Recently, we spotted a new offering from Diplomático at our local store: the Diplomático Selección de Familia. Having previously sampled various rums from this Venezuelan brand, our expectations were high. In 2022, the Diplomático Distillery Collection No. 2 Barbet Rum earned an almost perfect score from us, so we were eager to see if the Selección de Familia could live up to that standard.
Diplomático has been producing rum since 1959, nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela. In 2002, the brand’s manufacturing assets were acquired by Destillers United Group, a Spanish company. As the premium rum market grew, Brown-Forman (B-F), the parent company of Jack Daniel’s, entered the rum space by purchasing the Diplomático brand in 2022 for $725 million. Destillers United Group continues to oversee day-to-day operations. With B-F also owning Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, we wonder if we might see Diplomático aged in Woodford Reserve barrels soon—a prospect we eagerly anticipate.
The nose opens with cherry and fresh-cut oak, accompanied by an intriguing sweetness. The first sip reveals this sweetness on the palate, highlighting molasses and cherry without the oak notes. The finish lingers, carrying a hint of tobacco, which evolves into a clove spice. As I continue sipping, the character of the rum deepens, with the finish becoming more defined and consistent. Over time, the interplay of flavors becomes clearer and more enjoyable.
Even before tasting, I could smell the rich vanilla as soon as the cork was popped. The deep amber color clings to the glass, reluctant to let go. The nose bursts with plum, cherry, and vanilla, promising a rum that aligns with my preferences. Swirling the rum on the front of the palate, I experience these same notes with a hint of chocolate. However, the back palate doesn’t carry the same richness, leading to a slight disappointment. Yet, after a couple of sniffers, the rum’s nose, palate, and finish harmonize, offering a consistent and comforting experience.
The Diplomático Selección de Familia stands as a worthy rival to the Distillery Collection No. 2 Barbet Rum. We appreciate the balance of fruit and oak that Diplomático has achieved in these two offerings. Priced at $49.99 per bottle, the Selección de Familia offers great value and is definitely worth adding to your collection.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Clint and Terry have been sampling and reviewing spirits together for over 33 years. Often, they find their opinions differ—whether due to the nuances of male versus female taste buds or just a difference in preferences, one thing is for sure: they’re passionate about their drams.
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