An older bottling from Diplomatico, a somewhat similar expression would be the Mantuano. Faint on the nose, where this rum shines is on the palate. Overall, this rum is versatile for sipping neat or using in cocktails and would be appealing to Bourbon enthusiasts.
Review: Reece Sims
Photo: Reece Sims
Flavor Camps
Overall Rating
Total Score: 37.5/50
Appearance: 4/5
Aroma: 4/9
Taste: 8/9
Finish: 3.5/5
Distinctiveness: 4/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 8/9
Value for Price: 6/8
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Dark golden. The bottles stand out on a shelf (including the rebrand not seen here).
- Aroma: A fairly faint aroma. Light molasses notes, dried dark fruits, oak spices, the nose is somewhat reminiscent of a classic mash bill Bourbon.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: The palate is bursting with oak influence - tons of caramel, orange, cacao nibs are intertwined with cigar boxes set in a dark lit room filled with leather chairs. This rum is off dry (there is likely dosage added but in a small quantity).
- Finish: The finish is long and lingering with nutmeg and pepper.
- Distinctiveness: Fairly distinctive.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: This is a versatile rum that is well-balanced.
Product Details
- Distiller: Destilerias Unidas S. A. Venezuela
- Type: Aged Rum
- Age: 8 years
- Still Type: Pot still distillation, Batch kettle distillation and Column distillation
- Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Whisky Barrels
- Origin: Planas Valley, Venezuela
- Composition: Molasses
- ABV: 40%
- # of Distillations: Not Disclosed as it's a blend of different distillation types.
- Price: $40-something CAD in BC (+ taxes). The new Diplomatico Mantuano is now $49.99.
Additional Rum Specifics
- Fermentation Duration: At least 24 hours
- Dosage: Not disclosed but there's definitely some dosage added
- Ester Only Levels: Not disclosed
- Volatile Compound Levels: Not disclosed
Comments / Conclusions:
The Reserva, and now Mantuano was designed to be versatile for both sipping and using in cocktails.
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper Only
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Milk Chocolate, Pork Dishes
Cocktail Recommendation: Jungle Bird, Rum Old Fashioned