Angel's Share Title
Diplomático has been producing rums in Venezuela since 1959, when it was founded by Don Juancho Nieto Meléndez. Using molasses created from locally grown cane, the molasses is fermented for a minimum of 24 hours. The company then distills the fermented liquid using a combination of pot and column stills and ages their rum in used whiskey barrels and sherry casks. The Selección de Familia is aged for 12 years and blended under the supervision of Master Blender Nelson Hernandez to 43% ABV.
Appearance
The 750-ml bottle is opaque with a beige and black label. The bottle design is in line with the rest of the Diplomático line, with a good bit of information about the product woven into the design. The liquid holds a dark amber color with burgundy highlights. Swirling the liquid creates a medium band that spins off a single fast moving leg before quickly beading up and releasing two waves of slow moving legs before evaporating, leaving a ring of residue around the glass.
Nose
The aroma of the rum begins with sweet caramelized vanilla, followed by orange zest, plums, strawberry, and oak spices.
Palate
Sipping the rum delivers a swirl of light body alcohol with the fruit flavors from the aroma front and center, taking the high notes. A toffee note takes the midline, while the oak wood and spice notes of clove, cinnamon, and allspice form the foundation. As the rum begins to fade, a light oak smoky tobacco leaf astringency briefly dominates the palate before the other flavors blend, creating a long, balanced finish.
Review
I have tried quite a few rums from Venezuela over the years, and the Diplomático line for years had Reserva Exclusiva as their easily approachable sipping rum. My curiosity was how similar the two products would be and I was pleased to discover that the Selección de Familia, while having a similar pedigree, has its own distinct flavor profile and, by comparison, was less sweet and more earthy than the Reserva Exclusiva. Selección de Familia is easy to sip, and for those who smoke cigars, an easy pairing recommendation. I can see where it will shine in some classic cocktails, adding unique smoky fruit twists to some classics. Overall, a pleasing surprise that is a solid recommendation for sharing with friends who enjoy sipping rum and whiskey.
