Valinch & Mallet Caroni Single Cask HTR 1997

A single cask Caroni carrying the prized Heavy designation, HTR, from the distillery that shut in 2003 and has since become the most mythologised name in rum. This 1997 vintage was bottled at 19 years by Valinch & Mallet, and despite its high natural strength it drinks with a silky, almost deceptive smoothness.

Molasses distillate aged in ex-bourbon oak, it opens on tar, burnt rubber and molasses before turning to ripe tropical fruit, dark chocolate and a touch of muskiness, then closes smoky and woody with the rubber lingering. The Heavy marks are the ones collectors prize for exactly this oily, dense intensity, and this bottling delivers the industrial Caroni character with enough fruit and balance to carry the proof. Bottled at 51.8% from a single cask.