Diplomatico

The history of Diplomatico rum

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

It is located in the Planas Andean valley, in the heart of the Termepaima National Park, and incorporates the Botucal dwelling, which is the farm supplying 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 known as the "ambassador's collection". His collection, as well as his testimonials, have nourished Venezuelan rum culture and inspired the brand's universe.

How Diplomatico rum is made

In fact, it's the diversity of methods inherited from around the world that makes the production of Diplomatico rums so complex today: molasses or cane honey (pure cooked juice) are fermented for 1 to 2 days using proprietary yeast strains. The cane wine is distilled in three types of still: a continuous distillation column for molasses and lighter distillates, a unique batch kettle still for hybrid semi-continuous 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 and sometimes ex-sherry) of around 200L capacity, where the rum acquires its lovely amber color. Maestro Ronero" Tito Cordero, living legend and cellar master since 1988, then blends the different vintages to create the rums in the range.

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

To find out more, read our article on rum-making and compare the different traditions.

How to enjoy Diplomatico rum

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

First, take a look at the dress. The Diplomatico range goes from white to very dark amber. You'll appreciate the different levels of brilliance and clarity of the liquid. Most of these rums have a fairly thick body, producing long legs around the edges of the glass.

One of the most pleasant steps is to smell the bouquet of aromas emanating from the glass, so take your time. You'll find plenty of caramel, vanilla or fruit, depending on the bottle you choose.

When it's time to taste, you'll be able to linger on these rums' suave entry into the mouth, the savory mid-palate, then the finish and retro-olfaction (the return of aromas to the nose), which often turns to roasted nuts or vanilla.

Where to find Diplomatico rum

You'll find most of the wide range on Rhum Attitude. These varied and specialized references cannot be found in supermarkets or wine shops. If you've already tried the classic Reserva Exclusivadiscover the Distillery Collection (n°1 and n°2) released in 2017, or the independent bottling of La Maison du Rhumnew in 2018. For cocktails or simply as a punch, Diplomatico Planas (aged then filtered) replaces Blanco with a few extra degrees to make all the difference! For aficionados, the 2002 and 2004 mark the distillery's new era. L'Ambassadorthe brand's flagship old rum, 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 prepared with Cognac. Reserva Exclusiva adds generosity and complexity.

Ingredients:

4 cl of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
2 cl Lapsang tea-infused Cognac
0.5 cl Sugar Syrup
3 drops Peychaud's Bitter

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

Rinse 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 hint of spiciness.

Ingredients:

6 cl of Diplomatico Mantuano
2 cl Lime Juice
1.5 cl 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 frosty and strain twice. Serve in a chilled glass.

Diplomatico rums range in price from €29.90 to €199 for a 70cl bottle, enough to satisfy any budget! For each product, find our own tasting notes, customer reviews and delivery information. Read less