A single cask of 1998 Caroni rum from Trinidad, bottled in 2021 after 23 years under the Golden Devil label. The distillery closed in 2002, so this is rum from a finite stock of old casks.
About This Rum
Golden Devil is the name Scottish independent bottler Hunter Laing uses in the United States for its Kill Devil range of single cask rums; the change was made to avoid a trademark clash with American producers. This barrel was distilled in 1998, left to mature for 23 years and bottled at natural cask strength in a 750mL US-format bottle. Casks from the 1998 Caroni distillation have been picked by several American merchants, including K&L Wines in California, and they tend to show the heavy, petrol-edged side of the distillery.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Diesel and warm engine oil at first, then raspberry, guava, black tea and dark chocolate.
- Palate: Thick and oily, with burnt rubber, tropical fruit, strong black tea and cocoa, carried by high strength.
- Finish: Medium to long, with guava, allspice and a dry, smoky grip.
Serving & Food
A full-strength rum, so pour a modest measure at room temperature into a small tulip glass and add cool water a few drops at a time. It stands up to strong flavours: try it with dark chocolate above 70%, smoked brisket, or a cigar after dinner.
How to Enjoy
Drinkers who already know heavy Caroni and want a 1998 cask to compare with Velier's releases of the same era.
Product Details
Distillery: Caroni (closed 2002)
Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Bottler: Golden Devil (Hunter Laing)
Style: Single cask molasses rum, column still
Vintage: 1998
Bottled: 2021
Age: 23 Year Old
Strength: Cask strength
Volume: 750mL
About the Distillery
Caroni stood on the plains of the same name in central Trinidad, where rum was first distilled in 1918. It was an estate distillery attached to its own sugar factory, so for decades the molasses came from cane grown and crushed on site. Production ran on column stills, and the house made a range of marks from light to very heavy.
The heavy rum was the one that travelled. It went into blends, including naval rum, where a small proportion added body and a tarry, petrol-like depth. When the sugar industry around it failed and imported molasses made distilling uneconomic, the plant closed in 2002.