Rare release, a 1997 vintage Caroni from the distillery that closed in 2002.
Bottled at cask strength in 2026, this 28-year-old rum has over 12 years of tropical aging and the rest of its aging on the continent.
Jérémie's tasting notes
On the nose: aromas of opulent flowers and very ripe tropical fruits rise from the glass. Upon closer inspection, notes of rubber and intense menthol immediately assert themselves. Nuances of musk, almost animalistic, enrich the whole, while empyreumatic notes gradually evolve towards motor oil, even petroleum. With aeration, the fruit gains intensity and finds a beautiful balance with the rest of the bouquet, revealing aromas of black cherry, prune, fig, and candied citrus.
On the palate: the attack is direct, slightly acidic, and surprisingly rounded. The initial flavors reveal a herbaceous register, dominated by cardamom and licorice, accompanied by ripe fruit. These are quickly joined by empyreumatic notes of heated rubber, roasted wood, and bitter cocoa. The whole then evolves towards a more mellow and elegant smokiness, evoking a light peat, enhanced by notes of sun-warmed dry meadow.
The finish: long and persistent, it remains dominated by smoky notes, with a persistent hint of heated rubber. A slight bitterness structures the whole and balances the profile, while delicate notes of lemon balm bring a herbaceous freshness that harmoniously prolongs the bouquet.
