TRINIDAD DISTILLERS LTD TMAH 2005 12 YEARS OLD 67,4% CADENHEAD'S - 175TH ANNIVERSARY

Distilled in 2005, aged for 12 years and bottled in 2017 at full proof from a single cask marked TMAH.

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

Cadenhead’s is the oldest independent bottler still active. The company, founded in 1842 by William Cadenhead, is the result of the merger of a group of London rum merchants and one of spirits from Aberdeen.At that time, most barrels from different distilleries were bought and marketed by professional blenders. William Cadenhead was the first to choose to bottle single malt whiskies, anticipating by at least 100 years, which then became a common practice even today.Upon his death, the company passed to his nephew Robert Duthie, who developed the line for which the company became more famous, ranging from single malt scotch whisky and rum demerara, up to the famous historical brands of blended as The Heilanman and the deluxe brand Putachieside.

Famous the slogan "By test the best", posted on public transport, theaters, concerts etc.

After the premature death of Robert, run over by a tram in 1931, the company passed to his sisters, who, having no experience and ability to manage it, gave the command to Ann Oliver, already employed in the company for several years.Due to the Great Depression of 1931, the subsequent Second World War, and conservation choices proved to be unsuccessful over time, the company went into crisis and in the following years forced to liquidate.In 1972 the entire stock of barrels of which the administration of the time, completely ignored the value was auctioned and still today, represents the largest sale of wines and spirits ever occurred in the United KingdomThanks to them, the Duthie family was able to pay off their debts, also obtaining substantial revenues, and chose to sell the company to J. & A. Mitchell, owner of the Springbank distillery, effectively starting the modern era of the company. After about 130 years, the historic seat was moved to Campbeltown, where it is still today.

In 2012  Mark Watt was hired as General Manager, which dedicating himself to the enhancement of an incredible high quality stock of barrels, still makes Cadenhead, one of the most quoted and renowned independent bottlers in the world.