First Impressions
This Diamond Distillery bottling from Watt Whisky follows the increasingly popular dual-climate model — five years of tropical ageing in Guyana followed by seven years of European maturation in an ex-whisky cask. The result is a complex rum with an oily texture and the distinctive character of Diamond's distillation, enhanced by the whisky cask influence.
Tasting
The nose is complex and inviting. Tropical fruit and aged oak lead, with an oily richness that signals Diamond distillate. Vanilla and dark molasses add depth, and the Guyanese character is unmistakable.
The palate is complex and oily. Tropical fruit and dark molasses form the core, with the whisky cask adding a malty, slightly cereal dimension. Oak spice provides structure, herbal notes add interest, and the texture is rich and full-bodied. At 57.1%, the cask strength carries significant weight without harshness.
The finish is long with persistent oak, tropical fruit, molasses, and a warming Guyanese close.
The Bottom Line
At £86.50, Diamond MDB2M 2011 offers excellent value for a twelve-year-old, cask strength Guyanese rum. The dual-climate ageing and whisky cask influence add complexity that enhances rather than masks Diamond's distinctive distillery character. Recommended for Guyanese rum enthusiasts.
