Dictador Solera Ultra Premium Reserve 12-Year

I love most things from Dictador, and this is a fine introduction to the line. Can be a sipper, but also will go well in a mixed drink.

I've been looking out for Dictador rums for a few years but they seem fairly rare in the UK. Finally got my hands on some of the 12yr and it didn't disappoint! Good rich, dark colour with an amazing nose that's well rounded and strong without any hint of the harshness you'll find in most <£40 rums. The flavour isn't as impressive and doesn't match the smooth nose but does have some strong dried fruit flavours and an unusual peppery aftertaste that make it quite unique and enjoyable.

Dictador 12 is not a bad rum. It's definitely on the sweet side, which doesn't have to be a bad thing, but I think that here the sweetness is overdone and mutes some of complexity that this rum could offer. As a result, it comes across like a starbucks mocha with four pumps of honey. (Tasting notes, in case you didn't pick up on that: honey, chocolate and coffee, in that order.)
Now that is capable of satisfing plenty of people I'm sure, but if you're considering shelling out the $55 dollars for this rum, spend the extra $20 and go for the Dictador 20 year. The difference is night and day. Once again: 12 is not bad, but given a little more time, it becomes something far greater, which is absolutely worth a few bucks.

The most dominant aroma is a combination with leather and wood turning into a nice mix of walnut and caramel. Below this you have dried raisins super dark grinded coffee, chocolate and a decent sweetness. Keeps a certain heat in your stomach.

First off, it is a wonderfully smooth rum with a good kick of alcohol in the tail, that gives a good length. It also helps prevent what is quite a sweet rum from being cloyingly sweet. And for me it is that sweetness that is its biggest fault. That's being a tad harsh, as in the scheme of things, there are far sweeter rums than this. It does detract a bit from the wonderful and multi-dimensional nose dominated by honey and coffee notes, which carries onto the palate.

A really good rum, that is just a wee bit too sweet for me.

Those Rum connoisseurs who like to stock the well with "a cut above" need not look any further. This 12 Y.O. Dictador is very tasty and can be consumed straight up when necessary. My favorite all round rum considering price and flavour. I mean really; 10 bucks for this smooth baby?

Surprisingly tasty rum, acceptably sweet but still without added sugar. Nice but maybe strong cofee aroma. Better to leave poured in a glass before sipping. Finally one of my favourite rums, moreover for a reasonable price.

Compared to 20y it was quite disappointing experience. Not complex enough, kinda lacking afterburn, too much coffee (even I'm ok with it).

Value for money Rum! with some body and some prolonging aftertaste! nice colour and good taste! I like a lot👍🏻😉

What's up with Dictador rums and their sweet coffee taste? This 12yo juice is very flavorful...if you like coffee liqueur. There is no way that their rums all have the coffee profile by accident. I'm guessing that the bottling machines need a thorough cleaning. Maybe the Dictador people add some sort of sweetener and coffee extract(?). This is tasty, but it's not pure rum by anyone's guess.