Unlike the Edward Hamilton Selection, which so far has only proposed a 1 to 3 year old mixer, Diplomatico is a well established Venezuelan distiller, currently producing an Anejo, the Diplomatico Reserva and the Reserva Exclusiva. My main gripe with Diplomatico has been their use of unlabeled sugars and other additives to produce what I can only describe as mislabeled rum liqueurs. Think Zaya and Zacapa, or Pyrat XO.Quoting SLURP: "(The) 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."
That may have changed. The just released Ambassador promises to be different in almost every way. Per SLURP, et al:
1. It will be 100% pot stilled. That is rare! Think complex.
2. It will be bottled at 47% abv, not barrel strength but a significant step in the right direction. Think Pussers.
3. It will use "no sweetener, caramel or other additives". About time! I have been promoting pure and unadulterated rums for several years now, and I couldn't be more pleased.
4. It will not be chill filtered. Again almost unheard of. Only the discontinued Scarlet Ibis and a handful of private releases can claim this. Advantage: more flavor.
5. It will be aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by two years in sherry barrels. Think Dos Maderas, or Doorly's XO. An elegant touch, not overdone.
Issues:
First is the age. I have seen both "aged 12 years, then for another 2 years in sherry barrels" and "up to 12 years..." used to describe the Ambassador. Note too that according to Diplomatico's site, their Reserva Exclusiva is aged "up to" 12 years. What does this mean?
It may mean that the Ambassador is simply an Exclusiva (up to 12 years) that's been given another 2 years in sherry barrels. If so I wouldn't get too excited, Exclusiva is already too sweet and I can't imagine adding sherry tones to that. If on the other hand, the Ambassador is completely aged for a minimum of 12 years, this would indicate the rum comes from a stash of 12 year somewhere in the rackhouse. Next...
Just what is it made from and how it made?
There are two stories being promoted. The first is that the Ambassador is made from sugar cane honey, exclusively in pot stills vs. "mostly" from honey, and pot stills followed by a further rectifying in a column still. Again, these two can be expected to produce very different results.
Be aware, and stay tuned for the truth...
Bottom Line
Except for a literal handful of limited releases, this is the first well known distiller to commit to an intended high quality, pot-stilled and pure product, untouched by the usual rogue rum additives. It's about fucking time. I can only hope Diplomatico rolls this out successfully, and that their representatives won't hesitate trumpeting its virtues (knowing that doing so also will disparage their other, altered lines).
Last there is already controversy about the age, possible blending, raw material and method of distillation. How Diplomatico can release a super premium rum without clarifying any of these on their website is beyond me. That's nuts. In fact, the Ambassador doesn't even appear there!
Monkey business. Still, as for The Rum Project, we can't wait for what may be a very good rum...
