THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD RUM.

Originally rum first appeared in the Caribbean in the mid-17th Century, and the liquor rum was first called “Kill-Devil” by the English. The first known rum was coined at the beginning of the eighteenth century, derived from the English word “rumbullion”, which means “mayhem, causing trouble, fighting”, hence the name “rum”.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MATUSALEM BRAND NAME.

In 1872, the founders, Benjamin and Eduardo Camp and their partner Evaristo Alvarez believed that the key to making the rum with the finest flavor was under a process of patient aging. The name, Matusalem, derives from the old Spanish proverb, “This is older than Matusalem.” Matusalem being the patriarch of the old testament who lived for 969 years.

THE MATUSALEM SWALLOW LOGO.

Matusalem Rum was founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1872. Almost immediately flocks of Barn Swallows nested in the barrel aging warehouses. The Barn Swallow, or in Spanish, Golondrina”, was a smooth-flying bird common to the area of Santiago de Cuba. Throughout the day it seemed Barn Swallows were everywhere, flying in and out of the aging warehouses. The swallow was also considered a free flying spirit, possessing beauty and elegance. The Matusalem founders thought it was an appropriate symbol and ultimately a most fitting logo for the Brand.

MATUSALEM, THE GOLD RUM LEADER.

The period that went through the mid 30’s and early 50’s, was an era in which Cuba was the preferred destination for tourists, who were attracted by the island’s charm and its exciting nightlife. During this “Golden Era”, Matusalem was the most popular rum in Cuba, sharing a market share of over 50%. It was known that the gold rum market was lead by Matusalem, while a bat competitor controlled the white rum market.

HEMINGWAY’S FAVORITE COCKTAIL.

Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway’s rum was Matusalem. There is a recipe called “Papa Hemingway” Cocktail: Matusalem Rum, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, Maraschino Luxardo.