TBRC Caroni Caroni Distillery Heavy Rum

Caroni shut its gates in 2003, and finished casks like this one keep the legend alive. That Boutique-y Rum Company, the honest no-additives label curated by Peter Holland, drew this single ex-bourbon barrel at a hefty 61.4 percent, leaving it unsweetened and full strength so the distillery's industrial character speaks plainly. After 24 years it sits firmly in the heavy Trinidad camp.

Distilled from molasses on Caroni's column still and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it shows the savoury, almost mechanical side of the distillery: barrel, leather and a dirty solvent edge on the nose, then rubber, bicycle tube and dried fruit across the palate. The finish turns woody and roasted with the rubber holding on. This is a solid, classic Caroni built for slow sipping rather than polish, one for drinkers who already know the style and want the raw version of it.