2 Masters
INTRODUCING DICTADOR 2 MASTERS
Dictador, renowned for its meticulous approach to rum making rooted in family recipes and techniques, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to blur the lines between spirit categories. The culmination of this endeavor represents a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and innovation, where aged rum meets the artistic expertise of the spirit world's most exceptional artisans.
A FUSION OF ARTISTRY AND EXPERTISE
Handpicked for their unparalleled skills and dedication to their craft, each artisan represents a distinct category of alcohol, poised to elevate Dictador rum to new heights of refinement and sophistication. These chosen craftsmen are entrusted with specially selected barrels of Dictador rum, entrusted to continue the unique maturation process within their respective domains.
PENDERYN DISTILLERY
ABOUT PENDERYN DISTILLERY
Penderyn Distillery, proudly hailed as the home of Welsh Whisky has expanded its reach to the global stage with three flourishing distilleries. Stemming from a vision born in a Hirwaun pub in the late 1990s, Penderyn has revived the lost art of distillation of single malt whiskies in Wales. Established in 2000, Penderyn is celebrated for its innovative use of a unique copper single-pot still designed by Dr. David Faraday, producing a light and fruity spirit. With investment, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Penderyn has swiftly become a revered name in the world of whisky, garnering over 100 prestigious awards and captivating palates in over 50 countries, marking a remarkable journey from Wales to the world.
AISTA PHILLIPS
MASTER BLENDER PENDERYN DISTILLERY
Aista, born in Jonava, Lithuania, earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Kaunas University of Technology. She moved to Wales; later joining Penderyn Distillery in 2012 as a Trainee Distiller & Blender. Mentored by Master Distiller Dr. Jim Swan, Aista now oversees Penderyn's whisky stocks and creates their award-winning single malts. Aista's invaluable nose, palate and knowledge selects all of Penderyn's new casks, meticulously creating her new bottlings through her natural flair for distilling. Aista finds pride in her craft and an enduring passion for the art of distillation in the world of whisky. Notably, she is the first woman within our Dictador 2 Masters collaborations.
CARLOS I
ABOUT CARLOS I
Carlos I brandy is meticulously crafted in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, within the esteemed Jerez region. The cellars, with over 250 years of history, are constructed to maintain optimal conditions for aging. Distilled in artisanal copper stills, the brandy undergoes a slow process, yielding only the highest-quality holandas. These are aged in American oak butts, averaging 50 to 60 years in age, previously used for over 20 years to age sherry wines.
IGNACIO LOZANO
MASTER BLENDER CARLOS I
Oenologist and Master Blender Ignacio Lozano has spent more than 30 years in Osborne dedicating himself to his passion. With a degree in Biology and Oenology, Ignacio was ultimately responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of Brandies and Sherry wines during their production and ageing. In Ignacio's words, to be a Master Blender, you need to have great sensitivity and love for brandies. It is a world where sensations and perceptions are communicated, in which one works with a delicate product, as well as complicated, such as brandy
. His work has received great international recognition, including Best Brandy Producer of the Year 2020
, by the prestigious magazine Drinks International in its XXV International Spirits Challenge.
XIMÉNEZ-SPÍNOLA
ABOUT XIMÉNEZ-SPÍNOLA
Ximénez-Spínola is a historic Jerez winery dating back to the early 18th century, exclusively dedicated to the Pedro Ximénez grape. It holds the prestigious "Pedro Ximénez Varietal Denomination of Own Accreditation." Unlike others, it employs proprietary techniques, prioritizing quality over quantity. Each bottle is limited and numbered, reflecting the winery's commitment to excellence. Governed by a Family Council, Ximénez-Spínola remains deeply rooted in tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring its wines stand as unique expressions of the terroir and heritage of the Marco de Jerez.
JOSÉ ANTONIO ZARZANA
WINE MAKER & OWNER XIMÉNEZ-SPÍNOLA
Lawyer and member of the ninth generation of his family linked to wine. He began to ferment Pedro Ximénez musts with the old winemaker from his winery in the 1988 harvest, when he was 12 years old. All his knowledge in the field of oenology is based on personal experience and on faithful monitoring of the production manuals and field notebooks written by his family over the years. In 2004 he left the lawyer profession and decided to buy the winery from his father, finally acquiring the entire property in 2014.
NIEPOORT
ABOUT NIEPOORT
Established in 1842, Niepoort has maintained its status as an independent family-run business, upholding a longstanding international reputation for the quality and purity of their fortified wines. Operating a dedicated Port-making facility in Vale de Mendiz, Niepoort is renowned for producing exceptional Vintage Ports, alongside a distinguished selection of tawny, LBV, and white Port varieties. Their portfolio also includes acclaimed still wines such as Batuta and Charme, as well as the accessible Redoma range, all of which exemplify the company's unwavering commitment to excellence. Through global collaborations, Niepoort continues to enrich their offerings, embodying a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation in the world of fine wines.
DIRK NIEPOORT
MASTER BLENDER 5TH GENERATION NIEPOORT
Dirk Niepoort is the current leader of the family
and a member of the fifth generation. He is the face, the soul and the audacity that has given continuity to the production of distinctive Ports and Douro wines, combining age-old traditions with innovation in perfect harmony. The Challenge to innovate while maintain their good traditions
was laid down to him by his father, Rolf Niepoort, and this is the motto that has dictated his course to the present day.
BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY
ABOUT BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY
Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. Barton 1792 Distillery is named in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United States.
DREW MAYVILLE
MASTER BLENDER BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY
Drew Mayville proudly bears the title of a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree, he has been also certified as a Quality Engineer since 1987. With more than 35 years of experience, Drew mastered his skills working with some of the largest companies in the industry. Now he is an acknowledged Master Blender and Director of Quality for Sazerac. He was the one working hands-on with all the award-winning products created at Buffalo Trace.
ROYAL TOKAJI
ABOUT ROYAL TOKAJI
Established in 1989 in Mád, Tokaji, The Royal Tokaji Wine Company revitalized Tokaji wines, partnering with 63 local growers and international investors led by esteemed wine author Hugh Johnson. With a focus on quality, they produce renowned Aszú wines, adhering to Tokaji's regal heritage. Their commitment to tradition is evident in a meticulous two-stage fermentation process, yielding wines of luscious richness and acidity. Notably, they set their own high standards, aging their wines for longer than legally required. Their diverse range includes Furmint, Ats Cuvee, Aszú blends, and the exceedingly rare Essencia wines, cementing their position as a beacon of Tokaji excellence.
KOVÁCS ADORJÁN ZOLTÁN
WINERY DIRECTOR ROYAL TOKAJI
Zoltán Kovács has a passion for the wines they produce. Originally from Transylvania, historically part of Hungary, Zoltán has spent the past 20 years in the Tokaj region leading the renaissance of its legendary wines. At Royal Tokaji he combines his respect for the incomparable tradition of the region with an understanding of the latest winemaking techniques to create the wines of Royal Tokaji, internationally recognised as one of the world's finest producers.
CHATEAU D'ARCHE
ABOUT CHATEAU D'ARCHE
Nestled in the prestigious Sauternes appellation in Gironde, France, Château d'Arche is celebrated for its exquisite sweet white wines, boasting a rich history dating back to the 18th century under the ownership of the esteemed Comte d'Arche. Holding the esteemed Second Cru Classé ranking in Bordeaux's revered 1855 Classification, the estate's wines are meticulously crafted from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown across 40 hectares of vineyards. Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding rivers, the microclimate imbues the grapes with unique characteristics, resulting in wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
JÉRÔME COSSON
MASTER CELLAR SAUTERNES WINE CHATEAU D'ARCHE
Jérôme Cosson joined Château d'Arche in 1989 for the love of his life, his wife. His father-in-law at the time was in charge of two properties, one in the Entre Deux Mers and the other in Sauternes, Château d'Arche, where Jérôme began to work actively in the vineyard and cellars. He learned from the elders, those who knew perfectly the terroir, the vineyards and the processes of vinification.
DESPAGNE
ABOUT DESPAGNE
In Bordeaux's Entre-Deux-Mers, Vignobles Despagne has been crafting exceptional wines for over 200 years. The family-owned business, consisting of five renowned châteaux since 1868, showcases the region's unique terroir through innovative techniques. From dry whites to fruity reds, the diverse range of "Despagne" wines reflects the commitment to sustainability and quality. The estate in Naujan and Postiac offers visitors a chance to experience the passion firsthand and enjoy direct sales from the producer. The diverse range of "Despagne" wines showcases the unique flavors of Entre-Deux-Mers, crafted with a blend of grape varieties including Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
THIBAULT DESPAGNE
WINEMAKER DESPAGNE
His passion for wine made winemaking an obvious career choice. His ambition was to create fine wines in the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation, a terroir, his terroir, synonymous with the pleasure of being alive. With its mascaret and its unfulfilled potential, this unspoiled northern part of the Gascon region is the source of the unfailing energy Thibault infuses into his team, the people he meets and his wines everyday.
GLENFARCLAS DISTILLERY
ABOUT GLENFARCLAS DISTILLERY
Since 1836, Glenfarclas Distillery has epitomized tradition and independence in the Scotch whisky realm. Family-owned and unwaveringly committed to quality, it boasts an impressive collection of aged single malts. Led by the sixth generation of the Grant family, including John L. S Grant and George S. Grant, Glenfarclas continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts worldwide. Surviving historic challenges like the Pattisons Crash and pioneering innovations such as cask-strength whisky, Glenfarclas remains a symbol of resilience and excellence. Today, its Highland single malt is cherished in over 90 global markets, solidifying its iconic status in Scotch whisky.
CALLUM FRASER
PRODUCTION MANAGER J&G GRANT GLENFARCLAS DISTILLERY
Callum Fraser has been a Keeper of The Quaich in recognition of his service and contribution to the whisky industry over 27 years. Callum joined J&G Grant as Production Manager in 2012, where he was tasked with managing some of the busiest years of production thatGlenfarclas Distillery has seen in its 180 years of legal distilling. By quickly and confidently learning the traditional methods of Glenfarclas, he led the way to achieve what were record-breaking production figures.
HARDY
ABOUT HARDY
Cognac Hardy, established in 1863, epitomizes the fusion of tradition and innovation in crafting exceptional cognacs. With over 160 years of heritage, under the visionary leadership of Anthony Hardy, the brand has become synonymous with excellence. From the celebrated VSOP to the prestigious Hors d'Age, each bottle reflects generations of expertise. In 1869, Hardy's Fine Champagne cognac received the Diploma of Excellence at the Amsterdam Exhibition, highlighting its commitment to quality. The iconic Gaul cockerel adorns the new bottles of the Hardy Tradition range, symbolizing French pride and resilience. Hardy's enduring legacy lies in its unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and French heritage, setting the standard for cognac enthusiasts worldwide.
MICKAËL BOUILLY
CELLAR MASTER HARDY COGNAC
As the son and grandson of vine-growers in the region, Mickaël Bouilly could not escape the draw of cognac, such was his love for its flavour and subtlety. At HARDY he enjoys the benefit of an incomparable palette of eaux-de-vie slumbering patiently in thousands and thousands of casks.
LABALLE
ABOUT LABALLE
Nestled in Gascony's heart, Château Laballe is renowned for its esteemed range of still wines and iconic Armagnac. Founded in 1820 by Jean-Dominique Laudet, the estate fulfills his dream of producing France's oldest spirit. Today, Cyril Laudet and Julie, his wife, continue the family legacy as the 8th generation custodians. Situated on the edge of the Landes forest and Gers river, Château Laballe thrives in the Bas Armagnac terroir, crafting its Armagnac from ugni blanc and baco grapes. With tradition at its core, the estate's copper still, in use since 1923, imparts character to the spirits, while aging in oak barrels enhances their richness. Regular aeration during maturation ensures a harmonious and integrated Armagnac.
CYRIL LAUDET
MASTER CELLAR LABALLE
Cyril Laudet, comes from Laballe, embarked on a journey in the wine industry after completing his studies in viticulture and oenology. His career took him from France to Ireland, where he mastered English, a crucial skill for his international endeavors. As the commercial director of Château de Cruscades in Corbières, he played a pivotal role in expanding sales both domestically and abroad. Now, as the 8th generation proprietor of Domaine Laballe, Cyril continues his family's legacy, focusing on producing top-quality wines alongside their renowned Armagnacs.
LECLERC BRIANT
ABOUT LECLERC BRIANT
Since its inception in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in Cumières, Leclerc Briant has undergone a remarkable evolution, culminating in its present-day stature as a beacon of Champagne craftsmanship. The House has embraced innovation while honoring tradition. La Croisette, a cherished vineyard plot, yields exceptional champagnes, while the modern winery fosters an environment of harmony and creativity. Beneath the earth, in expansive cellars, Leclerc Briant's treasures age gracefully, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence for over a century.
HERVÉ JESTIN
MASTER CHAMPAGNE MAKER LECLERC BRIANT
Hervé Jestin, an oenologist well-known in Champagne as a specialist in biodynamics, has been the consultant to the House of Leclerc Briant for many years. Biodynamics provides an insight into the vibrations that pass between the cosmos and microorganisms, between the vines and the wine; that in turn allows the creation of a harmonious environment.
UNMATCHED PROTECTION, UNRIVALED AUTHENTICITY
Our latest innovation ensures Dictador 2 Masters is safeguarded like the world's most valuable currencies. The label is more than just a brand marker; it is an advanced security solution, armed with all the necessary patents to prevent counterfeiting. We proudly unveil the world's first holistic cryptographic system for spirits setting a new standard in anti-counterfeit protection.
