Diplomatico

The history of Diplomatico rum

The LUSA (Licorerias Unidas SA) distillery was founded in 1959 by the Canadian alcoholic beverage giant Seagram. It was bought in 2002 by local entrepreneurs and renamed DUSA(Destilerias Unidas SA). It was then that the Diplomatico brand, until then distributed only in Venezuela, began to be exported to become a best-seller and collect medals, notably in France.

It is located in the Planas Andean valley, in the heart of the Termepaima National Park, and incorporates the Botucal house, which is the farm that provides part of the raw material used for its rums.

The man on the label is Don Juancho Nieto Melendez. He was a Venezuelan Mantuano (aristocrat) who lived in the 19th century, a great lover of spirits who travelled the world to build up what would later be called the "ambassador's collection". His collection, as well as his testimonies, have nourished the Venezuelan rum culture and inspired the brand's universe.

The making of Diplomatico rum

It is the diversity of methods inherited from all over the world which today makes the elaboration of Diplomatico rums so complex: molasses or cane honey (pure cooked juice) are fermented for 1 to 2 days with the help of proprietary yeast strains. The distillation of the cane wine is carried out in three types of stills: a continuous distillation column for molasses and lighter distillates, a unique batch kettle still for semi-continuous hybrid distillation, and pot-stills for a richer distillate of cane honey.

The rums are then aged for 2 to 12 years in oak barrels (ex-bourbon barrels and sometimes ex-sherry barrels) with a capacity of about 200L, where the rum will acquire its beautiful amber colour. The "Maestro Ronero" Tito Cordero, living legend and cellar master since 1988, will then blend the different vintages to compose the rums of the range.

The Venezuelan rum also benefits from a DOC(Denominacion de Origen Controlada), a kind of AOC that requires the rum to be aged for at least two years, without topping up.

For more information, see our article on rum making and compare the different traditions.

How to taste Diplomatico rum

Depending on the rum you choose, you can practice the art of the mixologist or sip it during a tasting session with friends.

First of all, look at the colour. The Diplomatico range goes from white to very dark amber. You will appreciate the different levels of brightness and clarity of the liquid. Most of these rums have a fairly thick body that produces long legs around the edges of the glass.

One of the most pleasant steps will be to smell the bouquet of aromas emanating from the glass, so take your time. You will find a lot of caramel, vanilla, or more fruit depending on the bottle you choose.

When you taste it, you will be able to linger on the suave start of these rums, on the tasty mid-palate, then on the finish and the retro-olfaction (return of the aromas to the nose) which are often directed towards grilled nuts or vanilla.

Where to find Diplomatico rum

You will find most of the wide range on Rhum Attitude. These varied and specialised references cannot be found in supermarkets or wine shops. If you have already tried the great classic Reserva Exclusivathe Distillery Collection (n°1 and n°2 ) released in 2017, or the independent bottling of The House of Rumnew in 2018. For your cocktails or simply as a punch, the Diplomatico Planas (aged then filtered) replaces the Blanco recently, its few extra degrees make the difference! For the aficionados, the 2002 and 2004 vintages mark the new era of the distillery. L’Ambassadoris the brand's flagship old rum and is a pure Pot-still rum (unlike the Blended rums that usually make up the range).

Some ideas for cocktails with Diplomatico rum

These rums lend themselves easily to mixology, here are some original inspirations:

Sazerac Twist

This classic cocktail originated in New Orleans and was originally made with Cognac. The Reserva Exclusiva adds generosity and complexity.

Ingredients:

4 cl of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
2 cl Cognac infused with Lapsang tea
0.5 cl of sugar syrup
3 drops of Peychaud's Bitter

In an old-fashioned glass, without ice, with a grilled lemon peel as garnish.

Rinse the glass with coffee-infused absinthe. Mix all ingredients in a glass, then fill with ice cubes, stir and strain.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

This variant of the Daiquiri was created in a select club of the British army. It combines sweetness and bitterness, with a spicy edge.

Ingredients:

6 cl of Diplomatico Mantuano
2 cl Lime juice
1.5cl Velvet Falernum
0.5 cl Triple Sec

Serve in a bowl, without ice, with a slice of lime

Mix all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake until it is ice cold and strain twice. Serve in a chilled glass.

The Diplomatico rums range in price from 29,90€ to 199€ for a 70cl bottle, enough to satisfy all budgets! Find for each product our own tasting note, the customers' opinions, as well as the delivery information. Read less