Ron Matusalem Unveils Junmai Sake Cask Aged Rum for Sublime Collection

Ron Matusalem has expanded its ultra-premium Sublime Collection with a second release, unveiling an innovative rum finished in Japanese Junmai Sake casks.

Ron Matusalem Sublime Kiku is described as the brand’s ‘most exclusive and sophisticated’ expression to date. Limited to 600 bottles worldwide, it is the second release in the Sublime Collection: A Journey Through Traditions.

It follows the first Sublime Limited Edition that debuted in 2022. Intended to celebrate the distillery’s 150th anniversary, it was aged in American oak and Sherry casks with only 450 bottles of this rare rum were ever produced.

It is inspired by kiku, the imperial flower of Japan. A symbol of nobility and longevity, it aims to pay tribute to the country’s artisanal heritage.

This second edition underwent a sophisticated multi-step maturation process, beginning with an initial aging period in a combination of 20-year-old Solera system American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and 10-year-old Spanish ex-Sherry casks.

Following this initial rest, the rum was transported to France for a two-year finish in prestigious ex-Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux wine casks.

For the final stage, the expression was aged in ex-junmai sake casks from an undisclosed Japanese producer.

Sublime Kiku is offered in handcrafted crystal decanters individually numbered by Portuguese crystal house Vista Alegre. Each decanter comes with a certificate of authenticity and exclusive artwork by Japanese artist Mari Ito,.

The expression made its exclusive debut during a private event on June 23 at Sefino restaurant, located within the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo. The evening was hosted by Ron Matusalem's top leadership, including Global CEO Yoze Torres, Master Blender Cynthia Vargas, and Global Marketing Director Lara Pac.

The high-profile guest list featured representatives from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Japan, the Japan Rum Association, and a curated group of journalists.

Bottled at 40% ABV, each bottle has an MSRP of US$3,000.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team