Diplomatico Reserva – Venezuela:
The First Impression: Well! Let me just say, at $37CA per bottle, this bottle of rum is ridiculously underpriced considering that this rum is downright amazing! The bottle is an old style green glass bottle, sandblasted to give it a frosted appearance, topped with a plastic cap and a pour limiter. The bottle, and the rum, are nicely packaged into an orange and black cardboard box; it really catches the eye from its nestling place on the shelf.
The Smell: Okay! Okay! This is awesome! Once a glass has been poured there was an initial striking of alcohol. This alcohol smell was quickly chased away by some gentle decanting and replaced by aromas I didn’t even know existed. Being that Reserva is distilled from honey sugar, there is an obvious sweetness, but not overly sweet. The sweetness is toned down by the infusion of mild baking spices, subtle oak and dark chocolate; with a light lacing of vanilla, dark brown sugar and citrus to even it all out. This particular rum is reminiscent of my mother-in-law’s kitchen at Christmas time; fresh baked Christmas cake soaked in rum, just the way she likes it!
The Taste: Sweet and mellow; not too overpowering for a 2 to 8 year blend of rums. One expects a young rum to be harsh and maybe a little syrupy, but this rum has set a standard for young rums! Remember, you must decant this rum before drinking! If it is drunk too soon after pouring, the experience is lost to the ether and the flavours will be lost forever! Or, you may pour another glass I suppose! The taste is as complex as the smell and just as awesome; enjoy it whilst the bottle is still full!
Alas, The Finish: The end of a wonderful evening should finish like this rum; a sweet, warming sensation that leaves you feeling relaxed, satisfied and feeling excited for the next time you meet! Yep! Just like that!
Diplomatico Reserva comes recommended and is available almost anywhere! Rating of 8!
