[YpbWF5Yo]

One is Imperial, and the other Imperial 21. Both are made in limited quantities, with the 21 having fewer cases or more limited. I would imagine it should be out in the market by now, I've seen a few ads on the paper which they put out when the product is launched each year. I would suggest thou, that you purchase before they run out, as prices could increase by up to 60% due to speculation by supermarkets on these products. In my opinion, you will be purchasing the world's finest rum. Just make sure you drink it straight or on the rocks only.
Cheers

[abossakon]

... does anyone know if a tour is available at the Matusalem Rum Factory too in Santiago?

I would be shocked if there is a "Matusalem rum factory" in Santiago. Matusalem is an old Cuban brand from Santiago de Cuba (confusion?). It is now made in the DR, perhaps under license of the original owners of the brand. I bought a bottle in Costa Rica a few years ago, and was very unimpressed. I don't think it was made in the DR back then.

But then, what do I know about rum? I think Brugal Extra Viejo is the best buy in rum on the planet (as opposed to the best rum on the planet), which is heresy amongst some of the posters here who wouldn't be caught dead drinking the brand of the tigueres!

In any case, my guess is that "Matusalem", if it is truly manufactured in Santiago, DR, is produced under contract at one of the established distillers - Bermudez or Isidro Bordas. (I remember a few years ago when Isidro Bordas was producing a rum called "Habana Vieja" that wasn't too bad.)

[7kitthuptarill]

It seems to me that this "Cuban" rum is probably being made by Bernúdez. At least there is no other distillery in Santiago and I think I remember something about even the Bermudez people shutting down their distiillery and buying their alcohol from someplace else.

Anyway, the good news is, I just heard that BARCELÓ (por Dios!!) Imperial will be coming out shortly, so I am going to buy my yearly case..., and because it has been so mentioned here, I will tempt my palate with some Bermúdez Aniversario...

Oh, and by the way????? I happen to have a bottle of 16 year old Barbancourt....stop by some time...

HB

[Adimondin]

Oh Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesus man, drink the Aniversario either straight up or on the rocks. If you want to taste smooth that is a great one.

Use the cheap crap if you want to mix with Coke. That is a sickening drink usually had by kids.

I use the Brugal as a paint thinner or varnish remover only! What junk and not comparable to Aniversario in any way shape or form.

Escott

[emingeRek]

It's not surprising that Matusalem came from Cuba, a lot of things came from Cuba after Castro took control.

Certain "Cuban" cigar companies are based in the Santiago area.

Heck, even Bacardi was originally from Cuba and then the owners fled to Puerto Rico and voila, PR got Bacardi rum.

I wonder why they jumped over the DR straight to PR? Oh well, that rum would have certainly damage the image of Dominican rum because its not very good, then again, it could be the Puerto Rican soil that don't give good sugar cane molasses!

I don't know, but Bacardi is no good. Bermudez Imperial are my favorite, despite the fact that I hardly drink any alcohol, but from time to time Imperial makes it to my mouth.

And I have tried Barbancourt from Haiti and I like it, though not as much as Bermudez Imperial, but still acceptable. I'm surprise that company has not done a vigorous global marketing campaign or are they? They would do well internationally I would think and all of that simply helps the Haitians in by creating more bottling jobs for them!

I was even surprised with Brugal. I think it is an appaling rum, but still better than Bacardi. However, Brugal entered the Italian market a few years ago and they are doing fabulously well over there. I am just surprised by that reaction from the Italians, you know since they tend to like only the best.

[abossakon]

It seems to me that this "Cuban" rum is probably being made by Bernúdez. At least there is no other distillery in Santiago and I think I remember something about even the Bermudez people shutting down their distiillery and buying their alcohol from someplace else.

HB,

Though you know enough about the "Ciudad Corazon" to have been one of the original "caballeros", I think you may have missed something here. The Isidro Bordas distillery has been operating in Santiago since 1935. You may know them best as the maker of "Crema de Oro", "Sangria Gitano" and every kid's Christmas favorite, "Vino Tinto Campeon" (it gives you muscles!).

And this line from their website may solve the Matusalem mystery:

"Thanks to our great capacity of production, we are offering our services in the elaboration of Private Marks of anyone of the products that we made and of type Licor or wine." http://www.isidrobordas.com/english/history.htm

BTW, I also heard that Bermudez is no longer distilling in Santiago, though any info you could track down on that question would be welcome.

[herrdwq]

She didn't get the chance to visit Sosua to go to the Super Super,

Definitely the best store for liquor in Sosua.

I actually had Barbancourt 5 Star rum from Haiti as my first choice because I wanted to try a rum made with sugar cane juice instead of molasses, but she wasn't able to find it.

I didn't know that.

Do you know if Barbancourt is available in Sosua ... I was wondering if the Super Super carries other Caribbean countries' rums, or only DR ones?

We do have a bottle here. People occasionally bring them back to us from Haiti. Haven't ever seen them on the shelves, anywhere.
Darn fine stuff.

[FoetAgerhot46]

Thanks for the invitation, Hillbilly If I had the $$$ I'd join my Mom and Aunt on their next vacation to Puerto Plata. I think I'd drive them nuts though since I'm not the sunbathing type and would rather sightsee.

The Bermudez website is in Spanish only, so I don't know if there's any relevant information there. Their website is very slow loading for my old computer system also.

http://www.ronbermudez.com

[7kitthuptarill]

are located on the street in back of the Clinica Corominas. Since they don't make rum, I had completely dismissed them. I love Ponche Crema de Oro at Shristmas time, a real egg nog with plenty of "nog" .

And I use vino Tinto Campeon all the time in curing tobacco! Its great...

I will look into this and see if they are doing the Methusela rum..And Adriano Bordas was a student of mine when he was an undergrad...Big duh!!

Old and stupid I'm feeling right now....

HB ??

[FoetAgerhot46]

Rocky mentioned there being two different Barcelo Imperial rums ... can you tell them apart from the labeling? This will be useful information because I want my Mom to pick up this brand next year on holidays if she doesn't come across Barbancourt again. (I wish I could hop on a plane and have a drink with Hillbilly right now )

I've been reading about the historical/political influences on rum producing countries. It's interesting to learn that Puerto Rico imports sugar cane from Dominican Republic for rum production post-WWII when it diversified from agricultural to more industrial business. It seems the distillation process and not the raw ingredient is the factor in rum quality, eg. Bacardi.

Aged "sipping" rum is becoming more popular each year with spirit competitions/tastings and Caribbean travel educating people there are rums as fine as cognac and scotch, and it's not just a mixing drink. Here in Ontario the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) is stocking more imported rum brands, but the "markup" is still steep compared to domestic ones where it may hinder some from buying. I'm guessing the complicated importation process may be why Barcelo, Bermudez and Barbancourt are not found here

[FoetAgerhot46]

Hi, I'm new to the board I was wondering if anyone knows if Matusalem rum which is produced and bottled in Santiago, Dominican Republic is actually made by the Bermudez rum company? My Mom brought me back a bottle of Bermudez Aniversario from her recent trip to Puerto Plata and I don't want to buy Matusalem Gran Reserva rum here in Canada at $35.90 if it is one in the same. Is it just coincidence that when Matusalem competes in the Rum Fest Bermudez doesn't, and visa versa?

[FoetAgerhot46]

If anyone is still reading this thread, I was wondering what you think of Macroix 8 year old rum? I read that the company is in partnership with Brugal and was wondering if it is like Brugal Extra Viejo, or better? Does Macroix have the same reputation as Brugal, and inexpensive as well?

[abossakon]

I would call Macorix an underated regional brand. It's popularity is still rather small and limited to the eastern part of the country. It's not as smooth, and therefore not as popular to the masses, as Brugal Extra Viejo, but has a very noticable cane flavor. It's been a while since I've had it, but, as I remember, it can vary in complexion from batch to batch.

It's not substantially cheaper than other rums of similar aging.

Edited to add: A web search confirms that Macorix has been part of the Brugal distilling empire since 1993.

[herrdwq]

Escott, or anyone else who has had the pleasure of drinking premium Dominican Republic rum, how does Bermudez Aniversario compare to Barcelo Imperial rum?

There are 2 Barcelo Imperials, and one is older and more expensive than the other.
They are both excellent value, but the Aniversario is the tops, IMHO.

[Adimondin]

Escott, or anyone else who has had the pleasure of drinking premium Dominican Republic rum, how does Bermudez Aniversario compare to Barcelo Imperial rum? The Barcelo Imperial was available to buy as well, and I was wondering if I should get my Mom to pick me up that one when she visits Puerto Plata next year.

Also, I read that there's a tour available at the Bermudez Rum Factory ... does anyone know if a tour is available at the Matusalem Rum Factory too in Santiago? My Mom may make a day trip to Santiago and this could be one or two of the places to visit.

I like the Ron Bemudez Aniversario better but only slightly. I have a bottle of that Brugal in the Blue bottle given to me as a gift but haven't tasted it yet.

Scott

[FoetAgerhot46]

Thank you Rocky for the info about there being two Barcelo Imperial rums available. I'm glad my Mom picked up the Bermudez Aniversario after reading what you said about it. She didn't get the chance to visit Sosua to go to the Super Super, but when she goes on vacation to Puerto Plata next year, I'm sure she will. (I'll tell her to visit Rocky's too )

I actually had Barbancourt 5 Star rum from Haiti as my first choice because I wanted to try a rum made with sugar cane juice instead of molasses, but she wasn't able to find it. Do you know if Barbancourt is available in Sosua ... I was wondering if the Super Super carries other Caribbean countries' rums, or only DR ones?

[xanaxist]

Not the same rum - different families.

I like to use the white matsulem for mojitos it is the best I have found to make them. I would recommend this rum over Bacardi to anyone who can get it.

Although I am a Brugal Anejo extra Viejo on the rocks, bermudez is always good for the cuba libres.

[FoetAgerhot46]

Escott, or anyone else who has had the pleasure of drinking premium Dominican Republic rum, how does Bermudez Aniversario compare to Barcelo Imperial rum? The Barcelo Imperial was available to buy as well, and I was wondering if I should get my Mom to pick me up that one when she visits Puerto Plata next year.

Also, I read that there's a tour available at the Bermudez Rum Factory ... does anyone know if a tour is available at the Matusalem Rum Factory too in Santiago? My Mom may make a day trip to Santiago and this could be one or two of the places to visit.

[xanaxist]

http://www.matusalem.com/matusalemtoday.html

It is originally from Cuba but now produced in Santiago de los Cabelleros.

[7kitthuptarill]

But I will ask our guy at Barceló about the "two" Imperials. I do not thinks so because the hook is that they only release this rum once a year in numbered bottles. It is limited to just a few thousand bottles. From the label: "From 15 series of 32 barrels each, that produce 8,464 bottles each. " So 8463 x 31 x 15 is the total production each year.

I do know that by May of the following year it is scarce in the market place.

And, you are welcome, should you arrive here.

HB