1998 The Colours of Rum Caroni 24 Year Old Edition No. 4 Cask Strength Trinidad Rum (700ml)

As the 21st century dawned, the Caroni distillery took its last breath. Even from a 20ml sample, you can see why it was sought-after material for blending. It has an effortless quality that speaks of classic rums; Molasses, American oak, sweet spices, liquorice root and well balanced spirit heat are delivered in a tight package that just feels more aristocratic than many of its siblings. It also has some of the characteristics of a fine single malt, being honeyed, rounded and with less wild 'tropicality' - which perhaps is no coincidence - the column-style rum was matured for eleven years then shifted to Europe for another twelve years ageing in ex-whisky barrels. Trinidad’s government had previously taken ownership of the sugar and rum operations in 1975 to keep them operating. Unfortunately, various turnaround plans, including a partial sale of the distillery to Angostura, did not come to fruition. Caroni stopped making rum in 2003, and the remaining stock of 18,000 casks was sold off piecemeal to bidders, including the Main Rum Company and various independent bottlers. These are now considered investments, with no end in sight. 62.9% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Collectable.