Rum tastings
In celebration of World Rum Day, the premium rum connoisseurs at Diplomático have collaborated with the culinary masters behind Sydney’s newest Latin American dining experience Morena to launch an exclusive menu, A Taste of Venezuela.
Photography by Mark Sherborne Photography
23 July 2024
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Created as an homage to Diplomático rum’s heritage and aptly aligned to Maestro Ronero (Rum Master), Nelson Hernandez’s inaugural visit Down Under, A Taste Of Venezuela creatively blends authentic, traditional flavours with contemporary cooking techniques.
Delivered in Morena’s distinct luxe fashion, the resulting menu provides diners with a unique perspective on modern Venezuelan cuisine, perfectly paired with Diplomático Rum’s exceptional range.
Exclusively available for one month from Monday 15 July, the four-course menu features nine mouth-watering dishes, including an indulgent MBS 5+ Black Opal wagyu girello drizzled with a jus enhanced with the sweet, fruity vanilla notes of Diplomático rum’s signature Reserva Exclusiva blend.
There’s also rum-doused free-range chicken served with hallaquitas – a common Venezuelan holiday dish similar to a tamale – and, to end, a tropical twist on a classic Latin American flan that pairs coconut flavours with a rum-infused burnt caramel sauce.
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To complement the dishes, Morena’s expert mixology team have also crafted a duo of delicious Diplomático rum cocktails to top and tail the Taste of Venezuela experience. The aperitif-style Joropo Encantando features a refreshing blend of Diplomático Planas white rum, fermented pineapple tepache, cumin-spiced demerara sugar and sherry.
Meanwhile, the aromatic Aurora Express is designed to end a meal on an elegant note, combining Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum with Morena’s in-house coffee, warm spicy mandarin cardamom syrup and orange bitters.
Excited to share a taste of his beloved homeland with Sydneysiders, Morena’s Head Chef, Venezuelan-born Samuel Rivas said, “At Morena, we’re dedicated to elevating the way Sydneysiders engage with the diverse cuisines from across Latin America.
“Given rum is an intrinsic part of Venezuelan culture and Diplomático Rum represents the pinnacle of the country’s premium spirit offering, it felt like a natural fit to team up and offer adventurous Australian diners something unexpected.”
Diplomático Maestro Ronero, Nelson Hernandez, adds: “It’s such a pleasure to finally get to visit Australia as we celebrate World Rum Day. Having worked with the Diplomático team for over three decades, I still get so much enjoyment from exploring how other countries get creative with rum.
“The collaboration with Morena beautifully captures how versatile a premium rum like Diplomático can be, whether you’re looking to create a delicious cocktail or cook with it.
“Just as Diplomatico’s rum production process takes inspiration from both traditional methods and modern techniques to make each blend, the chefs at Morena have done an incredible job of combining the old and the new to create something memorable.”
Diplomático Rum and Morena’s Taste of Venezuela chef’s selection menu will be available from Monday 15 July to Monday 12 August, for $150 per person.
For further creative rum inspiration, Sydneysiders can also enjoy a complimentary Diplomático cocktail throughout July from a luxurious line-up of 20 of the city’s finest bars, including harbourside hotspot Henry Deane or underground oasis Apollonia. The offer will be available at all participating venues from 1 July to 31 July.
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