Diplomático Reserve Blanco Rum

Bill Dowd photo

In a field dominated by industriale style rums, it's nice to do a sampling of an agricole style -- one made from sugar cane rather than molasses -- with obvious quality.

• Diplomático Reserve Blanco Rum

This ultra premium spirit was introduced to the global market last fall at RumFest in London. It has gotten excellent early notices, with gold medals in a variety of competitions that still value gold rather than awarding it simply to attract more paid entries.

Diplomático is made in Venezuela by Destilerias Unidas, which utilizes three pot stills and four column stills to produce nearly 50 different rum recipes. It also produces Cacique rum and is the major spirit producer for the Pampero blend.

Everything except this Diplomático Blanco is made from molasses. It is distilled from sugar cane four times, filtered five, and mellowed in white oak casks but catches none of the color from the wood.

The nose instantly offers up light floral notes with a vague promise of pineapple. On the palate we begin to notice elements of vanilla, cream and a touch of spice that is at once velvety and peppery.

The finish is long, warm and rich, with a tropical taste of coconut and banana. Excellent structure and layering, making it a fine sipping rum.

Suggested retail price: about $30 for the 750ml bottle.

Go to Dowd On Drinks