Diplomatico distillery

Introduction to Diplomatico

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Diplomatico is a renowned Venezuelan rum distillery that has mastered the delicate balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern refinement. Located in the lush region of La Miel at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this distinctive distillery has built a reputation for delivering premium rums with exceptional character and depth. Their commitment to quality has made them one of the most respected names in the rum world.

The unique climate of Venezuela, with its tropical temperatures and optimal humidity, creates perfect conditions for aging rum, allowing Diplomatico to produce expressions with remarkable complexity and smoothness.

Why we have a soft spot for Diplomatico

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that remain true to their roots while pushing the boundaries of excellence. Diplomatico stands out for its diverse distillation methods, using both pot stills and column stills to create a varied portfolio of rums with distinctive personalities.

What truly sets Diplomatico apart is their commitment to sustainability alongside quality, ensuring their production processes respect both the environment and the rich rum-making traditions of Venezuela.

The history behind Diplomatico

Origin and development

Diplomatico’s journey began in 1959 when the establishment of Licorerías Unidas S.A (LUSA) laid the foundation for what would become one of Venezuela’s most prestigious distilleries. The brand itself was officially launched in 2002, taking inspiration from the distinguished diplomat Don Juancho Nieto Meléndez, whose image graces every bottle.

Don Juancho, who lived in the late 19th century, was known for his refined taste and impressive collection of spirits gathered from his travels around the world. His passion for discovering and understanding different production methods and styles became the philosophical cornerstone of Diplomatico.

Over the years, the distillery has grown in stature and acclaim, earning numerous international awards and establishing itself as a benchmark for premium rum worldwide.

The people behind

Today, Diplomatico is operated by Destilerías Unidas S.A. (DUSA), led by a team of master blenders and distillers who share a profound respect for Venezuelan rum traditions. Their collective expertise ensures that each batch maintains the exceptional quality and distinctive character that rum enthusiasts have come to expect.

The team’s dedication to their craft is evident in every step of the production process, from the selection of raw materials to the patient aging and meticulous blending that defines Diplomatico’s signature style.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Diplomatico’s production begins with high-quality molasses and sugar cane honey, sourced from local sugar mills. What makes their process unique is the use of three different distillation methods: a traditional copper pot still, a batch kettle still, and a continuous column still.

Each distillation method produces a distinct distillate with its own flavor profile, allowing the master blenders to create complex and balanced rums through careful blending. This multi-distillation approach is part of what gives Diplomatico rums their remarkable depth and character.

The distillery controls every aspect of production, from fermentation to bottling, ensuring consistent quality throughout the process.

Maturation and aging

Aging takes place in American white oak barrels that previously held bourbon and single malt whisky, imparting additional layers of flavor to the rum. Venezuela’s tropical climate accelerates the aging process, with the rum interacting more intensively with the wood than would occur in cooler climates.

This dynamic aging environment results in rich, sophisticated rums with pronounced notes of vanilla, caramel, and tropical fruits, balanced by the subtle influence of the oak. The high altitude of the distillery’s location also plays a role in shaping the final character of the spirit.

Many of Diplomatico’s premium releases are created using the Solera system, a method of fractional blending that ensures consistency and complexity across batches.

Selected products from Diplomatico

Reserva Exclusiva – An introduction to the house style

This flagship expression is an excellent entry point for those new to Diplomatico. Aged for up to 12 years, it offers a luxuriously smooth experience with notes of caramelized brown sugar, vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon, culminating in a long, satisfying finish.

Reserva Exclusiva’s approachable yet complex profile makes it a favorite for both sipping neat and for elevating classic cocktails. Its distinctive amber color and elegant bottle design reflect the premium quality within.

Selección de Familia – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more refined expression, this limited-edition rum represents the pinnacle of Diplomatico’s craftsmanship. Created from the finest reserves and aged in sherry casks, it delivers an extraordinary complexity with layers of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and oak spices.

Expect a velvety mouthfeel with exceptional balance between sweetness and oak, with subtle notes of coffee, tobacco, and candied orange peel emerging as the rum opens up. This is truly a sipping rum for special occasions.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Diplomatico offers guided tours of their facilities in Venezuela, providing visitors with an immersive experience into their rum-making process. The tour takes you through the entire production journey, from fermentation to aging and bottling.

The tasting session typically includes 4-5 expressions from their range, allowing you to appreciate the diversity and craftsmanship behind each bottle. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of Venezuelan rum traditions and Diplomatico’s unique approach.

Frequently asked questions

What is Diplomatico?

Diplomatico is a premium Venezuelan rum distillery that produces a range of award-winning rums using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Their approach combines three different distillation methods and careful aging to create complex, flavorful rums that showcase the best of Venezuelan rum-making traditions.

Where is Diplomatico located?

The distillery is located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in La Miel, Venezuela. This location provides ideal climatic conditions for rum production and aging, with the tropical heat and humidity contributing significantly to the character and accelerated maturation of their spirits.

What characterizes Diplomatico?

Diplomatico is particularly known for its smooth, sweet profile that balances complexity with approachability. Key characteristics include their use of multiple distillation methods, aging in ex-bourbon and whisky casks, and their commitment to sustainable production practices. Each release exhibits a distinctive richness, with notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and caramel being signature elements of the Diplomatico flavor profile.

Where can I buy rum from Diplomatico?

You can find selected bottles from Diplomatico’s range at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their core offerings and special limited editions, ensuring you have access to the finest expressions from this exceptional Venezuelan distillery.