Caroni 23 y/o HTR - The Last - 61,9%
Photo taken somwhere in Stuttgart
Today we have nothing less than a milestone rum in our glass. Needless to mention that except of a few single casks this will be the last large edition of Caroni Velier will ever release. In Whisky language we are definitely sailing towards Brora waters at the moment. The seven fat years are over dear friends and we are soon facing the seven lean ones.
Nose
While Long Pond 2007 TECC was a disturbing Bacon painting, this Caroni is a tropical Monet! Full of elegance, complexity, herbs and an astonishing richness. We can honestly say that we've never had such a herbal nose. A bunch of gentians, laurels, thyme, Maggi, roasted vanilla pods, oregano and fresh cut eucalyptus (we love this!).
Under the surface there is a deep molasses note, noble woods and leather, a lot of milk chocolate, liquorice, noble mold and wet mud and leaves in the forest. Pure sophistication! All traversed by this vibrant menthol-y freshness. We are in love.
With water
My gosh, the herbs and chocolate level just went to the next level! This could be the most elegant interpretation of Jägermeister on this planet.
Palate
The thickest herbal oil. Smooth and mellow like an alpaca coat.There is no sharpness or edge at all. Incredible when you consider the abv.
We get all the herbs, the chocolate and the mud we had on the nose.
It's a shame, but we must stick to the protocol (who defined this?). With water: Smoother, oilier, sweeter, almost like liquid eucalyptus pralines (it's toxic we know). Not as complex as the bouquet, but still fabulous.
Finish
Endless like a Pink Floyd record with a very pleasant cocoa and cola (mind the difference) bitterness and a small piece of a new tyre. You can still taste it when you wake up the next morning. Crazy stuff.
Rating
If you still don't have this on your list or mind, break your piggy bank and go hunting for that bottle. Especially look for all vintages coming from the Guayana Stock. Considering the huge loss of angel's share producers are facing with tropical maturation, we don't believe there will be comparable qualities and age statements in Rum coming in the future.
