CARONI 1996 20 YEARS OLD 66,11% VELIER - CASK 5541 LMDW TRILOGY

The Caroni 1996 20 Years Old 66.11% Velier, cask 5541 LMDW Trilogy represents a prestigious addition to the world of rare and vintage rums. This remarkable expression of Caroni’s legacy was distilled in 1996 and matured for 20 years in **Tropical Climate** which accelerated the aging process, intensifying the rum's flavor profile. Bottled by the renowned Velier company, this specific edition has gained immense respect and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

**Caroni Distillery**, the source of this extraordinary rum, is a legendary name in Trinidad & Tobago's rum history. Founded back in 1918 in the heart of the Caroni Plains, it functioned as a staple of economic and social life until its closure in 2002. Known for using **column stills** and a base of **molasses**, Caroni’s production methods crafted rums that were uniquely robust and flavorful, filled with the richness of the local sugarcane. The distillery's products are notorious for their distinctive heavy and somewhat ‘tar-like’ profile, leading them to be highly prized for their character and complexity.

**Velier**, the bottler of this magnificent rum, is an Italian company renowned for its expertise in selecting and distributing the finest spirits. Established in 1947 in Genoa, Velier has a reputation for discovering and nurturing some of the best liquors in the world. Their collaboration with Caroni has led to the creation of several memorable bottlings, each showcasing the depth and intensity that are typical of Trinidad's now-defunct distillery.

The Caroni 1996 20 Years Old is an exceptional example of this partnership. Bottled at a cask strength of **66.11%**, which preserves the full richness and potency of the original distillate, it offers a tasting experience that is both complex and profound. Holding **70cl** of this exquisite rum, each bottle is a treasure, part of a limited series with only **200 bottles** released. This exclusivity makes each bottle not just a beverage but a collectible artifact representing a bygone era of distillation.

From the moment you open the bottle, you're greeted with a rich array of aromas: there's a strong presence of traditional Caroni features like smoky tar, leather, and tobaccos, combined with a deeper, woody spice. The palate delivers an intense burst of flavors - think dark chocolate, burnt caramel, and tropical fruits, underpinned by that signature oily, industrial heaviness that Caroni lovers cherish. The finish is long, satisfying, and reverberates with spicy and smoky undertones.

Being part of the **LMDW Trilogy**, this release was specifically tailored for La Maison du Whisky (LMDW), a leading French spirits retailer, which adds another layer of exclusivity and distinction to this product. As a showpiece of both historical significance and artisanal excellence, the Caroni 1996 is a pinnacle of rum craftsmanship, a fitting tribute to a distillery whose legacy lives on powerfully in every sip.

Collectors and connoisseurs viewing to acquire a piece of Trinidad's distilling history will find the Caroni 1996 20 Years Old by Velier to offer not only an unparalleled tasting experience but a compelling story of a lost distillery whose spirit endures through these magnificent bottlings. Whether enjoyed alone or shared among fellow enthusiasts, this rum is a testament to the timeless craftsmanship and unique conditions that define Caroni's renowned legacy.