In this day and age, it’s no surprise that there’s literally a day for everything. And guess what day today is? That’s right, August 16th is National Rum Day! I’m excited to bring to you today’s post in collaboration with Diplomático, a premium Venezuelan rum.
At Gentleman Within, we’re all about equipping you with style know-how, practical advice and inspiration to help you crush it in life. When the subject line “Diplomático: Rum for the Modern Gentleman“ arrived in my inbox, I knew it was the perfect collaboration opportunity. I believe that learning about spirits and mixing them particularly, can help for you to become a more well-rounded individual.
So in today’s post we’re going to be crafting a specialty cocktail called Dark & Stormy also known as The Dark Storm, with the help of Mantuano, a brand new dark rum by Diplomatico. If you read on, you’ll also get 3 things new rum drinkers must know about rum culture and 3 rum trends straight from the experts at Diplomatico.
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Did you know? Diplomatico rums are produced in Venezuela by Destilerias Unidas and are ranked consistently among the finest South American rums.
DARK & STORMY RECIPE
GLASS
Highball
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz. Diplomatico Mantuano
- .5 oz. Lime juice
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Top up with Ginger Beer
ICE
Cubed
METHOD
Pour rum into a highball glass, add ice and the lime juice and top up with ginger beer. Add bitters as a float.
GARNISH
Lime wedge
MANTUANO RUM TASTING NOTES
I’m no rum connoisseur, far from it and though it may behoove me to breakdown the rum’s tasting notes, I’m simply not yet ready for that responsibility. And so I’ll let the (Diplomatico) experts describe the scent and flavor.
COLOR
Dark golden
NOSE
Opening aroma of dried fruits (plums), oak and a delicate spiciness.
MOUTH
Complex and well-balanced, with notes of dried fruits, wood and vanilla. Concludes with a harmonious and slightly dry finish.
What I can say is that it goes down so so smoothly when enjoyed neat. And the flavor blooms when brewed with the bitters, freshly squeezed lime and ginger beer. Dark & Stormy is a fantastic cocktail, one that I’ll be ordering on future bar visits.
RUM CULTURE: 3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Year Round
Forget the misconception that rum is a summer-only spirit. Fruity Tiki drinks, tropical beach vacations, and pirates have all framed rum as something for warm days, but most premium rums have all the characteristics that can make for a great dram on a blustery night. Deep, rich, and complex, high-end rums can be enjoyed in a variety of warming winter cocktails such as hot buttered rum, or simply on the rocks.
2. Pick Your Brand
“2 rum and cokes please,” is never a good idea. Asking for a preferred brand such as Venezuelan sipping rum Diplomatico. Premium brands steer clear of artificial sweeteners and flavorings and low-cost, mass-market production methods in favor of natural sugarcane and careful craftsmanship, yielding a more pure product.
3. Age Matters
Many people have no idea that rum can be aged for greater complexity, and some may not even be aware that rum isn’t always clear! Darker rums that have been aged for 2, 5, 10, even upwards of 15 years in various types of casks, can make for a very interesting rum drinking experience.
» Related: You might enjoy this guide on Jim Beam vs. Jack Daniel’s vs. Johnnie Walker.
RUM TRENDS: 3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Sip, Don’t Shoot
Quick to pour shots of rum during a big night out? Quality rum is best enjoyed as a sipping spirit. Premium rums are actually quite complex, with many offering notes of chocolate, citrus, toffee, brown sugar, and even maple. Sipping allows you to savor the spirit and enjoy the full capacity of its nuanced flavor profile.
2. Stay Fresh
Gone are the days of syrupy rum & cokes and sugary saturated daiquiris. Instead, embrace the world of rum blending. Premium rum is best enjoyed with fresh fruits, juices and products that match both the tasting notes and terroir.
3. Tiki Time
Don’t be fooled; Tiki drinks aren’t strictly sugary drinks sipped through faux bamboo straws. Tiki is truly about layering and fresh flavors. All you need is one or two rums, fresh juice, and one more tropical flavor of your choosing to embrace the trend. Look for drinks with more complex flavor profiles rather than frozen, sugary concoctions.
Note: I was sent a bottle of Mantuano by Diplomatico. Beyond rum culture and rum trends provided by experts at Diplomatico, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Photography by Morgan Brown.
RUM ENTHUSIASTS—WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RUM CONCOCTIONS?
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