With more than three decades of experience in the spirits industry, Nelson Hernández is a luminary in the art and science of rum-making. A native of Venezuela, he graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Polytechnic University of Barquisimeto in 1979.
Beginning his career in the oil industry, his technical expertise eventually drew him to the spirits world. He joined Diplomático in 1986, and has been instrumental in refining its production processes, overseeing fermentation, distillation, and even waste management.
In 2017, Hernández became Diplomático’s Maestro Ronero (Master Rum Blender) – a role that embodies his passion for tradition and innovation. His meticulous approach to blending, ageing, and tasting has been pivotal in creating Diplomático’s globally acclaimed rums.
We caught up with him to find out more about his 40-year career in the rum business…
SM: What was your first experience of rum?
NH: My first experience tasting rum was at 20 years old, during a lively university gathering with friends. The rich, warm flavour left a lasting impression and sparked my interest in rum.
SM: What was the first rum which really caught your attention?
NH: I truly began to appreciate rum when I started working at the distillery at 30 years old. It was then that I understood the complexity of its elaboration process.
SM: How did you transition from oil refinement to rum distillation? When did you decide ‘I want to make this stuff’?
NH: I studied Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Barquisimeto, in Venezuela, and soon after I started working at one of the most important oil companies in the country at the time.
However, a short time later I decided to change my professional path and moved to the spirits world thanks to a visit I made to the DUSA distillery. The high level and complexity of the rum production process were key to making me fall in love with this industry and that’s when I knew I wanted to work in it.
SM: What’s the best memory from your career at Diplomático?
NH: My proudest and best memory was when Diplomatico received its first international awards. It was a momentous occasion that recognised the dedication and craftsmanship of our team. The awards highlighted the exceptional quality and unique flavor profile of our rum, putting us on the global map and opening new opportunities for our brand.
This achievement not only validated our hard work but also inspired us to continue striving for excellence in every bottle we produce
SM: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
NH: My greatest satisfaction in my job is seeing the brand grow and achieve its current global positioning. Now, as a Rum Master, I have the privilege of teaching others how we make our rum, what makes it unique, and why it has a signature smooth taste profile.
SM: How have you noticed rum tastes change over the course of your career?
NH: There's been a shift in consumer preferences towards higher quality and craft spirits across the board, including rum. Diplomático has a signature smooth taste profile perfect for sipping and savouring and it's proving that consumers are more interested in elevated tasting experiences, craftsmanship, and the stories behind the products they consume.
SM: What’s your favourite rum cocktail – and what’s the secret to getting it right?
NH: I’m a big fan of Diplomático Planas Daiquiri. Well balanced and with the citric fruit profile of this marvellous white-aged rum. The good thing about rum is that thanks to its versatility it fits very well in all kinds of cocktails and mixed drinks.
However, keep in mind that if we use a super premium rum, the quality of the cocktail will be much higher. The key truth is to find a balance between flavours and ingredients.
The rise and development of the cocktail culture in the past years has positively impacted the premium rum category growth
SM: If you could only drink one of your rums for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?
NH: All Diplomático rums, of course. It's like asking a father which is his favourite child. In the end, they are all equally special [laughs]. However, Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva (DRE) has been and is the flagship of this house thanks to the undeniable leadership of Diplomático in the super-premium category.
SM: What do you see the future of the rum category looking like?
NH: The rum category is going through an evolution in its image and perception, shifting from a spirit mostly seen for mixing in fruity cocktails to a spirit that can be sipped or mixed in sophisticated drinks, enjoying a quality comparable to that of the finest whiskeys. As a result, the Super Premium rum segment is outperforming the total rum category.
The rise and development of the cocktail culture in the past years has positively impacted the premium rum category growth and gives us great expectations for the future.
Rum is an incredibly versatile ingredient and new trends show that consumers are particularly interested in experimenting. As a result, consumers continue to enjoy classic rum cocktails such as Daiquiris which we elevate with a unique premium white rum called Diplomático Planas, and at the same time are open to trying twists on classic cocktails such as the Rum Old Fashioned with Reserva Exclusiva and a Rum Mule with Mantuano.
See more at rondiplomatico.com
