Cut Smoked Rum, 70 cl

Product Information

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a Venezuelan rum made from molasses, distilled in copper pot stills and matured in whiskey barrels. The liquor received a Gold Medal at the International Sugar Cane Spirits Tasting Competition (2019) in Ybor City, as well as a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Well suited to the festive season, it contains hints of sultanas, chocolate, Christmas cake and gingerbread. We often associate the smell of smoke with wood, and due to the aging process, whiskeys tend to have a sort of oak aroma to them.

Since rum is not subject to any form of appellation of origin, it can, like gin, be made anywhere in the world. And now it is beginning to be distilled in dear old Blighty, with some surprisingly excellent results. This makes perfect sense, what with the centuries-old association between rum and the Royal Navy, which, until 1970, issued every one of its crew members with a daily tot of rum. Ironically, the very brands that were served on board, such as Pusser’s and Captain Morgan, were never distilled in Britain in the first place and their popularity in the taverns was purely based on their association with Naval swigging. A drink that is very commonly served smoked is whiskey. Whiskeys such as rye and bourbon usually go through an aging process, and this is done in charred oak barrels.

Whether you prefer the light, bright notes of un-aged white rum or something darker and decadent, there really is a rum for everyone. To help you choose the best rum for you, we’ve included our top-scoring white and dark rums below, and categorised them as follows:

You can use a heavy Jamaican rum instead of scotch, a medium-bodied Barbados rum instead of Irish whiskey, a Venezuelan rum instead of cognac, or a light Puerto Rican rum instead of vodka." What is the best rum? It combines Banhez Mezcal Artesanal, with some Cointreau along with refreshing watermelon juice, lime juice, and hibiscus syrup. Gustav Temple nosedives into rums that don’t come from where they used to come from, because they are either made or refined right here on these craggy shores. Crafted using Jamaican rum and smoked using oak chips, this one is for those rum drinkers with a preference for peaty flavours. It’s one of the first smoked rums to have been produced in the UK and contains fine natural ingredients; vanilla and peppercorns from Madagascar, coriander seed, cinnamon and aniseed from south India and nutmeg from the West Indies. Just to confuse matters, there’s also spiced rum, which is blended with additional fruit and spices. How we test rum

More Alternatives…

Introducing DUO Rum from Brewdog, a captivating fusion of Caribbean and Scottish influences, meticulously crafted by combining the finest ingredients from both regions. Tailored to rum enthusiasts and those seeking a unique vibe, DUO utilises choice Caribbean rum, matured under the tropical sun with molasses richness, skillfully blended in Scotland. This artful fusion yields a delightful equilibrium of sweetness, spice, and intricacy, accentuated by pineapple, allspice, and a subtle hint of lime. Presented in a striking decanter, the multi-award-winning Plantation XO makes for an attractive gift. The spirit is aged in bourbon barrels, then matured for a second time in French Cognac casks from the Ferrand house. Drink this if you prefer a rum that’s well balanced, with a long finish and a slightly spicy, oaky, tropical taste. Watching my father-in-law overcome the devastation of the business he had taken 35 years to build up and rebuild it again was inspirational,” said Katherine. “It inspired me and my husband Harry to start a business of our own.” Katherine had some knowledge of the drinks industry having previously worked for wine discounters and then for the Lidl supermarket chain.