The history of Diplomatico rum, Destilerias Unidas,Planas Andean Valley, Venezuela

The history of Diplomatico rum
The LUSA (Licorerias Unidas SA) distillery was founded in 1959 by Canadian alcoholic beverage giant Seagram. It was bought out in 2002 by local entrepreneurs and renamed DUSA(Destilerias Unidas SA). It was at this point that the Diplomatico brand, previously distributed only in Venezuela, began to be exported, becoming a best-seller and collecting medals, notably in France.
It is located in the Planas Andean valley, in the heart of the Termepaima National Park, and incorporates the Botucal dwelling, which is the farm supplying part of the raw material used for its rums.
The man on the label is Don Juancho Nieto Melendez. He was a Venezuelan Mantuano (aristocrat) who lived in the 19th century, a great lover of spirits who travelled the world to build up what would later be known as the "ambassador's collection". His collection, as well as his testimonials, have nourished Venezuelan rum culture and inspired the brand's universe.
The artisanal production process
Diplomatico rum owes much of its excellence to its meticulous and innovative production process. The distillery combines time-honored craftsmanship with modern techniques to ensure every drop meets the highest standards. Utilizing a blend of sugarcane honey and molasses, the rum undergoes both pot and column distillation, allowing for a balance of rich flavors and smooth textures. The rums are then aged in carefully selected barrels, including ex-bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, which impart unique notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. This commitment to quality and tradition is what sets Diplomatico apart as a world-renowned premium rum.

Diplomatico Mantuano
Diplomático Mantuano rum is aged for up to eight years. It's a blend of rums from pot stills, column stills, and batch kettles.
Diplomatico utilises Sugar cane Honey and molasses in the production of its rum.
Mantuano means nobleman in english.
AROMA
- Thick, heavy, and sweet
- Black treacle, cherries, and Millionaire's Shortbread
- Sweet liquorice and milk chocolate
- Dried fruits, oak, and a delicate hint of spice
APPEARANCE
- Rich Amber
PALATE
- Spicier than expected from the nose
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Sharper notes of polished oak
- Caramel sauce, soft toffees, and hints of balancing bitter barrel char
- Rich and oily in texture
- A touch of oak char surfaces, adding a pleasant dryness
- Hints of tropical fruit
FINISH
- Balanced and Slightly Dry
The rum lends itself to a Treacle which is take on the old fashioned just add some cloudy apple juice.

Diplomatico Reserva
- The rum is a blend of 80% heavy rum and 20% light rum.
- It's aged in ex-bourbon barrels.
AROMA
- Intense and inviting with a complex bouquet.
- Prominent notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak intertwine with subtle hints of dried fruits (raisins, figs), spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a touch of tobacco.
- Deeper exploration reveals nuances of leather, coffee, and even a hint of chocolate.
- APPEARANCE
- Rich Dark amber
PALATE
-
Cocoa and vanilla,
-
huge notes of oaky spice,
-
brandy
-
plums
-
pepper
FINISH
- Sweet coffee
- Demerara sugar and oak.
- Orange

Diplomatico Planas
Taking the place of Diplomático Blanco, Diplomático Planas is made with Venezuelan rum which has been aged for six years before being charcoal filtered to remove its colour. This allows it to be used in cocktails where altering the drink's hue would be unwelcome, but continuing to give it those yummy aged rum flavours.
AROMA
- Vanilla rich
- with hints of fresh coconut
- lemon
- black tea.
APPEARANCE
- Off white , clear
PALATE
- Chewy toffee
- werthers original
- funky grass notes
- a lingering spiciness of fresh chilli.
FINISH
- Drying peppery spice
- a hint of juicy apricot.

Distilled in 2008, this exclusive vintage rum from Diplomatico hails from Venezuela and boasts a unique maturation journey. It spent 12 enriching years in a blend of ex-Bourbon barrels and single malt whisky casks, culminating in a final year of refinement in oloroso sherry casks. The single vintages from Diplomatico are always excellent. What sets this vintage apart is its exceptional flavour profile, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and hints of spice seamlessly intertwine with the subtle nuttiness imparted by the oloroso sherry casks. This combination creates a rich, complex, and velvety smooth experience that lingers on the palate, making it a truly memorable choice for rum connoisseurs.
AROMA
- Dried Fruits
- Hints of spice
- Nutiness
- Baked apple
- Honey
APPEARANCE
- Rich Amber /Velvet
PALATE
- Caramel
- Roasted nuts
- Ripe plums
- Dark chocolate
- orange peel,
- a noticeable sherry cask influence with subtle spice;
FINISH
- long, complex
- Warming with lingering notes of toffee, sultanas
- slight oak bitterness.

Diplomatico's flagship, the Ambassador was created by Tito Cordero, Golden Barrel Award's 2011 Master Rum Blender of the Year. Expect huge juicy sweetness and flavour thanks to its maturation in bourbon barrels and 2 year finish in sweet Pedro Ximenez casks. What sets the Ambassador apart is its unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to detail. Each bottle is presented in an elegant decanter-style design with a luxurious wooden case, making it a perfect gift or indulgent treat for rum connoisseurs.
AROMA
- Intense and Luxurious: The nose is a captivating experience, bursting with a rich tapestry of aromas.
- Fruity Notes: Prominent notes of ripe orchard fruits like apple and pear mingle with dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dates.
- Nutty Undertones: Almond, hazelnut, and even a touch of cocoa add a nutty complexity.
- Spice and Oak: Warm spices like cinnamon and clove intertwine with the aroma of well-seasoned oak.
- Sherry Influence: A distinct note of juicy sherry emerges, adding a layer of sweetness and complexity.
- Overall Impression: The aroma is incredibly inviting, drawing you in and promising a delightful tasting experience.
APPEARANCE
- Bright dark amber /velvet
PALATE
- Rich and Textured: The palate is a symphony of flavors, with a velvety texture that coats the tongue.
- Fruity Foundation: A base of ripe fruit, reminiscent of stewed apples and baked pears, provides a foundation for the other flavors.
- Spice and Oak: Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg provide a warm, comforting spice, while notes of toasted oak add depth and complexity.
- Nutty Indulgence: Almond, hazelnut, and a touch of cocoa contribute to the richness and complexity.
- "Pipe Tobacco" Note: The most striking note is the presence of "good sweet pipe tobacco," adding a unique and intriguing dimension to the flavor profile.
- Nutella Hint: A subtle hint of Nutella adds a touch of sweetness and indulgence.
FINISH
- Long and Lingering: The finish is exceptionally long, with the flavors lingering on the palate long after the sip.
- Sweet and Spice: Sweet notes of honey and allspice linger, creating a warm and comforting aftertaste.
- Complex and Evolving: The finish continues to evolve, with subtle nuances emerging and changing over time.