Another look at the lost rum distillery Caroni, established in 1923 on the site of an old sugar factory. It had both pot stills and column stills and it is nowadays rather legendary for its heavy profile. Most of these casks (some of which intended for the British Navy) are partially or fully matured in Europe by the way, which explains their high age (in the tropics so much would be lost).
We’re trying a brand-new Caroni 20 Year Old Batch #2 from That Boutique-y Rum Company.
Caroni 20 yo (54,7%, That Boutique-y Rum Company 2019, Batch #2, 1875 btl.)
Caroni 20 yo (54,7%, That Boutique-y Rum Company 2019, Batch #2, 1875 btl.)Nose: caramelized pecans, cinnamon rolls and oak char up front, but it’s the slightly industrial notes that make this so great. Tarry notes and whiffs of gasoline, like a car workshop, I love that when it’s balanced. Hints of butterscotch, blackcurrants, baked banana and roasted pineapple. A little wood varnish.
Mouth: quite woody, with lots of mentholated notes and earthy oak. Then fruitier notes dipped in dark chocolate. Back to lamp fuel, bitter herbs, walnuts. Slightly medicinal, certainly not an easy rum.
Finish: long, with more refreshing menthol, wood and an underlying sweetness.
Top quality rum, on the heavy side indeed, recommended for Islay lovers. Surprised to see it’s less expensive than Batch#1 which had the same age. Available from Master of Malt I’m sure it won’t last long.