Diplomatico Single Vintage Rum 2000

Lovers of the excellent Diplomatico range of rums are in for a treat as a limited edition single vintage rum from 2000 has been released in the UK. The Single Vintage 2000 was launched at October's Rumfest in London and went on general sale to the public early in November. What with a little thing called Christmas occurring between then and now, there is a good chance that you didn't notice the release so we thought we would give you the low down on this delicious rum.

Firstly, you need to understand what made the sugar cane harvest in Venezuela so special in 2000. Several factors contributed to rare climatic conditions for sugar cane growth that year such as particularly high temperatures during the day and much cooler nights than the norm. This was coupled with high humidity and lower than average rainfall which was surprising after an extremely wet year in 1999.  These contrasting weather conditions played an integral part in creating one of the best (and sweetest) sugar cane harvests in Venezuelan history.

It was from this harvest that several reserves were laid down to age at Destilerias Unidas. 13 years later, master distiller Tito Cordero chose from these reserves to create the outstanding Diplomatico Single Vintage 2000. Made from the exceptionally high-quality sugar cane honey from the bountiful harvest, the spirit was made in copper pot stills with a kettle batch system and aged in bourbon and single-malt whisky casks before being rested in Spanish sherry wood.

Tito said: “It's a truly unique limited edition, a vintage that we are really proud of at Ron Diplomatico, having let a specific harvest shine naturally and develop its own personality.”

This vintage has classic Diplomatico notes of vanilla and milk chocolate caramels backed up by cinnamon spice and brown sugar sweetness on the nose. It develops through creamy chocolate truffles and salted almonds to dried apricot, raisins and earthy leather.

On the palate, it is led by notes of golden syrup and dried fruit, with vanilla ice cream and oaky flavours of cinnamon, green leaves and tree bark. Rum and raisin fudge as well as real raisins, apricots, dates and richly pungent honey round it out, producing a very easy-drinking rum.

The finish is long, lingering and warming, with cloves, leather, black liquorice sticks and polished oak joined by vanilla pod sweetness and rich earthiness.