Dictador: Redefining luxury rum with art and innovation
Dictador is a rum producer with a legacy as rich as its spirits. Founded in 1913, the company has crafted exceptional rum for over a century. Now led by the third generation of the family, Dictador continues to thrive from its home in Cartagena, northern Colombia. With the master blender Hernan Parra at the helm, it has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious rum producers, offering a bold combination of traditional expertise and contemporary innovation.
The heart of Dictador's craftsmanship lies in its commitment to quality and innovation. Notably, they use virgin sugarcane honey instead of molasses for its purity and refined flavour profile. With its ideal growing conditions, Colombia provides the perfect environment for cultivating the finest ingredients. This natural bounty, combined with meticulous distillation and ageing techniques, allows them to create smooth, complex rums that are full of character. The climate also plays a key role in the ageing process— in the Caribbean, the angels' share (the portion of a spirit that evaporates during ageing) is significantly higher than in Scotland, with about 10% of the liquid evaporating compared to only 3% in Scotland. To reduce this loss in its oldest rums, Dictador replenishes the casks with distillate from the same vintage.
Dictador's signature 20-year-old rum is a prime example of this extended ageing. With over two decades in a combination of carefully selected oak barrels, the rum develops a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and oak notes. Their barrels undergo careful preparation, with some being charred or toasted to enhance their influence on the rum during ageing. This allows for a more nuanced extraction of flavours, adding elements like mild smokiness or spice, further enriching the rum's complexity.
Dictador brings the same level of innovation to its gin range as to its renowned rums. Distilled in Colombia using unique ingredients sourced from the heart of the Caribbean, Dictador Treasure Gin and Ortodoxy Gin offer bold, aromatic profiles. Treasure Gin, aged in rum barrels, develops rich vanilla and spice notes, while Ortodoxy Gin delivers a classic yet complex balance of citrus, botanicals, and subtle sweetness.
Dictador – the Arthouse Spirit Brand
Dictador is much more than just a rum producer; it's a brand that integrates art, culture, and heritage into every bottle. Known for its prestigious status in the rum industry, they create exceptional rums that appeal to connoisseurs, collectors, and investors, with rare vintages often commanding record prices at auction. Beyond its top-tier spirits, Dictador distinguishes itself through a bold fusion of luxury and creativity, redefining the future of rum.
The brand has collaborated with celebrated artists, such as street art pioneer Mariusz Waras and the renowned French crystal maker Lalique, producing limited-edition bottles that are as much artistic masterpieces as they are fine spirits. These unique partnerships have resulted in highly sought-after collectable bottles that elevate the visual appeal of the rum.
Dictadors innovation also extends into the digital realm with exclusive, digitally driven collections, engaging a new generation of collectors who appreciate the intersection of technology with art. Its "Generations en Lalique" series perfectly shows how Dictador marries tradition with contemporaneousness, offering limited-edition. These crystal-encased bottles showcase the rum's craftsmanship and the bottle design's artistry.
The 2 Masters Concept
The Dictador 2 Masters Collection is an original series that combines Dictador's master rum maker, Hernan Parra, with esteemed distillers from several spirits industries. This collaboration involves assigning select barrels of Dictador's aged rum to these experts, who apply their unique maturation techniques within their respective domains. The result is a collection of limited-edition rums that embody a fusion of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation, offering connoisseurs exceptional and distinct tasting experiences.
Dictador and Penderyn Distillery
As part of the Master 2 Collection, Dictador and Penderyn have united the worlds of Colombian rum and Welsh whisky in a way never seen before. For this exclusive release, Dictador's rum was further matured in Penderyn's whisky casks, resulting in two remarkable vintage expressions.
Dictador 2 Masters Rum – Penderyn 1991
The Dictador 2 Masters Rum: Penderyn 1991 is a particularly special release. Distilled in 1991, this rum spent 16 months in Penderyn's Peated Quarter Casks, used to mature Penderyn's distinctive Welsh whisky. The time spent in these casks imparts a subtle, smoky flavour profile that distinguishes this rum from others in Dictador's portfolio.
Only 413 bottles of the 1991 edition were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item. The rum is rich and complex, with a unique smoky undertone balanced by its smooth, sweet character. The limited nature of this release only adds to its appeal, making it an ideal addition for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Dictador 2 Masters Rum – Penderyn 2000
The Dictador 2 Masters Rum: Penderyn 2000 is another exceptional collaboration creation aged in PX-Sherry Casks. Distilled in 2000, this rum also matured for 16 months in the same Penderyn casks. The PX-Sherry casks contribute a deep, rich flavour to the rum, with notes of dried fruit, spice, and a subtle sweetness that complements its natural smoothness.
Only 375 bottles of the 2000 release are available, making it even rarer than the 1991 edition. This makes it an extraordinary find for collectors and those seeking a genuinely exclusive tasting experience. The richness of the PX-Sherry cask influence and the rum's inherent complexity offer a deeply satisfying and memorable drinking experience.
Dictador continues to push the boundaries of rum-making, blending heritage with forward-thinking creativity. Whether through art-driven collaborations, digital innovations, or pioneering partnerships like the 2 Masters Collection, the brand is redefining what luxury rum can be. These exceptional releases, particularly the Penderyn 1991 and 2000, showcase the mastery of cask finishing, offering connoisseurs something unique. With each bottle, Dictador proves that rum is not just a spirit, it's an experience, a story, and a piece of liquid artistry.
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