CARONI 1998 67% VELIER GANESH 'BUJU' RAMGOBIE - EMPLOYEES 3RD RELEASE - 20CL

The CARONI 1998 67% Velier Ganesh 'Buju' Ramgobie - Employees 3rd Release is an exquisite and highly coveted rum that represents a significant piece of Trinidad & Tobago's distilling history. Released by the iconic bottler Velier, this rum is not just a beverage but a collector's treasure, steeped in history and rarity. This limited-edition release is meant to pay homage to one of Caroni's distinguished employees, Ganesh 'Buju' Ramgobie, showcasing the deep respect and family-like culture within the distillery.

The rum originates from the renowned Caroni Distillery, which was established in 1923 in Trinidad and has since been recognized for producing some of the world’s most robust and characterful rums. Though the distillery ceased operations in 2002, its rums have continued to grow in legend and desirability. This particular vintage from 1998 is an excellent representation of Caroni's celebrated profile, distilled using a column still before the distillery’s closure.

Bottled in 2020, this Caroni vintage spent 22 years maturing under tropical conditions, an aspect that significantly influences the aging process due to the intense heat and humidity common in the region. Such conditions accelerate the interaction between the oak barrels and the rum, intensifying the flavors and contributing to a richer, more complex profile. The tropical aging thus lends this spirit a depth and complexity that is hard to replicate in cooler climates.

With a formidable ABV of 67%, this rum packs a potent punch while delivering a symphony of flavors. Derived from molasses, it showcases the traditional base of Caribbean rum production, noted for its rich, treacly sweetness that forms the backbone of many premium rums. The strong molasses flavor, combined with the deep, oak-infused character from its years in the barrel, provides a robust foundation over which more subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices dance.

The bottler, Velier, is renowned in the rum world not only for their selection of fine single estate vintages but also for their commitment to maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of their offerings. Velier often bottles rums at cask strength — as is the case with this Caroni 1998 release — allowing connoisseurs to experience the full, unadulterated impact of the spirit’s flavor profile. Founded in 1947 in Genoa, Italy, Velier has a longstanding reputation for its discerning curation of exceptional rums, playing a crucial role in elevating the stature of fine Caribbean rum on the world stage.

This Caroni 1998 release is part of a series dedicated to honoring the distillery's esteemed employees, emphasizing the significant impact that their commitment and craftsmanship had on the quality of rum produced. It highlights how Velier not only focuses on the quality of the spirit but also values the stories and people behind it. Moreover, the presentation in a smaller 20cl bottle makes it an attractive addition to any spirits collection, offering the perfect volume for tasting while preserving the remainder for future enjoyment or as an investment.

Overall, the CARONI 1998 67% Velier Ganesh 'Buju' Ramgobie - Employees 3rd Release is a rich piece of Trinidad’s distilling heritage, offering rum enthusiasts and collectors alike a rare glimpse into a bygone era of rum production enhanced by the masterful aging and bottling by Velier. This release not only presents the high-quality spirit expected from Caroni but also serves as a poignant reminder of the human touch that defines truly great distilleries.