Caroni 1998 (bottled 2021), Bristol Classic Rum, 54.6%

Introduction

Caroni 1998 represents one of the last remaining treasures from Trinidad’s iconic Caroni distillery, a facility that achieved cult status among rum enthusiasts after its closure in 2002, leaving behind limited stocks of its distinctive, characterful spirit.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Locally grown Trinidad sugar cane, processed into molasses at the Caroni sugar factory that once operated alongside the distillery
• Distillation process: Distilled in 1998 using Caroni’s traditional column still setup, known for producing a heavy, characterful style of rum with distinctive petroleum and smoky notes
• Maturation: Aged for 23 years in tropical conditions in Trinidad before being bottled in 2021, allowing for accelerated aging and intense interaction with the oak
• Special techniques: Bristol Classic Rum’s careful cask selection process ensures only the finest barrels are chosen, bottled without chill filtration to preserve the rum’s authentic character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromas of dark molasses, petroleum, smoky oak, tropical fruits, and a distinctive bituminous character that Caroni rums are celebrated for
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense with layers of dark chocolate, tobacco, burnt sugar, leather, tropical spices, and the signature Caroni “dirty” industrial profile
• Finish: Long, warming and complex with lingering notes of oak tannins, dried fruits, tar, and a pleasant bittersweet balance

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature or with a single large ice cube to slowly open up the complex flavors
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn to concentrate the complex aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat as a contemplative sipper, allowing time for the rum to breathe and develop in the glass
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, aged cheeses, or as a memorable after-dinner experience on its own

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 54.6% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Trinidad, Caribbean
• Certifications/Awards: While specific awards for this particular bottling are not listed, Caroni rums are highly acclaimed by experts and regularly receive top ratings at international spirits competitions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Caroni 1998 represents an increasingly rare opportunity to taste an authentic piece of rum history from a distillery that can never produce again.

With dwindling stocks worldwide and growing collector demand, bottles from this legendary closed distillery become more difficult to acquire with each passing year.

Respected rum authorities and critics consistently praise Caroni for its distinctive heavy style that stands apart from modern rum profiles, confirming its status as a benchmark for connoisseurs.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Rum enthusiasts worldwide seek out Caroni bottlings, with dedicated collector communities developing around these increasingly scarce spirits.

Many serious rum collections are considered incomplete without representation from this iconic Trinidad distillery, making this 1998 vintage a cornerstone acquisition.

The Bristol Classic Rum selection process ensures only exceptional casks are chosen, maintaining their reputation for quality that has been built over decades in the industry.

From Trinidad to Your Collection

Each bottle of Caroni 1998 offers a generous glimpse into Trinidad’s rum-making heritage, preserved through Bristol Classic Rum’s commitment to authentic spirits.

The approachable yet complex character of this bottling appeals to both established rum enthusiasts and newcomers looking to understand why Caroni has achieved such legendary status.

By adding this bottle to your collection, you join a global community of rum appreciators who understand the historical significance of preserving these final expressions from a distillery that shaped rum’s diverse landscape.