CARONI 2000 17 YEARS OLD 70,4% VELIER - CASK R4008 TWE

The Caroni 2000 17 Years Old 70.4% Velier, from Cask R4008 TWE, is a quintessential representation of the extraordinary depth and complexity that rum can achieve, particularly when produced in the unique environment of Trinidad & Tobago and carefully aged under tropical conditions. This exceptional rum not only embodies the distinctive character of its origin but also showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into its distillation and aging.

Distillery Profile: Caroni

Established in 1923 in Trinidad & Tobago, the Caroni Distillery was renowned for producing heavy, rich rums from molasses with its column stills. Caroni's rums have developed a cult following, notably among collectors and enthusiasts, due to the distillery's closure in 2002. This has rendered its spirits increasingly rare and valuable. The legacy of Caroni includes its classic heavy rum profile marked by unique and robust flavors, which have only deepened with age.

Caroni 2000 Vintage

The 2000 vintage of Caroni, being one of the later distillations before the distillery shut its doors, captures the full-bodied essence and layered complexity that characterize Caroni's distinct style. Distilled using molasses and processed through a traditional column still, this rum marries the intricate flavors derived from its base ingredient with the precision of Caroni's historic distillation methods. This results in a spirit that is both rich and impeccably structured.

Bottler: Velier

Velier, a name synonymous with exceptional quality in the world of spirits, is known for its rigorous selection of casks and meticulous attention to the aging process. Founded in 1947 by the Italian Luca Gargano, Velier has been instrumental in elevating the perception of rum as a category deserving of the same regard as the finest whiskies and cognacs. Velier’s collaboration with Caroni has produced some of the most sought-after releases in the rum world, notable for their authenticity and adherence to traditional production methods.

Cask R4008

The specific cask R4008 underlines the uniqueness of this release. Numbered bottles—a total of just 238—reflect its exclusivity and collectibility. Aged for 17 years in a tropical climate, this cask strength rum at 70.4% ABV reveals the profound influence of intense heat and humidity on the aging process. This tropical aging accelerates the interaction between the wood and the spirit, intensifying the flavor profile and creating a rum of extraordinary complexity and robustness.

Tasting Profile

This Caroni 2000 offers a deep, almost mystical array of aromas and flavors. Expect a palate where smoky, tar-like notes blend harmoniously with hints of dark chocolate, caramel, and spices—a profile typical of Caroni's heavy rums. The high ABV adds a powerful yet refined intensity to the rum, making it a perfect candidate for sipping slowly and appreciatively. Each sip reveals layers of taste, from leathery and tobacco notes to subtler hints of tropical fruit and vanilla, all lingering on the palate with an enduring finish.

Overall

The Caroni 2000 17 Years Old 70.4% Velier from Cask R4008 TWE is much more than a simple alcoholic beverage; it is a piece of Trinidad's distilling history, a testament to the craftsmanship of both Caroni Distillery and Velier. Its scarcity and unique properties make it not only a remarkable sipping rum but also a valuable addition for collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. This rum is an epitome of heritage, rarity, and unmatched quality, reflecting the spirit of its native land and the hands that have shaped it into the storied bottle it is today.