Diplomático Seleccion de Familia
The bottle Diplomático makes for true rum lovers. Aged for twelve years in American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, and bottled at 43%: a rum to taste slowly.
Twelve years, three casks and a higher strength
The Seleccion de Familia is a blend of rums made primarily from sugar cane honey. The blend ages for twelve years in a combination of American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Diplomático calls it specially developed for true rum lovers.
Compared with the Reserva Exclusiva, which is also aged for twelve years, two things stand out: the sherry casks and the strength. At 43% instead of 40%, more aroma and structure remain, and the sherry adds an extra layer. So this is not a cocktail rum, but a bottle to taste neat and slowly.
In brief
What should you look for when tasting?
Sugar cane honey
The sugar cane honey provides a rich, sweet base. Give the glass a little time, and the casks will emerge.
Oak and sherry
Full-bodied thanks to the 43%. The American oak and bourbon casks provide wood and vanilla, while the sherry casks add a deeper, fruity layer.
Long and warm
A long, warm finish, typical of twelve years of ageing in oak. Taste it with and without a drop of water.
Guideline for Diplomático Seleccion de Familia neat at room temperature. Taste it yourself and compare it with the Reserva Exclusiva.
Tasting tips for the Seleccion de Familia
Take your time. A twelve-year-old rum at 43% changes in the glass, and each step reveals something different.
Neat in a tasting glass
Pour 3 cl into a tulip-shaped tasting glass and let it stand for five minutes. Smell with your mouth slightly open and take small sips; this helps you taste the different casks more clearly.
Tasting glasses →With a drop of water
After the first sip, add a few drops of cool water. At 43%, this opens up the rum, bringing its sweet and fruity notes more to the fore.
Cognac glasses →Alongside the Reserva Exclusiva
Pour 2 cl of each into two identical glasses. Taste the Reserva first, then the Seleccion: that way you’ll notice what the sherry casks and the extra 3% do.
About the Reserva →If you still want to mix it
It is best enjoyed neat. If you do want a cocktail, choose a stirred classic in which the rum remains the star.
Rum Old Fashioned
Rum, a little sugar, bitters and a large ice cube. The rum remains the star.
Rum Manhattan
Rum instead of whisky, with sweet vermouth and bitters. Stirred and served in a coupe.
Hot Toddy
Hot water, honey and lemon with a splash of aged rum. For a cold evening.
Rum cocktails
All rum cocktails on one page, from Daiquiri to Mai Tai.The right glass for Seleccion de Familia
A tulip-shaped tasting glass or cognac glass for tasting, and a heavy tumbler for an Old Fashioned.
More Diplomático flavors
Diplomático
Where it began. On the brand page, you can read everything about Diplomático: origins, types and classic cocktails.
Go to Diplomático →
Mantuano
Lighter and drier than Reserva Exclusiva. Dried fruit, wood and vanilla; neat or in a rum cocktail.
View Mantuano →
Planas
Aged and then filtered clear. Tropical fruit, coconut and coffee; the rum for Daiquiri and Mojito.
View Planas →Everything about rum: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about Seleccion de Familia
Can't find your question here? Read more on the Diplomático page or browse our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Diplomático →