Perola Caroni Bellamy‘s Reserve 1998

Caroni closed on the Caroni plain in 2003, and the casks that survived in its abandoned bond have become some of the most sought after rum in the world. This 1998 vintage comes from Perola under the Bellamy's Reserve label, a single cask drawn at 23 years and bottled at cask strength, 64% and unsweetened, the kind of full proof release that put this distillery into legend.

Distilled from molasses on Caroni's column still and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it carries the classic industrial signature the heavy marks are prized for. Tar, burnt rubber and machine oil lead, with smoke and a dry woody grip behind them, while ripe tropical fruit, vanilla and a touch of dark chocolate keep it from turning purely savoury. The strength is folded in well rather than scorching, leaving a long, smoky, resinous finish. A slow sipper for anyone who already knows and likes the dirty Trinidad style.