CARONI 1996 20 YEARS OLD 62,4% VELIER - CASK 5623 KIRSCH WHISKY

From the resplendent shores of Trinidad & Tobago comes the remarkable **Caroni 1996 20 Years Old 62.4% Velier**, an exceptional expression meticulously crafted by one of the most respected names in the legacy of rum, the **Caroni Distillery**. This particular vintage is not just a bottle of rum, but a piece of Caribbean history, bottled by the esteemed Italian company **Velier**.

The Caroni Distillery, established in 1923, was based in Trinidad and is celebrated for producing heavy, pungent rums from molasses with a unique distillation process that involved both column and pot stills. The distillery ceased operations in 2002, but its rums continue to be revered around the globe, often hailed as collectors’ items due to their robust character and limited availability.

This intense and luxurious Caroni 1996 edition showcases the distillery’s characteristic style, having been aged for 20 years under tropical climatic conditions, which accelerates the aging process due to the intense heat and high humidity. This evaporation, known colloquially as the 'Angel’s Share', is markedly higher than in temperate climes, resulting in a rum that matures faster, concentrating flavor and complexity in a shorter period.

Bottled by **Velier**, the company led by Luca Gargano, this release forms part of a critically acclaimed series that seeks to preserve and celebrate the unique legacy of Caroni. Velier is known for their meticulous selection of casks and their commitment to high-quality, unadulterated spirits, often releasing them at cask strength to give aficionados the most genuine and powerful experience possible. The Caroni 1996 20 Years Old is a prime example of this philosophy.

This particular bottle, cask number 5623, bottled at a robust 62.4% ABV, is one of only 298 bottles, making it a highly sought-after collector's item. Its high strength adds an extra layer of depth and intensity to its flavor profile, featuring bold notes of tropical fruit, smoked oak, and the characteristic tar-like flavors that are a hallmark of Caroni’s distinctive rums.

The rum’s base of molasses lends it a rich, treacly sweetness that beautifully balances the smoky, almost industrial nuances that emerge due to the long aging in the tropical climate. The result is a complex, multi-layered spirit that challenges and rewards with each sip.

Bottled by **Kirsch Whisky**, a renowned distributor that ensures each bottle they handle is treated with the utmost care and respect it deserves, this Caroni 1996 stands as a testament to the distillery's storied past and the painstaking efforts of both the distillers and bottlers to maintain high quality. Kirsch Whisky’s involvement guarantees that the legacy and rarity of this rum are highlighted, making it even more exclusive.

Whether you are a long-time collector of Caroni rums or a newcomer eager to experience the depth and complexity that this iconic distillery has to offer, the Caroni 1996 20 Years Old by Velier represents not just an indulgence but an integral piece of rum history. It shines as a reflection of the craft, heritage, and passionately-guarded tradition of distilling, aging, and bottling — a truly exquisite spirit meant to be savored and cherished.