Objective Notes
Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth)

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva shows a deep bronze tone in the glass.  Savor Diplomatico Reserve Exclsiva’s aroma long and well before sipping.  The deliciously balanced smells of toasty caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, nuts (hints of pistachio), and perhaps coffee beans, will prepare you for what’s in store next.  The body delivers flavors more complex and spicy than the aroma would lead you to expect, but it’s a nice surprise, adding complexity to this already interesting rum.

Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva finishes off-dry, slightly sweet and a hint of earthiness, but ultimately refined. The flavors linger mostly in the forward part of your tongue, leaving a sense of depth, rather than the choking goodbye in your throat that so many of today’s heavier rums exit with.

Anecdotal Notes
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva presents itself like an old world rum; deliciously sweet, subtle but noble in character and deserving of respect. After distillation in copper pot stills, blending, and aging for 12 years in small white oak barrels, the rum is sealed in an understated, classic frosted green bottle with a label like an enlarged postage stamp. Enough about the outside – off with the screw cap – then one sip takes you back, transported by a traditional rum that has been crafted by people who’ve been doing it longer than most, perfecting old world techniques.  Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva earns greater respect with each sip, tasting more refined and appreciating in value.

Taster’s Opinion
Dave - By now you can tell I’m a big fan of this rum.  Diplomatico Reserva Exculsiva  continues  Venezuela’s fine tradition of making some of the world’s finest sipping rums. It can be difficult to find, but its well worth the effort when you do.

Roger - Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum is a delightfully smooth aged rum. It’s the best of the Diplomatico line and should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks  – look for another rum to make cocktails with.  It is well worth adding to your collection as the quality of the rum and presentation of the bottle are top notch.  Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is a little hard to find (but worth the effort) and the distiller's representatives claim it's becoming more widely available in the US.

Taster's Rating (10 is best):
Dave - 9.0 Flasks

Roger - 9.5 Flasks

Most recently reviewed by: Dave in November, 2007 in RnD’s South Tasting Room, USA; Roger in May 2009 in Miami.

*750ml unless otherwise stated.