A stunning rum from Diplomatico’s prestige range that is elegant, finessed and rich.
This is the peak of the Diplomatico range, as created by Golden Barrel Awards 2011 Master Rum Blender of the Year, Tito Cordero, and comes appropriately packaged in a stylish tapered bottle with a heavy set base and a cork inset into a weighty high quality metal stopper.
It is a full throttle, 12 year old, 100% pot still rendition without filtration or compromise that stands as a benchmark in its category.
Aged in white oak casks for at least 12 years, hand-picked barrels are then matured for an additional two years in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The Ambassador is then bottled from the cask at 47%
Fantastic sipper best served neat, comes in a heavy-duty box.
Expect classic oak, cinnimon and tobacco notes with the dried fruits, chocolate, raisins and mixed spices coming from the PX casks.
Better known by its ‘DUSA’ acronym, Distilerias Unidas S.A. of Venezuela has gained recognition for its Diplomatico branded rums, helped by the warmth and personality of the globetrotting Ballesteros family who are behind the brand.
The distillery, which lies at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela, was established in 1959 and is one of the biggest providers of rum in the country. The DUSA plant covers an impressive 12 hectares and produces some 8 million 9-litre cases a year. With the arrival of Diplomatico Ambassador Selection, DUSA are proud to see the launch of their first ever ultra premium bottling, a fine addition to the current Diplomatico range; Blanco, Anejo, Reserva and Reserva Exclusiva.
Ambassador Selection was created by Rum Master Tito Cordero, only the 3rd Rum Master in the history of DUSA. It is crafted from 100% heavy pot still rums and aged for a minimum of 12 years, the rum is aged in ex-bourbon casks before finishing for an additional 2 years in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. Not only does it contain no sweeteners, caramel or other additives, its high strength (47% ABV) also means it does not require chill-filtration. This ensures that fatty acids which contribute to the mouth feel and flavour are not removed during the filtration process, giving an exceptionally smooth finish.
Tasting notes: The saturated, burnished mahogany colour leaves fat, glass staining legs. Sensuous, mildly prickly aromas open with choc fudge, mocha, brandy cream and fruit cake. Cocoa and mocha accentuate with aeration, with the spicy fruit cake notes returning. From start to finish, the palate is a masterpiece of flavour choreography, beginning light, soft and gently spicy, slowly building in concentration, unfolding pulsing spices, intense dried fruits (raisin, date) and liquorice strap while fine tuned acidity provides razor’s edge balance and a sense of elegance. It finishes clean, fresh and dry with a molasses aftertaste followed by a liquorice strap fade that reverberates over twenty minutes, however don’t be surprised if you’re still tasting this after an hour. It stands comfortably along side the top two or three rums we’ve been fortunate enough to experience.