This was my introduction into higher quality rums. I understood later that it’s a really controversial product due to the sugar dosage the distillery does. Personally, I’m not against using sugar in any kind of spirits as long as it is mentioned. I like having a large variety to choose from so whenever I feel like I want a sweet rum then I can go & pick this bottle to pour myself a nice dram.
“…I won't lie, it is a madly decadent rum.”
Ron Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Distilled by: Destilerías Unidas S. A. (DUSA)
Type: Pot Still Aged Venezuelan Rum
Region: La Miel, Lara, Venezuela
Age: Blend of 12 years in ex-Bourbon barrels
ABV: 40% (80 proof)
Rum provenance: Venezuela
Colouring: No
Appearance: 8/10
The bottle is a very dark shade of green with a frost adding a nice mate appearance to it. I appreciate this kind of glass due to the protection it offers against harmful UV rays, helping to preserve the liquid’s quality for much longer. In addition, the bottle is topped with a cork stopper, perfect in order to prevent leakage, oxidation & evaporation. The label is not very informative besides a note about the man on the front. Fortunately, there is a lot of information on their website including nutritional value. Since I know this is a rum with added sugar, I feel it’s important to be transparent on the process & the content of it. This allows to show that the dosage is not used in order to hide any faults or lack of quality behind a sweet flavour. In the glass, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a deep amber verging on a brownish-copper colour with a pale gold meniscus. On the side of the Glencairn, a very precise crest forms upon where some medium to large legs fall at a slow pace showing a probable high sugar content.
Nose: 13.5/15
The first nosing reveals an incredibly rich rum with notes of melted dark chocolate, macchiato, molasses & caramel. Then comes an amalgam of maple, honey & agave syrups creating a very decadent bouquet. Some fruity aromas finally emerge such as candied lime & orange peel, crystallized ginger, raisins, black cherries, ripe peaches, mashed bananas & charred pineapple. Some spices are also present such as green cardamom, thyme, cinnamon, almond paste, cloves & nutmeg. The bourbon barrel adds some vanilla as well a hint of smoke & oak. Even though the sugary aromas are quite intense, this rum possess a highly complex nose with layered notes. The various odours just kept on coming.
Mouth: 13.5/15
The body is very lush & has some definite weight providing a full mouthfeel. There is a warm alcohol burn that never becomes aggressive as well as a mild acidity & some velvety tannins, all contributing to tone down the high sugar levels. The sweetness is all over the place, completely dominating the profile without overshadowing the flavours. These are quite similar to what was perceived on the nose with an added hogo reminiscent of some Jamaican rums. A faint earthy note shows itself as well as a mild grassy quality. Otherwise, it’s pretty much the same bold roasty notes, luscious fruits, fragrant spices & borrowed bourbon flavours. I know I have a sweet tooth, so I might be biased here, but this isn’t nearly as bad as some claims it to be. This falls far from a rum liqueur as some called it. Nevertheless, there is a wonderful intensity to it paired with a luxurious complexity.
Finish: 9/10
The finish is persistent & lingers on tropical fruits & herbal spices. Light floral notes & some honey tend to show up at the very end of each sip.
Overall: 89/100
I love this rum even if it’s hated by many. I find it perfect for sipping after a rich meal on a cold evening or to create elaborate Tiki cocktails. I feel like I have space in my heart for both dry & sweet rums, however, I can understand the controversial aspect of it. However, I won't lie, it is a madly decadent rum.
3-word Description:
Rich, Sweet & Complex.
The Reference:
More information @rondiplomatico.com
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