Diplomático Seleccion de Familia
The bottle Diplomático makes for true rum lovers. Aged for twelve years in American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, and bottled at 43% ABV: a rum to sip slowly.
Twelve years, three casks and higher proof
Seleccion de Familia is a blend of rums made primarily from sugarcane syrup. The blend ages for twelve years in a combination of American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Diplomático describes it as specially developed for true rum lovers.
Compared with Reserva Exclusiva, which also ages for twelve years, two things stand out: the sherry casks and the strength. At 43% instead of 40%, more aroma and structure come through, and the sherry adds another layer. So this isn't a cocktail rum, but a bottle to sip neat and savor slowly.
At a glance
What should you look for when tasting?
Sugarcane syrup
The sugarcane syrup provides a rich, sweet base. Give the glass a little time, and the casks will reveal themselves.
Oak and sherry
Full-bodied thanks to the 43% ABV. The American oak and bourbon casks bring wood and vanilla, while the sherry casks add a deeper, fruitier layer.
Lang en warm
A long, warm finish, typical of twelve years of oak aging. Taste it with and without a drop of water.
A guide to drinking Diplomático Seleccion de Familia neat at room temperature. Taste it for yourself and compare it with the Reserva Exclusiva.
Tasting tips for the Seleccion de Familia
Take your time. A twelve-year-old rum at 43% changes in the glass, and each step reveals something different.
Neat in a tasting glass
Pour 3 cl into a tulip-shaped tasting glass and let it sit for five minutes. Nose it with your mouth slightly open and take small sips; this helps you taste the different casks better.
Tasting glasses →With a drop of water
After the first sip, add a few drops of cool water. At 43%, this opens up the rum, bringing its sweet and fruity notes to the fore.
Cognac glasses →Alongside the Reserva Exclusiva
Pour 2 cl of each into two identical glasses. Taste the Reserva first, then the Seleccion: that way, you’ll notice what the sherry casks and the extra 3% do.
About the Reserva →If you do want to mix it
It’s at its best neat. If you do want a cocktail, choose a stirred classic that keeps the rum in the spotlight.
Rum Old Fashioned
Rum, a little sugar, bitters and a large ice cube. The rum remains the star.
Rum Manhattan
Rum instead of whiskey, with sweet vermouth and bitters. Stirred and served in a coupe.
Hot Toddy
Hot water, honey and lemon with a splash of aged rum. For a cold evening.
Rum cocktails
All rum cocktails on one page, from Daiquiri to Mai Tai.The right glass for the Seleccion de Familia
A tulip-shaped tasting or cognac glass for sipping, and a heavy tumbler for an Old Fashioned.
More flavors from Diplomático
Diplomático
Where it all began. Visit the brand page to learn all about Diplomático: its origins, varieties and classic cocktails.
Go to Diplomático →
Mantuano
Lighter and drier than Reserva Exclusiva. Dried fruit, wood and vanilla; neat or in a rum cocktail.
View Mantuano →
Planas
Aged and then filtered until clear. Tropical fruit, coconut and coffee; the rum for Daiquiri and Mojito.
View Planas →Everything about rum: the types, the best-known brands and the cocktails.
Questions about Seleccion de Familia
Can't find your question here? Read more on the Diplomático page or check out our cocktail recipes.
Everything about Diplomático →What is the alcohol percentage in Diplomático Seleccion de Familia?
How old is Diplomático Seleccion de Familia?
What is the difference between it and Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva?
How do you drink Diplomático Seleccion de Familia?
What is Diplomático Seleccion de Familia made from?
Buy Diplomático Seleccion de Familia
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Diplomático Seleccion de Familia online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; you pay nothing extra. No under 18s, no alcohol.
