Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

Ich weiß, dass er sehr beliebt ist, aber für mich ist das ein Likör. Auf Leute, die sonst keine hochwertigen Spirituosen trinken, wirkt er sehr leicht und weich. Er schmeckt wie purer Süßstoff bzw. Zuckerwasser.

This was formerly my highest rated rum, which also happened to be one of the ultimate sugar bombs with about 10 teaspoons of added sugar, albeit well chosen for the flavors similar to how a great chef chooses spices for stellar dishes.

Since my only bottle that I took a risk on that exceeded my limit of $50 per bottle slowly rose to the ranks of a 10 rating, I had no choice except to compare the Columbian to this Venezuelan back to back. Sorry, but no contest, since Dictador XO Insolent wins hands down for having my only rating of 10. This DRE rum still ranks at the top of my very small pack of rums that I have rated as a 9, but only one rum of mine deserves a rating of 10 at his point.

Update: My first bottle is now long gone, but deemed to be one of only two sugar bombs worth replacing. The other sugar bomb is El Dorado 12. My new bottle will remain unopened for quite some time. When finally opened, I will record that date in my spreadsheet to make sure that it gets consumed within two months. Sugar bombs never last beyond 3-4 months due to oxidation in the bottle.

This one is also criticized for being a sugar bomb. However, it takes incredible knowledge of chemistry to create the perfect sugar additives. The master distiller for this rum obviously has this task mastered, which is no easy task, This rum will always be my guilty pleasure despite being a sugar bomb.

Update April 12, 2019: It has been many months since I bought more of this rum because I have been getting away from rums that are heavily sugared. The only reason that I recently bought two more bottles was for the fear that the USA will force an embargo on Venezuelan products and we may no longer be able to get their rums. Well, I opened one of the bottles a few days ago and it tastes nothing at all like the DRE that I first fell in love with. They either changed the formula due to multiple criticisms of added sugars, or my taste buds have adapted to appreciate much drier rums. At any rate, I now drop my rating from an 8 to a 7.

I quite like this rum (or is it a liqueur?) as a sweet, easy drinker.
Not too much at once, or it will tend to get sickly.
I suppose it is lucky that I do as it seems to be the only sipping rum offering in many of the standard bars round my way.
Sweet to the taste, perhaps a bit too sweet, but nice flavour and smooth enough.
Not much of a wow-factor for me, now I'm starting to get pickier.

Personally speaking, I'd rather save up for something like the Centenario 20 year for my personal stash, but very happy to quaff a couple of glasses if I'm out (& there is nothing better)

As rum classification goes, terminology seems open to interpretation. For me, this and other rums (Zaya GR-12, Centenario-25, El Dorado SR-15) fall into the category of Aged Amber Rums. Within that classification, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is #1 or #2. I lived in Guyana for 6-months and am partial to this type of rum. I find the nose to be vanilla with a hint of toffee and possibly nutmeg. It is smooth to taste and leaves a light spiced fruit and vanilla aftertaste. Best neat or with a few drops of water.

Far too hyped by tourists. But good for mixing....

The Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva has a delicious and inviting bouquet. The aromas coming from the glass are rich and luxurious. There is a whiff of caramel with accents of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and walnuts. Some oak noted from the barrel aging lies alongside the other scents and smells.
SWEET but naturally sweet..
There is a nice underlying nuttiness (walnuts and hazelnuts), some sweet caramel and some very delicious spices (vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar). As the glass breathes, The richness of the rum builds and I taste even more brown sugar and cinnamon with butter.
This a remarkable rum at any price. I’ve been sampling and experimenting with different rum for the past six months and this is absolutely my favorite out of the 30+ that I’ve tried .

Helt klart, en riktigt fin rom.
Underbar färg med en ljuvlig arom, och vilka underbara smaker.
Flaskan tara för sig själv...
Denna rom är helt klart en favorit.

As a rum it's a 3, as a rum liquor it's a 6.
Sugar test - 41 grams.

A Venezuelan friend introduced me to Diplomatico in Mexico City. My Brother had Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva at his wedding reception. Way too sweet for me! Cloying. Cacique on the other hand is a fine Venezulan Rum.

Smooth and sweet for the nose with loads of vanilla and caramel notes. Taste is the same as the smell. Fine sipper but maybe too sweet for my taste.