Dictador launches 2 Masters rum with Ximénez-Spínola

Colombian rum brand Dictador has launched the latest release in its collaborative 2 Masters series: the Ximénez-Spínola 1976 Edition.

For this expression, the 10th in the 2 Masters collection of ultra-premium rums, Dictador partnered with Spanish winery Ximénez-Spínola, which has been producing wines, sherries and brandies from Pedro Ximénez grapes for almost 300 years and has accrued a cult status among some connoisseurs due to the quality and rarity of its products.

The Ximénez-Spínola 1976 Edition features liquid that has been aged for 45 years, including a 13-month finishing in Pedro Ximénez barrels in Jerez which Dictador says has softened the tannins and made the rum smoother. Just 390 bottles will be available, priced at €960 (£828) each.

Started by Dictador master blender Hernan Parra, the 2 Masters collection aims to explore the boundaries of luxury rum and saw a group of wine and spirits producers invited to 'finish' a Dictador blend in a way of their choosing.

José Antonio Zarzana Marín, ninth-generation winemaker at Ximénez-Spínola, said: "We have put all our care into this rum, which was already a jewel when it left Colombia. It was distilled the same year I was born, so we are honoured to have provided the barrels of Pedro Ximénez to service this historic distillate. 

"Both our companies have an exciting story, separate to each other and written long ago. But with 2 Masters, we are together, writing a new chapter of that story, and we are doing so with a true enthusiasm that is necessary to achieve a product that goes beyond excellence."

As with previous 2 Masters releases, the Ximénez-Spínola 1976 Edition will include specially developed bottle security features including gold paint with UV protection, holistic cryptographic technology, and armoured glass packaging that uses fingerprint technology for unlocking.

5 October 2021 - Bethany Whymark