Velier Caroni 6th Employees Mahesh “Sonny Black” Bridgelal HTR 1996

Part of Velier's series honouring former Caroni employees, this 1996 release commemorates Mahesh Bridgelal and comes from the Trinidad distillery that closed in 2003 before Velier rescued its remaining stock. Aged 25 years in the tropics at full proof and bottled at 64.6%, it is a benchmark expression of the heavy Caroni style.

Distilled from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it leads with the industrial markers the marque is built on. Tar, glue and roasted oak dominate the nose, with rubber, leather and dark wood filling the palate, while caramel, dark fruit, menthol and vanilla add depth and a cooling lift. The finish is long, mineral and tarry. At this strength it demands time and a little water to open fully, and even then it stays dense and powerful. Unsweetened and uncompromising, it is a slow, savoury sipper aimed squarely at drinkers who already love big Caroni.