I finally made a decision to sit down plus write this diplomatico rum reserva exclusiva review right after seeing that iconic green bottle staring at me from my bar cart with regard to the last 6 months. It's one particular of those mood that feels such as a transitional phase for anyone getting into the world of aged rums. In the event that you've ever wandered into a liquor store looking with regard to something "smooth" yet didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars, chances are the particular clerk pointed you toward this Venezuelan classic.
Generally there is a lots of hype surrounding this particular container, and honestly, a fair bit associated with controversy among rum purists too. A few people swear it's the best drinking rum on the particular planet for that price, while others turn their noses upward at its sweet taste. I wanted in order to break down exactly what it actually tastes like, how it's made, and whether or not it deserves a permanent spot in your collection.
That Iconic Green Bottle as well as the Man on the Label
Before you even pop the natural, you have to appreciate the packaging. It doesn't resemble a standard bottle associated with booze; it looks more like some thing you'd find within an old-school pharmacy or a dusty ship's cabin. The matte green cup is heavy, and the label features a dignified-looking gentleman named Don Juancho Nieto Meléndez.
Tale has it that will Don Juancho was a local nobleman in Venezuela who was obsessed with exploring the particular Caribbean to discover the finest spirits and ingredients. Whether that's a clever marketing story or even cold hard background, it sets the particular mood perfectly. It feels premium, also though it generally sits at a very reasonable mid-range price point. When you pull the particular cork, you receive that will satisfying "pop" that tells you're regarding to drink some thing with a little bit of character.
What's Actually Inside the Blend?
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva isn't just a single-barrel rum. It's a complex blend of pot nevertheless and column nevertheless rums, that is a huge part of exactly why it has like a specific texture. The brand states the rums within this blend are aged for upward to 12 yrs.
It's produced by Destilerías Unidas S. The. (DUSA) at the foot of the particular Andes Mountains in Venezuela. The location is in fact pretty important due to the fact the humidity and heat in that will region accelerate the particular aging process. A rum aged regarding 12 years within the tropics is heading to possess a lot more interaction with all the wood than the Scotch aged for 12 years within the cold Highlands. This leads to the spirit that is darkish, rich, and seriously influenced by walnut barrels.
Tasting Notes: The very first Drink
Whenever you pour a glass, the first thing you notice is the colour. It's a deep, dark mahogany—almost such as maple syrup. This looks thick within the glass, and when you swirl this, the "legs" shift slowly down the side.
The particular Nose
Mainly because soon as We brought the cup to my nasal area, I acquired hit with a massive influx of orange peel and brown sugars. It's incredibly fragrant. If you've ever had a flamed orange peel over a cocktail, that's the particular vibe here. Behind that, there's a distinct scent of vanilla, liquorice, and maybe a bit of walnut. This doesn't have that harsh "alcohol burn" that cheaper rums sometimes have. Rather, it smells warm and inviting, almost like a delicacy.
The Palate
The first drink is where things get interesting. The texture is velvety plus thick . It coats your mouth area in a manner that most spirits don't. The major flavor is definitely caramel and toffee. It's followed by the burst of exotic fruit—think dried plums or fudge.
As this sits on your own tongue, you begin to pick up some of the cooking spices. There's some cinnamon and cloves, which helps balance the heavy sweet taste. It's rich, heavy, and very "forward" with its flavors. There's no guessing sport here; it's telling you just what it is from the moment it hits your palate.
The Finish
The finish is relatively long and quite special. It leaves the lingering taste of chocolate and orange colored. There isn't plenty of "bite" at the end, which is why so many people describe it as "smooth. " If you're someone who hates the burn of rum or tequila, you're probably going to love how easy this goes down.
The Sweetness Elephant in the Space
We possess to talk regarding the sweetness. In the rum neighborhood, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is often the center of a heated debate regarding "dosage. " Dosage is the practice of incorporating a little bit of sugar (and sometimes caramel coloring) after distillation to create a particular flavor profile.
It's no secret that this rum has a higher glucose content than, state, a dry Bajan rum like Foursquare or perhaps a funky Jamaican rum like Appleton Estate. For some purists, this is a dealbreaker. They believe that rum should be bone-dry and that the sweetness should come only from the particular barrel.
However, I think there's a place intended for both. If you go into this expecting a dry, hard woody spirit, you're going to be disappointed. When you view it like a rich, dessert-style drinking rum , it's fantastic. The added sweetness makes it incredibly approachable regarding beginners. It's usually the "gateway drug" that will gets people to stop mixing rum with Coke plus start drinking this neat.
Exactly how Should You Drink It?
I've tried this rum a dozen various ways, and while it's versatile, some methods definitely are more effective compared to others.
- Neat: This is how I enjoy this. Because it's so complex and wealthy, you don't actually need to include anything. Just pour it into the Glencairn or even a little rocks glass plus take your time.
- On the Rocks: If you discover the particular sweetness a tad too cloying, a large glaciers cube is your best friend. As the particular ice melts, this dilutes the sugar slightly and opens up some associated with the more refined spice notes. This makes it a little more refreshing.
- In an Aged Fashioned: This is exactly where Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva really shines. Given that the rum will be already sweet, you are able to cut back upon the simple syrup or sugar cube you'd normally use. Pair it which includes chocolate bitters and an orange twist, and you have one of the best Rum Old Fashioneds you'll actually taste.
- In a Mai Tai: While some may say it's as well "heavy" for the tiki drink, I think it adds a great base layer of vanilla and caramel when blended with the funkier Jamaican rum.
Is It Worthy of the Money?
In most areas, a bottle may set you back somewhere between $35 and $45. In the world of aged spirits, that's a grab. You're obtaining a well-presented, 12-year-aged blend that will tastes like a luxurious product.
Even if you eventually move on to drier, even more "serious" rums, this particular is a great bottle to maintain on hand regarding guests. I've never ever served this to some friend who didn't immediately ask, "Wow, what is this? " It's the crowd-pleaser through and through. It's the particular kind of container you bring to a dinner party when you want to win over people without necessarily clearing out your own savings.
Last Verdict
In order to summary this diplomatico rum reserva exclusiva review , I'd say this rum is definitely a must-try, yet you have in order to know what you're getting into.
It is definitely unapologetically sweet, daring, and fruity. It doesn't try to be a subtle, smoky Scotch or even a dry, botanical gin. It's more such as a liquid treat with a 40% ABV kick. If a person have a sweet tooth or you're just starting your own journey into dark spirits, you're most likely going to find this delicious.
If you're a hardcore purist who demands zero additives and the bone-dry finish, a person might find it a tad too "manufactured. " However for the relaxation of us? It's a lush, comforting, and incredibly reliable container that deserves the reputation it offers built through the years.
Personally, I actually always keep a bottle in the particular cabinet. There are nights when I would like something challenging plus complex, but generally there are also nights once i just would like a glass of something that tastes like liquid silver and chocolate. Upon those nights, Diplomatico is exactly exactly what I'm reaching for.