Review by: The Auditor

Review #1466; Rum #765

Here we have a very special bottling released last year by Raising Glasses, that Boston based independent bottler. Here, they have bottled some Caroni from the famous now closed distillery. This rum was distilled from molasses on column stills in 1997. It aged for 12 years in Trinidad, another 15 years in the UK, all in ex-bourbon more than likely. It was then bottled at cask strength with no additives.

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Distillery: Caroni

Bottler: Raising Glasses

Region: Trinidad

Still: Column

ABV: 58%

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Nose: Hydraulic Fluid, Vanilla Cream, Orange Slice, Menthol, Star Anise, Mango, Raspberry, Leather, Tobacco Leaf

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Hydraulic Fluid, Vanilla Cream, Menthol, Star Anise, Mango, Orange Slice, Leather

Finish: Long Finish, Hydraulic Fluid, Vanilla Cream, Menthol, Star Anise, Mango, Orange Slice, Tobacco Leaf, Leather

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I am now priced out of Caroni, but this makes me reconsider. It has that classic mechanics garage I spilled hydraulic fluid everywhere. But, its balanced by bold fruits and spices that make it a singular experience. Delicious, well balanced, this is quite a winner and will be on my rum of the year short list for sure. Man this is incredible.

Final Score: 96

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.