First tasting note of a Caroni rum, named after the famous Trinidad distillery that operated from 1918 until its closure in 2002; it left behind an impressive stock of rums, now prized mainly by independent bottlers (Velier, AD Rattray, Moon Import, etc. and L'esprit Rhum in France). The bottle in question here comes from one of these bottlers: Silver Seals, an Italian company that bottles a range of whiskey and rums in Glasgow. Caroni Silver Seal rum is 14 years old, distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2011. It has an alcohol content of 46%. The color is a beautiful shiny copper.

The nose of this rum is very aromatic , spicy (cinnamon) and woody (smoky, leather), followed by a sweet smell of vanilla and ripe fruits (banana). And this famous tarry smell specific to Caroni, which is similar to a smell of black olive, mixed with leather and liquorice.

The vanilla and caramel beautifully encompass the more raw aromas, giving a very interesting nose, which opens up infinitely when left to rest.

Resting brings out notes of almond paste and nuts. Don't hesitate to let it breathe, especially given the high alcohol content; and adding a few drops of water is beneficial.

The attack is explosive on spices, powerful : leather, liquorice and tarry aromas have a field day in a whole that becomes more vegetal (almost medicinal).

The finish is long, still as spicy, powerful and dry , with that little something aniseed (licorice) and spicy which pleasantly closes the tasting (a little refreshing side).

A unique taste for this rum (and the other Caroni), an aromatic power that contrasts with the sweeter and syrupy rums . It is a rum without artifice, unfiltered, without addition and therefore pure at all levels; which needs a lot of patience, so do not hesitate to let it breathe to fully appreciate it.

We could compare it to a good cognac, with the caramelized side in addition. To discover if you do not yet know the Caroni style. a 17/20 for its character and for its rarity…

Rating : 84

To help you (and me) find your way around, regarding the notes:

90 and + : exceptional and unique rum, it is the best of the best
between 85 and 89 : highly recommended rum, with that little something that makes the difference
between 80 and 84 : recommendable rum
75-79 POINTS : above average
70-74 POINTS : in the low average
less than 70 : not very good

Review courtesy of DuRhum.com.

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