In the world of rum, few names stir the imagination like Caroni. Shuttered in 2003, the Trinidadian distillery has achieved near-mythical status among collectors and connoisseurs. Now, independent bottler House of Rum is tapping into that legacy with the release of a singular collection: three rare Caroni rums from consecutive vintages – 1997, 1998, and 1999 – bottled individually and initially available as a numbered trilogy set.
Each bottle carries its own batch number and will be presented in bespoke packaging befitting their rarity. Individual expressions will follow later.
Established in 1923, on the site of the Caroni sugar factory, the distillery became famous for supplying high-proof rum to the British Navy. Following its closure and demolition, Luca Gargano, owner of Velier, discovered forgotten barrels in the abandoned distillery in 2004. These were bottled and sold, sparking Caronimania, amongst enthusiasts.
Landmark collection from a legendary distillery
Each expression in the Caroni Collection began life in Trinidad, distilled from molasses in column stills prior to the distillery’s closure. The rums were initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the tropical heat of the Caribbean, before being shipped to the UK.
There, they were re-casked into American oak and matured for a further 15 years, a rare double maturation process that has deepened their character without muting their identity.
Crucially, this is the first known single release of three consecutive vintage Caroni rums, and each bottling is presented at natural cask strength.
Caroni HTR 1997 is bottled at 60.5% ABV, with 179 bottles available; Caroni HTR 1998 has an ABV of 62.2% with 185 bottles filled; Caroni HTR 1999 is a 210 strong release, at 62.7% ABV.
The rums were initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the tropical heat of the Caribbean, before being shipped to the UK…
What unites all three expressions is Caroni’s house style – heavy and oily, with an undercurrent of sweetness and nutty nuance. The rums’ provenance on the Caroni plains, paired with the use of low-mineral river water, column stills and meticulous cask ageing, has resulted in spirits that remain complex, full-bodied and layered after more than two decades of slumber.
David Howarth, founder of House of Rum, says :“These rums have a true cult following. Each one has that briny, oily olive edge Caroni is famous for, but the layers of fruit, spice and wood are what make them exceptional. You don’t often get rums of this age, with this kind of balance.”
The complete set of three rums is priced at £4,500 and available from select specialist retailers including Hard to Find Whisky.
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The Luxe Review 
In the world of rum, few names stir the imagination like Caroni. Shuttered in 2003, the Trinidadian distillery has achieved near-mythical status among collectors and connoisseurs. Now, independent bottler House of Rum is tapping into that legacy with the release of a singular collection: three rare Caroni rums from consecutive vintages – 1997, 1998, and 1999 – bottled individually and initially available as a numbered trilogy set.
Each bottle carries its own batch number and will be presented in bespoke packaging befitting their rarity. Individual expressions will follow later.
Established in 1923, on the site of the Caroni sugar factory, the distillery became famous for supplying high-proof rum to the British Navy. Following its closure and demolition, Luca Gargano, owner of Velier, discovered forgotten barrels in the abandoned distillery in 2004. These were bottled and sold, sparking Caronimania, amongst enthusiasts.
Landmark collection from a legendary distillery
Each expression in the Caroni Collection began life in Trinidad, distilled from molasses in column stills prior to the distillery’s closure. The rums were initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels in the tropical heat of the Caribbean, before being shipped to the UK.
There, they were re-casked into American oak and matured for a further 15 years, a rare double maturation process that has deepened their character without muting their identity.
Crucially, this is the first known single release of three consecutive vintage Caroni rums, and each bottling is presented at natural cask strength.
Caroni HTR 1997 is bottled at 60.5% ABV, with 179 bottles available; Caroni HTR 1998 has an ABV of 62.2% with 185 bottles filled; Caroni HTR 1999 is a 210 strong release, at 62.7% ABV.
What unites all three expressions is Caroni’s house style – heavy and oily, with an undercurrent of sweetness and nutty nuance. The rums’ provenance on the Caroni plains, paired with the use of low-mineral river water, column stills and meticulous cask ageing, has resulted in spirits that remain complex, full-bodied and layered after more than two decades of slumber.
David Howarth, founder of House of Rum, says :“These rums have a true cult following. Each one has that briny, oily olive edge Caroni is famous for, but the layers of fruit, spice and wood are what make them exceptional. You don’t often get rums of this age, with this kind of balance.”
The complete set of three rums is priced at £4,500 and available from select specialist retailers including Hard to Find Whisky.
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