Review: Dictador XO Insolent Rum
Posted by Arctic Wolf on July 23, 2014
This past May, I was invited by Thirsty Cellar Imports, to attend a Rum Master Class hosted by Hernan Parra Arango, Rum Master for Dictador Colombian Rum. At the event, the attendees were given the opportunity to taste the entire Dictador line-up which of course included not only the Dictador 12 Year and the Dictador 20 Year Solera Rums, but we also tasted and learned about the Dictador XO Perpetual and XO Insolent Rums.
At the Rum Master Class, I learned that for the Dictador XO Insolent in particular, the aging barrels used are pre-used oak barrels which have a significant percentage of oak obtained from Jerez Spain, as well as pre-used Port Wine Barrels. Near the end of the aging process, the barrels earmarked for the XO Insolent Rum are emptied (and the rum stored of course), and these barrels are subjected to an open flame process which caramelizes the rum soaked oak fibres on the interior of the barrel. These barrels are then refilled with the same rum allowing the spirit to draw the sweet caramelized flavours from the interior of the oak barrel. The final rum is blended and barreled at 40 % Alcohol by volume.
You may read my full review for the XO Insolent Rum by clicking on the following excerpt:
Review: Dictador XO Insolent Rum
Please enjoy my latest review!
6 Responses to “Review: Dictador XO Insolent Rum”
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gtt55 said
Hi Chip…Great review, as usual. Where is this rum available in the Calgary area? thanks
Arctic Wolf said
I do not live in Calgary so I have no idea who carries it. Just go to your favourite store and ask them to order it in. If they will not do that for you, then find a new favourite store.
Jim W. said
Given your review & score of 97 on the “Insolent” I can’t wait for the “Top 30 Rums of 2014”!! However I would ask if there is a way to rate your top rums by price (I found the “Insolent for approx. $120.00 US ) In other words what top rums are available and under $50.00 US or some such arrangement? For instance I’d like to try #11 from 2013 Juan Santos but it’s only avail. in West Canada at a high price. Will you be adjusting your score for Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva down from 97? While I LOVE it, I see other blogs negative on flavor additives & sweetness?? Thanks Jim W.
Arctic Wolf said
Hi Jim all of my ratings are independent of price, and will remain so. It is up to you to decide if a 97 score for a high priced rum is worth more to you than an 85 score for a cheap rum. As well, rum prices vary tremendously across various locales, and my readership is world wide. It would be impossible to determine any scale of rum versus price to account for all the different markets my blog is popular in.
As for Diplomatico Reserva, I suggest you concentrate what you taste and enjoy in your rum glass, and ignore what others tell you has been added or not. It after all is our enjoyment of the rum which is paramount.
Jack said
Geemony! After your rating – this must taste astoundingly good.
Arctic Wolf said
Yes indeed! It ranks with the best rums I have tasted to date.