2000 Velier Caroni 17 Year Old "High Proof" Trinidad Rum (750ml)

$199.99

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K&L Buyer

Caroni has long been a sort of golden goose for us rum geeks. It's been super hard to get and limited almost exclusively to high end bottlings from Scotland. But it's perceived rarity and cost were only sometimes backed up by an amazing product in the bottle. That's cause a lot of different stuff was actually made at Caroni. But Velier, being the incredible rum ferrets that they are, got into the very very best stocks. Pot stilled and Island aged I was expecting the high proof and extreme concentration to mean something harsh or hard especially since there's no sugar added to balance the tannins. But actually this stuff drinks with easy. It's ultra heady and complex but the intensity is extremely well balanced on a base of concentrated sweetness. The nose in an unrelenting mixtured of burnt sugar, tropical spices, old leather and flinty dark earth. The palate is indeed potent but balanced and longer than most rums with a texture that could only come from extreme concentration in hot humid warehouses. If there's any rum in the world that should be coveted due to it's quality and rarity these old Caroni stocks should be them. Easily one of my favorite spirits of the year, the total package and a benchmark in terms of rum appreciation.

Staff Reviews

Will Blakely

This Caroni is truly one of the most special bottles I've had the pleasure of tasting, and it's yet another example of how varied and insanely good rum can be. It drinks like a similarly aged whisky, but with aromas and flavors malted barley just can't produce. On the nose, passionfruit, persimmons, ginger and spice dance an elegant ballet with just a hint of rubber. The texture is gorgeous, filling the palate with fruit, savory wood and well integrated spice. A dash of water explodes the aromatics and softens the edges. Banana leaves, citrus flowers, pineapple and meat - all mingling perfectly inside a structure of toasted oak and just a touch of smoke. Whether you're trying to transition from whisky to rum, or you just need your next rum fix, this bottle is definitely worth your time.

Notes

From a stock of 7 barrels distilled entirely in 2000 and bottled at a magnificent 110 proof, this is the first "official" Caroni to be imported into the United States. It represents some of the final production from the renowned distillery on the Caroni plain's sugar plantation. When the state owned refinery closed, the famous distillery was not far behind. In 2005, the remaining stocks were sold to La Maison & Velier. Aged entirely on the Island of Trinidad, the tropical climate resulted in 80% evaporation due to the incredible heat and humidity. The ultra powerful and intense offering captures the character of Caroni and its historical significance perfectly, reminding us why it was so prized by the British Navy. We're extremely lucky the impressive Luca Gargano was able to secure the final stocks from this legendary distillery. Nearly all the stocks currently available are aged primarily in Europe and these rums represent a truly singular offering that can never ever be replicated again. An unprecedented offering that should easily be considered one of the most collectable and delicious offerings of the year in any category. A must-own for any true lover of spirits, especially if you're the type to covet what will soon be gone forever. I'm looking at you, bourbon guys.

Details

Type	Rum
Varietal	Rum
Origin	Trinidad and Tobago
Bottle Size	750 mL
Alcohol Content	55%
SKU	1368564