E&J Gallo Winery has been selected as the exclusive US distributor of Venezuelan rum brand Diplomático.

Gallo Spirits vice-president and general manager Bill Roberts said: “We are excited to become the US partner for Diplomático, and look forward to adding their ultra-premium rums to our growing luxury spirits portfolio.

“Diplomático has built an incredible following among the leading mixologists and thought-leading bars and restaurants, and we look forward to continuing that direction as more and more Americans are introduced to luxury rum.”

“We are excited to become the US partner for Diplomático, and look forward to adding their ultra-premium rums to our growing luxury spirits portfolio.”

Under the agreement, Gallo will import three different Diplomático Rum portfolios, including the Tradition, Distillery and Prestige collections.

The Tradition range comprises Planas, Mantuano and Reserva Exclusiva, while the Prestige line includes Single Vintage and Ambassador.

The Distillery collection features Single Batch Kettle and Single Barbet Column.

These Venezuelan rums will be part of E&J Gallo Winery’s spirits portfolio, which includes Jura, Dalmore, Argonaut Brandy and Germain-Robin.

Diplomático Rum president José Rafael Ballesteros Meléndez said: “As a family business, we are honoured to partner with the Gallo family.  We appreciate their long-term view of building brands, and their commitment to continue growing Diplomático’s popularity in the US.”

Currently, the rum brand is distributed in more than 70 countries, including France, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Owned by Destilerías Unidas in Venezuela, Diplomático is said to be a front-runner in the premium-and-above rum segment in North America.