Jack Tar Caroni Old Music! Series Soca Edition 1998

Another single cask from Jack Tar's Old Music Series, this is heavy Caroni at its most uncompromising, drawn from the prized 1998 vintage of the Trinidad distillery that ceased production around 2003. Twenty years of ageing and a towering 69.3% make it a full-proof bruiser, finite and collectible like all good Caroni, and squarely for seasoned drinkers.

The molasses spirit delivers the archetypal Caroni signature, tar, varnish and machine-shop funk, set against dark chocolate, tobacco, leather, dried fruit and vanilla. The palate is dense and oily with tar, caramelised sweetness and a wall of alcohol that needs taming; the finish is long, tarry and dry. Let it rest in the glass to settle the strength. This is the dirty, industrial heavy Trinidad style in concentrated form, rewarding patience and an experienced palate.