Velier Caroni Paradise #9 1996

Velier Caroni stands at the summit of collectible rum, the Genoa house under Luca Gargano having rescued and bottled the closed Trinidad distillery's casks at tropical strength. This Paradise series single cask is from the celebrated 1996 stock, aged twenty four years and offered at an enormous 68.9%.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it shows the heavy Caroni style in concentrated, aromatic form: oak, roasted notes and tobacco frame a striking mango fruitiness on the nose, while the palate brings black pepper, caramelised oak and dark chocolate. The character runs dry and tart, the high proof carrying enormous aromatic intensity rather than sweetness. This is a powerful, savoury full proof Caroni at the top of the distillery's heavy range, a scarce single vintage cask demanding patience, a small pour and full attention.