CARONI 1996 66,6% VELIER - EMPLOYEES UNITED 6TH RELEASE

Caroni 1996 66.6% Velier - Employees United 6th Release is not just a rum—it encapsulates a significant chapter in the history of Trinidad & Tobago rum production. This exceptional release represents the culminating efforts of a distillery whose legacy continues to pulse through the veins of connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Caroni Distillery, nestled in the heart of Trinidad & Tobago, was established in 1918, and over the years, it earned a formidable reputation for producing heavy, full-bodied rums with distinctive profiles. This famed distillery ceased operations in 2002, making any remaining rums highly prized for their historic value and rare, enriched flavors that are no longer in production.

The 1996 vintage of Caroni showcases rum distilled during one of the distillery’s final active years. What makes this vintage exceptionally special is its base: molasses, which gives Caroni rum its deep, robust flavor. The production method—a column still—contributes to the complexity and subtlety of its profile, balancing the boldness with smooth undertones.

Barreled and left to age in the challenging tropical climate of its birthplace, this rum has undergone an intense maturation process. The tropical aging accelerates the interaction between the wood and the spirit, enriching the rum with a remarkable depth of flavor and characteristically intense aromatic compounds. The climatic influence ensures a faster, more impactful aging process, often equating decades of temperate aging in a fraction of the time.

Velier, the bottler for this exquisite release, is renowned for its meticulous selection of only the most exemplary rums. Founded in 1947 by Casimiro Chaix in Genoa, Italy, Velier is celebrated for its dedication to authenticity and quality. Under the stewardship of Luca Gargano, whose involvement began in 1983, Velier has soared in prestige, particularly noted for championing pure, unadulterated flavors and unfiltered finishing. The company’s philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention to preserve the natural essence and unique identifiers of each batch.

This specific bottle, Employees United 6th Release, signifies a collaborative and commemorative effort, celebrating the mutual dedication and passion of the Caroni employees. With an ABV of 66.6%, it delivers a potent yet balanced array of flavors, robust yet meticulously crafted to achieve an exquisite complexity. Holding 70cl of this potent elixir, the bottle is a commendable trophy for any rum enthusiast.

Only 754 bottles of this specific release were produced, making it an incredibly rare acquisition. Collectors of rare spirits and those with a penchant for historical rums view each bottle as a notable addition, not just to their collection, but to the legacy they preserve.

The Caroni 1996 66.6% by Velier represents a pivotal intersection of history, craft, and sensory pleasure. The high strength, intense flavors, and historical significance make it much more than a beverage; it's a piece of Trinidadian heritage bottled during the twilight years of an iconic distillery. Each sip not only evokes the rich, molasses-soaked heritage of Caribbean rum-making but also honors the spirit of the very people who crafted it.

For the rum aficionado, possessing a bottle of Caroni 1996 by Velier is akin to holding a fragment of history, each drop a distillation of Trinidad & Tobago's lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and profound rum-making legacy. It is an investment in flavor, a testament to tradition, and a tribute to the hands that have made it possible.