PROVIDENCE (PORT-AU-PRINCE) 2019 52% | EX-CARONI CASK

The Providence Port-au-Prince 2019, standing at an assertive 52% ABV, is not just a rum but a vivid tapestry of heritage and meticulous craftsmanship. Distilled in 2019 and proudly hailing from Haiti, this distinct expression offers a unique glimpse into the rich and cultural distillation practices of Port-au-Prince. It has been bottled by the original distillers, ensuring that every aspect of its creation was overseen by those who understand its nuances best.

The spirit is crafted from sugar cane syrup, a base ingredient that speaks volumes about its geographical and cultural origins. Sugar cane, widely cultured in the Caribbean, not only lends a natural sweetness to the rum but also imparts a robustness that’s hard to find in molasses-based competitors. Unlike ordinary rums, the choice of sugar cane syrup enhances the Providence 2019 with a lighter and more volatile starting material, allowing for a wider range of delicate and volatile flavors to be captured during distillation.

This exceptional rum is distilled using a Müller copper pot still. The choice of this particular type of still is significant, as copper is known for removing sulfides during the distillation process, thereby refining the flavors and smoothness of the distilled spirit. This artifact aids in achieving an exquisite clarity and purity that is perceptible from the very first sip.

The spirit's aging process occurs under a tropical climate within the realms of Haiti, which has profound effects on the maturation pace and flavor profile. The tropical climate accelerates the interaction between the wood and the spirit, imbuing it with a richness and intensity of flavors in a shorter period compared to temperate aging. This climatic influence is evident in the rum’s character, offering a deeper, more complex profile replete with tropical undertones.

One of the most distinct and intriguing features of Providence Port-au-Prince 2019 is its aging in an ex-Caroni cask. Caroni was a legendary distillery in Trinidad & Tobago known for producing heavily-flavored rum. The use of these casks adds a hallmark depth and lends nuances of previous cargoes—hints of deep molasses, exotic spices, and a lingering smokiness that harmoniously complements the fresh, vibrant essence of the primary distillate.

At 70cl, this bottle is more than an alcoholic beverage; it is a collector’s item and a testament to the sublime artistry of Haitian rum production. The bottler, being official, means that the entirety of the production and bottling process was tightly controlled and reflects the authentic presentation of the distillery's intended flavor profile and quality.

The Providence Port-au-Prince 2019 is not just a spirit; it's a celebration of Haitian craftsmanship, a nod to the historic and now-closed Caroni Distillery, and a salute to the aficionado’s palate. It offers a complex, multifaceted drinking experience that connects the past with the present. Each sip is a journey through a spectrum of flavors from the crisp sweetness of fresh cane to the mature and earthy tones absorbed from its storied cask. Ideally served neat or with minimal dilution, this rum is perfect for those who appreciate depth, history, and innovation in their spirits.

In conclusion, the Providence (Port-au-Prince) 2019 from the Port-au-Prince distillery in Haiti is more than just a traditional rum. It stands as a bold, flavorful, and deeply evocative representation of its origins, production technique, and aging. It fascinates with its history and pleases with its taste, presenting itself as an essential acquisition for rum enthusiasts around the globe.