Jack Tar Caroni Old Music! Series Rapso Edition 1997

Jack Tar bottled this single cask Caroni from the 1997 vintage as part of its Old Music! series, a 21 year release at cask strength. Caroni, the Trinidad distillery that closed around 2003, left only finite stocks, and this continentally aged example has matured more slowly in cooler conditions than the tropically aged casks.

Aged in ex-bourbon oak, it carries the distillery's signature, tar, caramelised notes, dark chocolate and oak on the nose, then tar, rubber and fruit on the palate, finishing on barrel, tar, rubber and coffee. What stands out is a pleasant sweetness and roundness running through it, fruit and chocolate softening the dirty markers without removing them, and the oak stays in check despite the age. At 60.3% the long, dry finish rewards slow sipping. A rounder, full-proof Caroni for drinkers who love the style but appreciate a little extra polish.