Velier Caroni Heavy Rum HTR 1994

Velier, the Genoa house that rescued thousands of forgotten Caroni casks after the Trinidad distillery closed in 2003, bottled this Heavy marque from the prized 1994 vintage. Matured 18 years in the tropics at full proof and presented at 55%, it sits at the more drinkable end of the range without surrendering any of the character that made these releases famous.

Distilled from molasses and aged in ex-bourbon oak under Caribbean heat, it shows the workshop signature in full. Tar, burnt rubber, leather and roasted oak form the spine, softened by caramel, dried fruit and cocoa so the whole thing reads rich rather than purely industrial. The spice and dark wood carry a long way on the finish. At this strength the heat steps back and the layers open more easily, a Caroni that rewards slow attention and suits anyone who finds full proof bottlings a little fierce.