Velier Diamond SVW 1999

A Diamond from Velier, distilled in 1999 off the Savalle column and tropically aged fifteen years in Guyana. Velier's old Diamonds are benchmark collectible Demerara, and this one shows the darker, more roasted face of the usually light Savalle still.

Years in the tropics build a deep, oily body, with dark chocolate, coconut, coffee and vanilla over polished wood, plus a gluey fruit ester that gives it an atypical, almost funky lift. Bottled unsweetened at 64.7%, it is a genuine strength bomb, the alcohol present but folded into layers of flavour. The combination of roasted depth, coconut creaminess and that unusual ester edge makes it stand a little apart from its Velier siblings, and a serious, contemplative pour for those ready for the power.