Venezuela is best known for the production of spirits, especially rum. Sugar cane is grown along the coast and the production of rum plays an important role in the national economy. Historically, the country produced a great deal of industrial Rum, made from molasses with continuous distillation, sweetening and the use of caramel, but in 2003 the designation “Ron de Venezuela” was established and is reserved for rums aged for at least two years in oak barrels. These are sometimes aged for a long time and are the very finest of Venezuelan rums, acclaimed all over the world. Diplomatico is a benchmark among premium rums. In addition to the exported brands, there is a range of simpler rums and spirits, often sweetened, flavoured and dedicated to local consumption, without there being a clearly identifiable national style.