Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum

Reserva Exclusiva from Diplomático is an aged dark rum, and the "Reserva" name points to sipping rather than mixing. The details we have don't include an age statement or ABV, so check the label for those. Rums in this style usually show a deep amber-to-mahogany color. Expect a nose of caramel, vanilla and dried fruit, with orange peel and baking spice behind it. On the palate, look for a rounded, fairly sweet entry of toffee and cocoa, then a finish of oak and warm spice. Neat is the most direct way to taste it. Pour about 50 ml into a tulip-shaped nosing glass or a small snifter, which concentrates the aromas, and serve it at cool room temperature. A single large ice cube in a rocks glass is a good alternative if you want it to open up and soften slowly. A few drops of water will separate the fruit and spice notes if the nose seems closed. Because it's sweet, it works with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, aged hard cheeses and orange-zest desserts. In cocktails, use it where the rum should be the main flavor. A Rum Old Fashioned is the best fit. Stir it over ice with a sugar cube or a small measure of demerara syrup, two dashes of Angostura bitters and an orange peel, and serve it in a rocks glass. The rum's own sweetness means you can use less syrup than a bourbon version would need. A Dark 'n' Stormy also works. Top the rum with a sharp ginger beer and fresh lime over ice in a highball glass. A rich, aged rum gives it more depth than the usual dark rum, though it's a more expensive way to make it. I wouldn't use it for a Daiquiri, Mojito or Piña Colada. Lime, mint and coconut are bright and would cover the aged character, and a white or gold rum suits those drinks better. Keep the bottle for sipping and stirred drinks, stored upright and away from direct light.