Diplomático launches 2004 Single Vintage rum

by Owen Bellwood

Venezuelan rum brand Diplomático has unveiled the latest release in its Prestige collection: 2004 Single Vintage.

The limited-edition expression is crafted from a number of casks of special reserve rum, each selected by the brand’s maestros roneros – master blender. Distilled in vintage copper pot stills in 2004, the rum has been aged for 12 years in American white oak casks that previously held Bourbon. These aged rums are then blended by the maestros roneros, before being left for a further year to mature in ex-oloroso Sherry casks. Nelson Hernández, maestros roneros at Diplomático, said: “In a time where the ultra-premium rum category is entering the spotlight, and rum is finally being recognised as a quality sipping spirit, we are looking forward to seeing the 2004 Single Vintage reach its fullest potential.” On the palate, 2004 Single Vintage is described as being "well-balanced and incredibly flavoursome, with toasted wood and spicy notes". Hernández described the rum as being "slightly more dry and oaky than that of previous years." Less than 4,000 nine-litre cases of this limited-edition expression will be available globally, with each bottle carrying a RRP of US$120. Last year, the Venezuelan rum brand released two expressions as part of a limited-edition range designed to showcase Diplomático’s “diverse” distillation processes.