Bristol Caroni Felicite Gold Rum

Bristol Classic Rum, the long-running English closed-distillery specialist, bottle this Caroni as the Felicite gold, drawn from the famed Trinidad distillery that closed in 2003. At fourteen years and reduced to 40%, it is a deliberately light, approachable take on Caroni rather than one of the bruising full-proof bottlings, an entry point into the distillery's history.

The molasses spirit was matured in ex-bourbon oak. The nose is soft with vanilla, oak and only a faint trace of tar, the palate turns light and slightly thin with vanilla and caramel, and the finish carries caramel, a touch of rubber, lemon and liquorice. The classic industrial markers are present in whisper form rather than full voice, making this a mellow, easy pour. It suits drinkers who like softer Trinidad or Spanish-style rums and want a hint of Caroni's mechanic-shop character without the heavy funk and intensity of the celebrated heavy releases.