From Venezuela comes Diplomatico Barbet Rum / Distillery Collection No.2, a aged rum that speaks to Diplomatico's understanding of their craft. This is a producer that knows its strengths and plays to them — the result is a rum with genuine personality and a clear sense of place. At 47% ABV, it delivers its flavours with conviction.
Careful ageing in oak casks adds layers of complexity that elevate this spirit beyond its younger counterparts. Diplomatico has selected their casks with precision, and the time spent maturing in the Venezuela climate — where the angel's share is considerably higher than in cooler climates — has concentrated the flavours beautifully.
On the nose, expect honeycomb, dried mango, cedar, butterscotch, gentle tobacco leaf. The palate delivers silky with honey, dried apricot, cinnamon, gentle tobacco, and well-integrated oak tannins. The finish is extended and refined with honey, cedar, dried fruit, and gentle tannins.
Best appreciated neat or with a single cube of ice to open up the aromatics. The complexity here rewards slow sipping. If you prefer a mixed drink, this makes a superb Rum Old Fashioned — the aged character provides the depth that the cocktail demands.
Diplomatico Barbet Rum / Distillery Collection No.2 is outstanding — one of the finest aged rums available today. Diplomatico has crafted something genuinely special here, and at £61.75 it represents remarkable value for the quality on offer. An essential purchase for any serious rum collection.
