Corman Collins Caroni 1997-2020 22 ans "Le Blog à Roger" is a special selection by cellarman and bottler Hubert Corman, with the help of Roger Caroni, author of the famous blog of the same name. Caroni, Trinidad's legendary distillery, sadly closed in the early 2000s, needs no introduction. Its column-distilled molasses rums have a unique profile, recognizable by their tarry notes. A few casks are still being aged in Europe, notably at Bristol, where Hubert Corman was able to select this cuvée.
This rum was distilled in 1997, then placed in American oak barrels that had previously contained bourbon. Initially aged in Trinidad, it left its native island in 2009 for the more temperate climate of Europe. A single cask, only 210 bottles were produced.
Nico's tasting notes
On the nose, the balance between tarry notes and fruit is immediately established. The rum glides under the nostrils with a truly pleasing smoothness, and the moderate intensity lets us contemplate this unique profile without getting burned by it. The wood is there, melted and even candied, bringing a lovely bounce and mellowness to the whole.
Aeration turns our nose black and white, with notes of ash, smoke, rubber, leather and molasses. A few small tannins show a certain green tinge, paving the way for a return of color. These then melt into green apple and pear, before the rum regains thickness with dried plums, apricot and candied orange peel.
On the palate, the Caroni profile grabs us with a cloud of tar smoke that takes us for a brief moment, then rests delicately on soft wood with hints of tobacco and caramel. Later, we are surprised by a little orangette that meets quince paste and a slightly overripe pineapple. A juicy, almost salty edge also emerges from this mid-palate, which eventually returns to darker nuances like leather.
The finish offers the greedy grain of a mellow, slightly dusty woodiness, which is taken up by an old stone-fruit brandy.
"A lot of clemency and balance for this Caroni, which lets us quietly appreciate the landscape, without any hustle and bustle..."
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