CARONI 1996 66,3% VELIER DHANRAJ 'DAN' MAHARAJ - EMPLOYEES 5TH RELEASE | VSGB 10 CL

The Caroni 1996 66.3% Velier Dhanraj 'Dan' Maharaj - Employees 5th Release | VSGB 10 cl is a powerhouse edition from one of the most revered names in rum, showcasing a blend of craft, history, and intense flavor that has captivated enthusiasts around the globe. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2021, this special release not only encapsulates years of tropical aging but also commemorates the legacy of the distillery and its employees,of which, Dhanraj 'Dan' Maharaj is notably highlighted in this retrospective tribute.

Caroni Distillery, once a cornerstone of Trinidad & Tobago’s rum production, was renowned for its distinctive style of rum, crafted from molasses and distilled using a column still. This method, typical of Caribbean rum production, involves the distillation of fermented molasses in a towering column apparatus, allowing for a continuous process that yields a particularly pure and robust spirit. Caroni's rums are famously full-bodied and rich, with a complex profile that has gathered a cult following since the distillery’s closure in 2002.

Tropical aging, a crucial aspect of this rum’s character, refers to the maturation process in an exceptionally hot and humid climate. Such an environment accelerates the interaction between the wood and the spirit, intensifying the flavors and darkening the liquor more quickly than in cooler climes. This Caroni 1996 was aged for nearly 25 years under these conditions, thus amassing a depth of taste and color that is profoundly pronounced.

The bottler, Velier, is renowned for its meticulous selection of high-quality spirits and especially for its range of vintage Caroni releases. Based in Genoa, Italy, Velier is helmed by Luca Gargano whose visionary approach includes unearthing rare and singular barrels from esteemed distilleries across the globe. Their releases often emphasize natural strengths — high proof, no dilution, and no filtration to ensure the essence of the original distillate is maintained and celebrated.

This particular bottling, part of the highly sought-after Employee Series, shines a spotlight on Dhanraj ‘Dan’ Maharaj, a figure emblematic of the spirit and dedication prevalent at Caroni. Each bottle from this series commemorates a different employee, acknowledging the personal stories and efforts that collectively built the distillery's legendary status in the rum world.

Revealing a striking proof of 66.3%, this robust rum captures the essence of its origin with bravado. The high alcohol content is not merely a signal of strength but also a carrier of layered flavors — from luscious tropical fruits to dense, smoky undertones and hints of leather and tobacco, all enriched by the extended maturation period.

Bottled in modest 10 cl volumes, this release is both a collector’s gem and a tasting treasure, limited to just 1,038 bottles. Such exclusivity coupled with its rich historical and flavor profiles makes it a must-have for aficionados and collectors alike. It represents not just a sip of rum but a piece of Trinidad's liquid history, filtered through the lens of one of Italian finest bottlers.

In summary, the Caroni 1996 66.3% Velier Dhanraj 'Dan' Maharaj - Employees 5th Release offers a unique opportunity to experience a high-strength, tropically aged rum from a lost distillery, brought to the public by a bottler celebrated for respecting and preserving the spirit’s original character. This rum is a tasteful ode to the rich, albeit now silent, legacy of Caroni and the individuals who were the backbone of its operations.