* Exchange rates are referred to the auction ending date
Selected by La Maison & Velier, distilled in 2001 and aged for 17 years in Tropics before being transferred to Europe for an additional 3 years aging.
Bottled at full proof in 2021 for La Maison du Whisky 65th anniversary, this is one of 250 bottles.
THE BRAND
Trinidad Distillers Ltd is the production company under the Angostura Ltd brand and the only still operative distillery left in Trinidad after Caroni Distillery closed in 2003.
Angostura Ltd was founded in 1824 when the German doctor Johan Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert, surgeon engaged in the Liberation Army of Simón Bolívar, the founder of the state of Venezuela, perfected a blend of aromatic herbs called "Amargo Aromatico" used in his medical practice to stimulate the appetite and digestion of sick soldiers.
It takes its name from the city where doctor Siegert had moved, Angostura, renamed in 1846 Ciudad Bolívar and its main ingredient was alcohol distilled form sugarcane and raw material coming from the next island of Trinidad. It soon become famous first around the area, then all over the country, so in the 1870’s Dr’s Siegert three sons Alfredo, Luis and Carlos migrated to Trinidad and this latter, pioneered the brand by creating his own rum, the Siegert Bouquet, aged and blended from casks bought from existing Trinidad distilleries and calling the company Dr. J.G.B. Siegert & Hijos.
In 1903, after the death of Carlos, his two brothers become the only in possesion of the bitter formula.
In the following years the company continued to expand and Afredo was appointed purveyor to the King of Prussia in 1904, to the King of Spain in 1907, and to the King of England in 1912.
The Angostura Bitters Ltd was formed in 1921, becoming Angostura Ltd in 1922.
In 1947, Dr. Siegert’s grandson, Robert Sieger, together with Albert Clyde Gomez and Thomas Gatcliffe built the first distillery of Port Spain and in 1949 Trinidad Distillers Ltd was established, becoming in the following years, the leading Trinidad and Tobago bulk rum supplier.
In the 1973, Angostura expanded by acquiring the Fernandes Distillery Ltd, producers of high-quality rums and in 1985, thanks to its contribution to industry development in Trinidad and Tobago, was awarded with the Humming Bird Gold Medal.
In 1997, 78% of Angostura Ltd shares were sold to the CL Financial Group.
The raw material for production is mainly molasses imported from the Dominican Republic, Guyana and Panama. Today, Trinidad Distillers Ltd is one of the largest rum distilleries in the Caribbean also producing a large amount of bulk rum for affiliated companies.
THE BOTTLER
Velier was founded by the Chaix family in Genova in 1947 as a small traditional company specialised in the importation and distribution of wines, champagnes and spirits. In 1983, a young Luca Gargano, former brand ambassador for Saint James at that time, acquired shares in Velier. Under his influence the company began spacialising in the importation of outstanding spirits exclusively destinated to the Italian market. By the early 90s Luca heard about a legendary stock of Saint James rum dating back probably to 1885 and bottled in 1952. After a complex negotiation, he finally managed to acquire the entire stock. This was only the first of a list of legendary selections to come in the following years.
Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit. Please ensure that you undertake close up viewing/inspection prior to placing any bid. If you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please click 'Ask a question' to make a specific enquiry or to receive more in-depth condition report. Lots will be sold as seen and described.
Whisky auctions