Description

Diplomático Selección de Familia

 

In the late 1950s, the main companies involved in the production and distribution of alcoholic spirits in Venezuela were grouped into one organization called Licorerias Unitas S.A. by the initiative of Seagrams who owned 51 % of the new entity until 1992. After a series of mergers and acquisitions involving Seagrams, Diageo, and Pernod Richard, a decision was made to divest in facilities and to instead concentrate on brand commercialization. The result was a group of local investors who purchased the manufacturing assets of Licorerias Unitas S.A. and formed Distilleries Unitas S.A. (DUSA) on August 22, 2002.

 

Although this company is relatively new, the tradition of making quality rum in Venezuela uses these facilities which are not. In fact, sugar cane has been cultivated in Venezuela perhaps as early as the 16th century. Systematic rum production in Venezuela can be dated to 1896.

 

In 2009 the Distilleries Unitas S.A. (DUSA) website states that the rum they produce is distilled from “honey derived from sugar cane” and fermented molasses. Additionally, all of the stills and distillation kettles were made from copper.

 

Interestingly, several years later, the DUSA website no longer makes any mention of kettle stills or of any flavoring and aromatic agents used in the production of their rum. they have changed their rum; more probably, they have decided less information regarding their production methods may be wiser in the long run from a marketing perspective.

 

For the record, have no objection to the use of flavoring agents in rum, as this is a tradition that dates back to the very origins of rum distillation and production. In fact, this practice is recognized in the regulations which govern what can legally be called rum in both Canada and the United States. the spirit should be judged in the bottle and in the glass, rather than prejudged by whatever misconceptions may have regarding how rum should be made.

 

Diplomático Selección de Familia is described as a premium rum produced from both columns still rums and pot still rum. Within the blend are rums that are aged up to 12 years. The combination of tropical aging, batch still production, and those rich aromas and flavors mentioned above yields an exquisite rum which has long been one of my favorites.

 

Diplomático Selección de Familia In the Bottle

 

the green canister which houses the rum and the nice green bottle which displays the rum. The ‘postage stamp’ label is original, and the corked top always gives me that satisfying ‘pop’ when the bottle is opened.

 

Diplomático Selección de Familia In the Glass

 

Diplomático Selección de Familia has a stupendous bouquet. The smells and aromas coming from the glass are rich and luxurious. There is a strong indication of caramel with nice accents of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and walnuts. The oak push from the barrel aging lies alongside the other scents and smells.

 

the oak is perhaps just a little stronger such that it would dominate the breezes rather than the caramel. The rum displays a nice soft oil on the sides of the glass when tilt and twirl it indicating that the rum should have a long finish as well.

 

Diplomático Selección de Familia Flavour

 

All the scents and smells from the nosing come through in spades when I taste the rum. There is a nice underlying nuttiness (walnuts and hazelnuts), some sweet caramel, and some very delicious baking spices (vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar). As the glass breathes, The richness of the rum builds and I taste even more brown sugar and cinnamon with butter.

 

Again, the oak had a firmer push. The sweetness of the caramel needs a foil to act against. the throat is coated with caramel, cocoa, and the nuttiness of walnuts. There are some nice hints of menthol and ebbing baking spices that linger.

 

Last thought about Diplomático Selección de Familia

 

the Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva at any large gathering is always well received. It is sweeter than most rums in its category, but that sweet flavor profile appears to strike the right cord for most people. the spirit seems to have dampened somewhat over the past several years.

 

Matured for 12 years in a combination of American white oak, ex-bourbon, and ex-sherry casks Diplomatico Seleccion de Familia is a complex rum with a dry, bittersweet edge alongside notes of caramelized bananas, white pepper, ginger, raisins, and figs.

 

Enjoy it with a great Cuban or New World Cigar!