It was an absolute treat to have tasted this wonderful caroni again at @theauldalliance, one of the few single-cask caronis that were specially bottled by @velierspa, and in this instance for the 15th anniversary for @barlamp_ginza and @shinanoyanet_official.

Of the single-cask caronis, this is one of four 1996 bottlings, from cask no.R3812, bottled at fullproof in 2018 at an abv of 68.1% and an outturn of 210 bottles. This is also one of those heavy-style caronis that was fully tropically aged in Trinidad and as a result, the angel’s share exceeds 81%.

The nose exudes a mix of rich candy, sour plums, vanilla, then evolving into a mix of super-glue and varnish. Toffee treacle as well, nice warm richness, a tad minty, light rancio, and just a hint of earthiness within. As it opens up, citrus and red fruits dominate, with ripe tangerines and sweet fresh dates.

On the palate, the richness and texture is there, ripe bananas, cherry soda and bubble gum. There are layers and layers of complexity, following on with iodine, varnish, petrol, a touch woody with some tannins. In the finish, the sweetness returns in the form of hawthorne, milk chocolates, hints of pine, and even a dash of lemon.

Certainly this one has real character, a standout amongst Velier’s caroni bottlings. The balance is perfect, with the fruity notes coming through despite the heavy petrol and varnish, and for me is a perfect example of the heavy-style caronis that is so highly sought after.

Image Courtesy of @weixiang_liu

Your occasional rum addict!

@weixiang_liu