Velier Caroni Heavy Rum (Exclusive for Giuseppe Begnoni) HTR 1996

Velier is the most prestigious name in collectible rum, and its Caroni series, drawn from the finite casks Luca Gargano found in the closed Trinidad distillery's abandoned warehouse, is the most mythologised of all. This single cask, distilled in 1996 and tropically aged twenty years at origin, was bottled specially for Giuseppe Begnoni at a colossal 70.7%.

This pushes the heavy Caroni style to its limit. Rubber, tar and dark spice dominate, wrapped in vanilla, coconut and molasses sweetness, with a funky, slightly sour tropical fruit edge bringing life to the palate. Matured in ex-bourbon oak from molasses distillate, it is dense and oily yet round rather than punishing, the fireworks arriving on the palate after a restrained nose. A few drops of water and slow sipping reward the patience. This is squarely for seasoned drinkers who already enjoy big Velier Caroni and want one of the format's most intense expressions.