Velier Caroni Heavy Rum HTR 1982

This is a vintage Velier Caroni, distilled in 1982 and bottled at twenty-three years from the rescued stock of the closed Trinidad distillery. Caroni ceased production around 2003, and Velier's finite bottlings of its forgotten casks created the scarcity and mythology the name now carries.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak from molasses, it is a classic heavy Trinidad bruiser, rubber, tar, caramel and vanilla on the nose, then tar, chocolate, caramel and rubber on the palate, closing with tar, marzipan, fruits and toffee. At 62% it carries the typical HTR sweetness of vanilla, caramel and dried fruit over a dry, woody, distinctly dirty-bitter core, with a long finish and plenty of cask influence. A drop of water helps release more flavour. A demanding, intense pour for those who already love heavy Caroni in its dirtiest form.