration, colonial conquest and revolutions shaped the island territories and the bright lights of Havana lured the world's elite driven by the search of the finest rum. It's the Caribbean's rich history and heritage distilled in a bottle, aged and matured with the traditional and exquisite Solera process reflecting the vivid colors of the tropical sunset. Ron Matusalem's story lives on with your next round, and it just keeps getting better.
Find out more on the interesting stories of the Caribbean's finest rums at The Peninsula Manila, and create your own stories with Rum Diaries, now spinning tales at The Bar all the way until the end of June.
For more on Ron Matusalem, visit their FB Page here at https://www.facebook.com/MatusalemRumGlobal/
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