A snazzy looking rum all the way from Venezuela, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a molasses based rum that is distilled in copper pot stills and matured in whiskey barrels. Top stuff for sipping neat or over ice, but also a very good bottle to have on hand when rum cocktails are on the menu. If you're feeling particularly experimental, try using Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva in place of a whiskey in a Manhattan. It works excellently. This fab rum was awarded a Gold Medal at the International Sugar Cane Spirits Tasting Competition in Ybor City.
Aromatic with hints of sultanas, chocolate, Christmas cake and gingerbread. Offers up bananas and custard with time in the glass.
Cocoa and vanilla, huge notes of oaky spice, brandy, plums and pepper.
Sweet coffee, Demerara sugar and oak.
Not terrible, but far, far too sweet. It's thick with added sugar, leaves the glass all sticky when it's empty. I'll pour this over a bowl of vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day, for that it would do well. As a sipping rum, I'll always find something much more preferable.
The leading food and wine magazine in Venezuela (Cocina & Vino) ranked recently the leading rums. As is to expect, being a Venezuelan publication, brands like Santa Teresa 1796 are listed. Diplomático is not mentioned. According to official measurements quoted on many rum review sites Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva has over 40 gms per litre of added sugar (equivalent of 10 teaspoons of added sugar). Also, lots of added vanillin etc. ST 1796 (as just one example) has 0 added sugar. Sure, each to his/her own taste. Just that, unless you take 3 or 4 sugars in your coffee, you may prefer a less additive-loaded rum.
If the general population is introduced to the rum category this way then the taste is all that matters. To all the "purists" in the audience, instead of turning your nose up to the brand, you should move on to another rum. Allow the rest of us to enjoy it neat or as a Negroni or Rum Manhattan, perhaps? Many bartenders who work in some of the best bars in the world would have to disagree with you. More likely than not, will you find one of those forest green bottles on their back bars. I am a former bartender and I can tell you, it's because guests love it. It's worth tasting and deciding for yourself. Full Disclosure. I now represent this brand among other spirit categories in the USA and am educated to do so. Happy drinking! #rum4all
It's like drinking candy, this stuff has so much added sugar in it. As a well-informed UK rum site explains, "it’s simply not possible to get something this viscous and sticky from distillate and cask." All the added sugar and flavourings make this taste like a low level liqueur. Most of the quality rums reviewed on this site don't need to resort to these type of practices to create their flavor appeal.
The nose when first opened was very pleasant the taste though was unexpected the nose was much much better than the taste. I am truly disappointed.
