Diplomatico 2013 Vintage Rum 700ml

The nose is fairly deep, kicking off with a fragrant, perfumed wood note—not quite oak, but something similar—that is joined by ripe fruits, banana bread, and vanilla extract. The fruitiness carries over to the palate, with mango and cherry, plus leather, tobacco, oak, and vanilla. The finish adds spices, clove, and ground cinnamon.

If you’re already familiar with Diplomático’s core range of 2–12 year old Reserva Exclusiva, then this newcomer will be a departure. The Reserva has a very conspicuous clove note on the nose, which is absent in the single vintage. Vanilla reigns supreme on the Reserva’s palate, but it plays more of a background role in Single Vintage, undercut by pleasant oak and fruit notes. 2013 Single Vintage has a drier profile overall, but it offers pleasant depth of flavor. We recommend sipping it neat. --Whisky Advocate