Velier Caroni Heavy Rum HTR 1994

Velier bottled this Heavy Caroni from the celebrated 1994 vintage, drawn at 18 years and presented at full proof, 62.59%. Caroni, the Trinidad distillery that closed in 2003, was rescued by Velier's Luca Gargano, and the 1994 releases are among the most admired of the entire run.

Distilled from molasses and matured in ex-bourbon oak under Caribbean heat, it shows the industrial profile at its most expressive. Tar, burnt rubber, menthol and liquorice lead, with leather and dark wood filling the body and apple and tropical fruit flickering underneath, all over a dry, oaky base sweetened only by a thread of caramel. The strength hits hard if served straight, so it rewards a good rest in the glass, after which the layers unfold and the heat steps back. The finish is long, leathery and spiced. Bone dry and intense, this is a serious, slow Caroni for a dedicated dirty-rum session.