Diplomático / Botucal Planas

Planas is the unaged, charcoal-filtered face of Diplomatico, made by Destilerias Unidas in Venezuela from molasses and cane honey across pot and column stills. Bottled at 47%, it sits a notch above the usual white ron in both strength and presence, and most drinkers reach for it as a mixing base rather than a neat pour. The DUSA house style leans soft and dessert leaning even in its aged expressions, and traces of that roundness survive the filtering here.

The nose is medicinal and spirity at first, with citrus and coconut underneath. On the palate the citrus leads, joined by coconut, a little spice and an unexpected woody, lightly sweet thread, before a warm, peppery finish. It works hardest in a daiquiri or a highball, where the extra proof gives drinks backbone. As a neat sipper it is sharper and simpler than the brand's older bottlings, so set expectations toward the bar rather than the armchair.