Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum

I typically drink Bourbon and Rye, with occasional Scotch. However, a few weeks ago, a restaurant manager noticed my interest in Bourbon. He inquired about my liking for Rum, specifically dark rum, which I confirmed. His enthusiasm sparked, and he presented two Rum samples: Kirk & Sweeney and Diplomatico Reserva. Both were impressive, leading me to order a glass of the Diplomatico. Subsequently, I purchased a bottle. The Rum's color is a deep mahogany, reminiscent of mole. The palate is sweet, featuring flavors of dark cherries and, surprisingly, notes of grape jelly. This Rum's aging in Bourbon barrels is evident, likely contributing to my enjoyment and serving as a smooth, seamless transition from my usual whiskey preferences. I've had common rums like Captain Morgan and Myers's Dark, but this is exceptional. I wouldn't dare mix it; it's meant for sipping neat or with an ice cube, the latter being my preference.

The aroma is like crème brûlée with caramel, plus a hint of maple. You can also detect a subtle smokiness, similar to the burnt top of crème brûlée. The taste is like flat cola initially. It's a sweet delight, featuring brown sugar and potent maple syrup. A playful note of pineapple is in the background. It finishes with chewy caramel and a touch of chocolate sauce. This is exceptionally well-executed! The finish has no harshness, just a mild warmth. The maple syrup essence lingers, like it's served on a stack of pancakes. Overall: If you're considering trying rum, this is the bottle to get. For its affordable price, it delivers delightful sweet tropical flavors. It's sweet, but in a delicious way. This isn't for those seeking rum funk. Instead, it's a rum that truly exceeds expectations and deserves your attention! It stands out amongst many others that claim to be rum. It's also great on the rocks. It significantly improved the experience with my cigar during a second tasting. This is a winner!

Color: Dark amber with golden highlights. Nose: Vanilla, ethereal, a hint of fruit tart, developing into cocoa and orange juice. A pleasant scent of cinnamon mixed with dried fruit completes the profile. Palate: Caramel notes, a pleasant woody hint, and a touch of vanilla, ripe bananas, orange juice, and returning walnut notes. Hazelnut can also be detected. The finish is delicious dark chocolate mixed with nutmeg and brown sugar.

This rum is complex. It has a butterscotch aroma that suggests more sweetness than it actually provides, though it is indeed sweet, just not as much as a spiced rum. The mouthfeel is thick. The flavor evolved during tasting: the initial sip had a tangy quality reminiscent of smoky pineapple, while subsequent sips emphasized the butterscotch notes from the aroma without tasting artificial. It's definitely among the top sipping rums for its price range.

From the first sip to the last drop, honey flavor is prominent. In contrast, the nose smells more like alcohol/ethanol than anything. The syrupy taste is quite pleasant, a bit floral, woody, and spicy, but not overly so. However, the sensation of drinking ethanol and the slight sting in your nose clearly prevent this rum from unleashing its full flavors, which is a bit of a shame. This flagship Diplomático could have been better, though it remains highly enjoyable.

This rum is for whiskey fans. It's dark brown. The aroma is of boozy vanilla and dry brown sugar. The scent is fruity and complex, like caramel on your tongue. Its consistency is fairly light and thin. It's dry and fruity on the palate, tasting like a light highland scotch. The aftertaste is moderately long and more light fruit. It doesn't burn at all. My only critique is that it would be better with a slightly higher proof.