The News
Diplomático, a super premium Venezuelan rum, announced that its Reserva Exclusiva, Planas, and Ambassador expressions each received a Gold Medal at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards. The awards were judged by U.S. bartenders and beverage professionals in Chicago. The results reflect the quality, balance, and craftsmanship of Diplomático's portfolio, with all three expressions scoring 91 points.
Three gold medals from the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards show that Diplomático’s rums can stand up to real‑time cocktail testing.
All three flagship expressions—Reserva Exclusiva, Planas and Ambassador—earned gold with a score of 91 points on June 16 in Chicago. The awards judge U.S. on‑premise performance, focusing on quality, balance and drinkability under bar conditions rather than blind tasting alone. Gold medals sit between 90 and 95 points, so Diplomático’s 91‑point score places each rum comfortably within the upper tier of the gold band—a level that only a handful of super‑premium rums consistently reach.
Since Brown‑Forman acquired a majority stake in Destilerías Unidas in 2022, Diplomático now benefits from an established U.S. and international distribution network. That advantage explains why award recognition can translate into tangible shelf presence more quickly than for a smaller, independent distillery.
The real question is how Diplomático’s 91‑point score compares with other super‑premium rums that typically fall into the silver range (80–89 points). Gold‑medal rum can justify a higher pour cost and serve as a premium cocktail component, giving bars an edge when they want to differentiate their offerings.
Distributors can leverage the award narrative to secure shelf space and support bar‑program initiatives. The 91‑point credibility gives them a concrete point of discussion with retailers looking to distinguish their premium lineup. Retailers can slot Diplomático into their super‑premium section, using the gold medals as proof of quality. The award story offers a concise hook for point‑of‑sale displays: “Gold‑medal rum, 91 points, recognized by U.S. bartenders.”
With this credibility, distributors and bars now have a clear differentiator that can support higher price points and stronger positioning in the crowded super‑premium rum market.
Original Press Release
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, Diplomático Planas, and Diplomático Ambassador recognized for quality, balance, and drinkability in the U.S. on-premise market
(Louisville, Kentucky) June 16, 2026 – Diplomático, the super premium Venezuelan rum renowned for its mastery of blending, announced today that three of its signature expressions—Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, Diplomático Planas, and Diplomático Ambassador—have each received Gold Medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards.
Judged by bartenders, bar managers, and beverage directors from across the United States at the annual competition in Chicago, the Bartender Spirits Awards provides independent evaluations of spirits for the U.S. on-premise market, highlighting products that perform in real-world bar and restaurant environments.
All three expressions earned 91 points, reflecting the quality, balance, and craftsmanship that define Diplomático’s portfolio and reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading super-premium rums.
“To be recognized across our portfolio by some of the most experienced bartenders and beverage professionals in the U.S. is an incredible honor,” said Erica Jones, Senior Brand Manager, Diplomático Rum – USA & Canada at Brown-Forman. “These results reflect the care, precision, and consistency that go into every step of our rum-making process, from distillation to blending and aging.”
Sources consulted (web research):
- Diplomático Earns Gold Medal Recognition Across Portfolio At 2026 Bar…
- Diplomatico Rum Wins Triple Gold At 2026 Bartender Awards
- Diplomatico
- Iwsc 2026 Spirits Results Announced
- The Rum Cachaca Masters 2026 Results
Source: BevNET