The historic rum house’s latest collector’s release blends Caribbean craftsmanship with Japanese artistry in one of the year’s most extraordinary limited editions.
There are luxury spirits, and then there are creations that transcend the bottle itself. Ron Matusalem’s newest release, Sublime Kiku, belongs firmly in the latter category. More than an exceptionally rare rum, it is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and the patient craftsmanship that has defined one of the world’s oldest rum producers for more than 150 years.
Limited to just 600 individually numbered decanters worldwide, Sublime Kiku represents the second chapter in Ron Matusalem’s prestigious Sublime Collection: A Journey Through Traditions. Where exceptional rum meets fine art, the release draws inspiration from Japan’s imperial chrysanthemum—the kiku—a centuries-old symbol of nobility, longevity, and refinement.
For collectors, the bottle is every bit as compelling as the spirit it contains.
Each expression is presented in a handcrafted crystal decanter created by the renowned Portuguese crystal house Vista Alegre, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and exclusive artwork by celebrated Japanese artist Mari Ito. With a recommended retail price of US$3,000, Sublime Kiku is designed not only to be enjoyed, but also admired as a work of art.
A Journey Across Continents
Creating Sublime Kiku required years of meticulous maturation across several countries and traditions.
The rum begins its journey in Ron Matusalem’s signature 20-year Solera system, where carefully selected rums mature in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels alongside Spanish ex-Sherry casks. This layered foundation provides the elegance and balance that have become synonymous with the house style.
Its evolution, however, extends far beyond the Caribbean.
The spirit then spends two additional years in France resting inside Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux casks, before completing its remarkable journey in rare Junmai sake casks from Japan. The result is a spirit that reflects not only extraordinary patience, but also a dialogue between three distinct cultures of craftsmanship.
Rather than overpowering the rum’s character, each stage of maturation contributes another layer of complexity, producing an expression defined by remarkable depth, refined texture, and exceptional elegance.
More Than a Bottle
Sublime Kiku reflects a philosophy that has guided Ron Matusalem since its founding in Santiago de Cuba in 1872.
Established by Spanish brothers Benjamin and Eduardo Camp, the company introduced the traditional Solera aging system—long associated with fine Sherry and Cognac—to premium rum production. Today, while production takes place in the Dominican Republic, the brand continues to honor the techniques and family traditions that shaped its reputation across generations.
Now led by fifth-generation family member Claudio Renaud Alvarez, Ron Matusalem continues to balance innovation with an unwavering respect for its heritage.
“Innovation for us always begins with respecting our foundations,” says Alvarez. “We innovate within our core values of quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style.”
That philosophy is evident throughout the Sublime Collection, where every release explores a different cultural tradition while remaining unmistakably Matusalem.
A Legacy That Continues to Evolve
Earlier this year, the house introduced Enigma French Oak, a remarkable 23-year-old expression matured in ex-Bordeaux barrels, further reinforcing its commitment to producing collectible rums that appeal as much to connoisseurs as they do to serious collectors.
Sublime Kiku raises that ambition another level.
Its combination of ultra-limited production, international barrel maturation, museum-worthy presentation, and artistic collaboration transforms the release into something far greater than a premium spirit. It becomes a statement about the future of luxury rum—one where craftsmanship, design, and cultural storytelling are inseparable.
The Luxury of Simplicity
For all its rarity, Ron Matusalem believes the finest way to appreciate its oldest expressions remains beautifully uncomplicated.
Rather than elaborate cocktails, the house recommends enjoying its most prestigious rums neat or over a single block of ice, allowing decades of patient maturation and the elegance of the Solera system to reveal themselves naturally.
For collectors fortunate enough to secure one of the 600 bottles, Sublime Kiku offers something increasingly rare in today’s luxury market: authenticity. It is not merely a bottle destined for a display cabinet or private cellar, but a testament to generations of craftsmanship, artistic collaboration, and the enduring pursuit of perfection.
