With August being National Rum Month, we thought it would be ideal to reach out to Alex Fellows, Senior Brand Manager of Diplomático, to discuss their unrivaled range of expressions.
Diplomático brings versatility and sophistication to the world of rum and Alex is an enthuiastic advocate – as well as a font of knowledge about all things Diplomático.
About the production itself, Alex says: “Established in 1959, the distillery is unique as it houses three different distillation processes that are combined to deliver unique rums. It has also been a pioneer in the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the rum-making process.”
“First, the Barbet Column process is originally from France and it helps us create a light, sharp and fruity profile. Second, the Batch Kettle is originally from Canada and is usually employed to produce whisky, but we use it to produce semi-complex rums with tropical and toasted caramel notes. Finally, the Copper Pot Still, originally used in Scotland to produce whisky, gives us very deep, rich and heavy rums, perfect to be the core of all our rums.
“Diplomático’s distillery lies at the feet of the Andes Mountains in Venezuela, a privileged location for rum making,” continues Alex. “The area boasts great conditions for sugar cane growth and for rum production, with fertile lands, abundant water, and tropical weather.
Of course, rum is a versatile spirit and it’s finding its way into cocktails in unique ways. “Many of our bartenders have embraced premium rums in their beverage programs, leveling-up traditional rum cocktails like the Mojito, while also revisiting classic cocktails traditionally made with whiskey, gin and bourbon to develop rum twists. For example, the Old Fashioned, which is originally made with Rye whiskey, is often made by bartenders using Diplomatico’s Reserva Exclusiva. This exchange of the base spirit delivers an amazing blend of rich, bitter and citrus notes that can open the eyes of a whiskey drinker to the richness and diversity of aged rum,” says Alex.
And what’s the best way to enjoy Diplomático? According to Alex, “You can’t go wrong with an Old Fashioned. Though originally made with Rye whiskey, we use Diplomatico’s Reserva Exclusiva. This exchange of the base spirit delivers an amazing blend of rich, bitter and citrus notes that can open the eyes of a whiskey drinker to the richness and diversity of aged rum.”
For more information on Diplomático, click here.
