Velier Caroni Heavy Rum (Whisky Antique) HTR 2000

Velier is the most prestigious name in collectible rum, the Genoa house behind the rescue of Caroni's forgotten casks and the tropical-ageing, full-proof philosophy that built the distillery's legend. This Heavy Rum from the 2000 vintage, bottled for Whisky Antique at eighteen years and a towering 67.9%, is exactly the kind of additive-free, cask-strength single cask that made Velier Caroni so sought after.

The molasses spirit delivers the full HTR signature, tar, rubber and smoke on the nose with vanilla beneath, then tropical fruit cutting through bicycle-tube rubber on the palate, the finish layering tropical fruit, tar and rubber once more. Menthol and spice add lift. It hits hard at full proof yet holds the dirty workshop notes and bright fruit in unusually fine balance. A reference-grade heavy Caroni for seasoned drinkers, intense but never clumsy.