Whisky Import Nederland Caroni First Cask 1999

Whisky Import Nederland selected this First Cask of Caroni, the legendary Trinidad distillery that closed in 2003 and remains the most collectible name in rum. A single cask from the 1999 vintage, aged nineteen years and bottled at a powerful 61.2%, it sits firmly in the heavy, industrial camp.

Matured in ex-bourbon oak, it opens woody and toasted with rubber and chocolate, the palate diving into the classic Caroni grime: tar, bicycle tube rubber and a dirty, oily depth, with roasted chocolate underneath. The finish brings tar, more rubber and a cooling menthol lift. Despite the high strength the alcohol stays well integrated, the funk grippy rather than harsh. This is a wood driven, savoury full proof Caroni for those who want the distillery's workshop character at its most expressive.