Diplomático Selección de Familia

Appearance - Darker brown with many thin, quicker running legs Nose - brown sugar, coconut, oak, green banana, rancio Palate - Coca-Cola, molasses, Juicy Fruit gum, ripe pineapple, banana pudding, oaky, musty barrel, and leather book. Like all Diplomatico rums I've had, this is a sweet sipper. It's lush and coating. Finish - The finish is medium and slightly spicier than the regular reserva. I believe the bourbon barrel influence is noticeable on the finish. Some detect bitterness there, while I perceive peppery spices. Overall - I love this, and for the price, if it were the only rum I could drink forever, I would be very content. It's a cornucopia of sweet fruit flavors with just a hint of "esteriness" to provide that musty "rummy" taste. That said, I prefer my rum on the sweeter side - thicker, richer, sweet, and reminiscent of a Caribbean vacation. I also enjoy pairing my rum with an earthier cigar. For this review, I was smoking a CAO Italia, which has notes of espresso and darker, bitter chocolate. This pairing complemented those notes and enhanced the experience. The question is - is it that much better ($10 difference) than the regular reserva? To me, the difference wasn't huge, but I did notice this one to be richer, perhaps chewier, and impart a bit more spice. Either way, these rum producers know their craft, and at this price, either one is an excellent value.

A refined nose with an almost whisky-like profile, save for a touch of hogo. Banana esters and a hint of pineapple are the top notes. The middle is woody with a pinch of allspice. The base features sweet molasses, vanilla cola, and char. When allowed to breathe, it develops a remarkably complex and captivating caramel aroma. The taste is incredibly rich and sweet, with only a mild burn. The flavors are equally intricate, including brown sugar syrup, smooth cinnamon, bay leaf, nutmeg, some vanilla, lemon, lime, and a dash of pink peppercorn. The legs are fleeting, indistinct, and unevenly spaced. However, the mouthfeel is pleasing, almost satiny, leaving a slight oiliness. The finish leans a bit bitter, with lingering wood tannins and a subtly tart orange citrus note. Spice and vanilla remain gently, evoking cavendish tobacco further enhanced with cherry and red banana. Aroma: 9 Taste: 10 Body: 7 Finish: 8

I had the chance to compare Reserva Exclusiva and Seleccion de Familia side-by-side. Initially, they were difficult to tell apart, except that RE is considerably sweeter. Considering the price, I perceive SdF as a superior rum, although the website indicates both are blends of rums up to 12 years old. After a few minutes, the SdF began to stand out. On the nose, RE offers sweet, candy-like notes, while SdF's sweetness is more subdued. The palate of SdF is slightly woodier, with leather and tobacco notes, and less sweet, with a touch of bitterness. The finish is a bit longer for SdF, which is 43% ABV. Overall, SdF could be a good neat pour.

The cost is for one 700ml bottle before taxes and any fees. About three ounces were consumed straight, without water or ice, from a Glencairn glass at room temperature about ten minutes after opening the bottle for the first time, one day after purchase.

Smells of molasses, amaro, vanilla, charcoal, and oak. The taste is quite smooth, featuring burnt sugar, oak, toffee, vanilla, cherry, molasses, and a touch of banana. The finish is sweet and oaky.

Nose: Fruity and sweet, with aromas that are hard to pinpoint. Palate: Tastes of citrus peel with a slight bitterness. Finish: Dry and warming