Diplomático Distillery Collection - batch kettle, barbet column stills

Diplomático Distillery Collection rums, labeled “No. 1 Batch Kettle Rum” and “No. 2 Barbet Rum” each contain a unique bottle number, batch number, and the date of the distillation marked on the label, as well as an illustration of the still.

A pair of rums that spotlight the distinctive production process used by the popular Diplomático Rum from Venezuela — the Diplomático Distillery Collection — have been released in the United States.

The distillery in La Miel, Venezuela has a long history of producing fine rums, using traditional copper pot stills, as well as modern column stills. One additional asset that sets them apart from others is their batch kettle still, a hybrid configuration best known for producing whiskies.

The new Diplomático Distillery Collection highlights these distillation systems with two new limited edition expressions: a Single Batch Kettle rum and a Single Barbet Column rum.

This new pair allows consumers to better understand and distinguish the various production methods and unique personalities of the stills used to make many of Diplomático’s fine blended expressions.

“We are excited that the Distillery Collection gives rum lovers the chance to explore the history and distillation know-how of Diplomático, and what goes in to making our rums so special.” — José Rafael Ballesteros, Diplomático’s Chief Executive Officer

Batch Kettle Still

In the world of rum, this Batch Kettle Still is unique to Destileria Unidas in La Miel, Venezuela.

A Batch Kettle still was brought to Diplomático’s distillery in 1959.

This semi-artisanal batch distillation method was originally employed in Canada for the production of American whisky.

The distillate is made from sugar cane honeys, and is aged in American white oak barrels, resulting in a deliciously complex medium-body rum.

Aromas of warm brown sugar, baked cereal, toasted oak and a hint of cola lead to a subtle caramel note. On the palate, charred wood leads to green apple and black banana before a very long warm finish.

Barbet Copper Column Still

The Barbet Column distillation system, originally created in France was also brought to the distillery in Venezuela the same year, 1959. This Barbet column is made of 100% copper, a type of metal that enables the elimination of undesirable sulphur compounds which form in the fermentation process.

Using high quality sugar cane molasses, then aged in American white oak barrels, the Barbet Column system produces a distillate with a strong fruity profile.

Aromas of brown butter and delicate fruit are followed by charred wood and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, toasted oak over butterscotch, juicy fruit, faint brown sugar and vanilla precede a semi-sweet finish with notes of ripe banana.

Short History of Diplomático

“While the Diplomático brand name has become familiar to lovers of fine dark spirits, few are aware of the history of the company behind the brand, Destilerías Unidas S.A. (DUSA). DUSA’s distillery was originally created in 1959 by local rum producers and Seagram’s International Ltd., at that time the largest distiller of alcoholic beverages in the world. We recognize that the rich distillation heritage left by Seagram’s is at the heart of Diplomático’s elaboration process today,” said José Rafael Ballesteros, Diplomático’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited that the Distillery Collection gives rum lovers the chance to explore the history and distillation know-how of Diplomático, and what goes in to making our rums so special.”