Diplomatico Seleccion de Familia (75cl, 43%)

A Venezuelan rum from Destilerías Unidas in La Miel, aged up to 12 years in American white oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The blend is 90% copper pot still, 5% Barbet column still and 5% batch kettle still, made from molasses and sugar cane honey, and bottled at 43% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The distillery describes vanilla, toffee, red fruits and oak on the nose; sugarcane, honey and red fruits on the palate with vanilla and oak; and a long, well-rounded finish of wood, plum and toffee. Independent tasters add prunes, dates, figs, coconut macaroon, tobacco leaf, chicory and a black-tea tannin grip.