Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva

This was my first "different" rum that I tried when I started going full-on into my rum phase. Loved the bottle, loved the name and saw a lot of great reviews on it. When I first sipped this I thought, "Well this is how I always thought rum should be!" It was aromatic, flavorful and fun to sip. It was smooth and had a nice mellow warmth to it. Then after a few more sips and letting the flavors of toffee, chocolate and licorice dance around on my tongue, I started to realize it feels kind of thick and syrupy. Not in a bad way so much as just, I don't know if I can drink this all night kind of way. It's not that is overly sweet (it ALMOST is), its that after a few sips it comes across as a liqueur more than a rum.

Now don't get me wrong, there is a LOT to like about this rum. Its a really enjoyable sipper. But in moderation (and not because of the alcohol). At least for me. Your mileage may vary. But I found since this rum is at a pretty good price point, and has some great sweetness characteristics, that it is incredibly perfect for a Mai Tai. And I'm not talking your fruity, slushy Chili's Mai Tai but a proper Don Beachcomber/Trader Vics original recipe Mai Tai. Since I started using it (and swapping around some other rums in an effort to see what combos make the best Mai Tai), it has been my go to rum for when I make GOOD Mai Tais and leave the cheaper rums for when the in-laws visit.

I will always keep a bottle of this in my collection, and would be happy to share it with anyone who wants to try something different, but I don't see myself sipping this too often unless its more of an aperitif or digestive after a meal. But again, thats just my take on it. Other than that I think this is a wonderful, um, beverage.