BCB Wines Diamond Gran Torino Demerara Rum 2002 16yr 67%

"A rum discovered thanks to RumX and brought back from Italy by a friend at a low price. A dark color and a very expressive nose where I was expecting Caroni and where it was instead fruit that presented itself, raisins and figs but also tropical fruit. The discreet notes of a mechanic's workshop on the nose are revealed in full on the palate, Caroni in flagrante delicto. A motorcycle repair shop in full sunshine amid trees bearing all kinds of fruit, tropical and otherwise. The music is tropical and the sun is beating down. The finish is long, never-ending, with fruit or typical Caroni notes, depending on how you look at it. With a hint of smoke and a little acidity that gives it liveliness. A very clean Demeroni, with obvious Caroni notes, but little or none of the dirt. Like a 1995, for example the "Ancient Mariner", or even a 1996 with a little less exuberance all the same. In direct comparison with another Demeroni, I prefer it to Le Gus't 65.7%. I really like it! And the value for money here is absolutely exceptional!"

"A very good Demeroni, an exotic fusion between a Demerara rum and a Caroni. Indeed, the profile is most deceptive: the nose is very empyreumatic, smoky, rubbery and with notes of bitumen. This is followed by sweet, chocolatey notes, mild spices (vanilla, nutmeg) and tobacco, mingling with hazelnuts, caramel, wood and dried, tropical fruits. A very complete, dirty and greedy nose. On the palate, the attack is lively, intense but very aromatic. Rubber and tar leave no doubt that this is Caroni once again. However, tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), hazelnut, dark chocolate and dark oak bring the typical Demerara sweetness. The alcohol is present but very well integrated. The profile is as puzzling as it is delicious. The finish is warm, spicy and smoky, even terpenic, but still retains tropical fruit, sweetness, wood and chocolate. It remains dirty, salty and terribly drinkable with its mixed Demerara and Trinidad aromas. A complex, expressive profile that's truly interesting and original, and easy to drink. It's unlikely, however, that a Caroni cask could have got lost and been labelled as a Demerara rum - the resemblance is, as with Le Gus't bottlings, far too great."

"Edit: nochmal Serge seine Flasche zum Bottlekill geführt. Immer noch geil Was für eine Granate. Danke an Serge. Mit der Blindverkostung ganz schön auf Glatteis geführt. Ich liebe ihn und ich brauch mindestens eine Flasche davon wenn nicht noch mehr! Absolut gelungene Abfüllung"

"And that's not Caroni? Unbelievable! Incredibly successful rum. I've never had anything like it in my glass. Nice and bacony on the nose, nice and dirty on the palate. With the emphasis on "nice" in each case. Round and perfectly balanced, the streaks in the glass are so oily that they don't want to run down. A dream. Please forgive me, but I am so blown away by this gem that I have to give this rum its highest rating yet."

"Very nice stuff. Caroni dirt combined with some (Diamond ?) sweetness. Dirt, fruits, a bit of caramel. Alcohol is redicously well integrated providing a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Definitely a (not more so much hidden) gem."

"Wow! I would not have expected this, extremely drinkable, complex and delicious. Could easily pass as a 98 Caroni blind, sherry finish brings a nice, creamy sweetness to it without being too dominant. Alcohol is perfectly integrated! Overall, really a very successful rum with an excellent price-performance ratio! Would have really liked to have a bottle here ..."

"Great Caroni notes with the heavy sweetness of Demerara. Makes mega mood. A little bit of cork in the nose and palate is minimally disturbing for me. Complaining at a very high level. Wonderful bottling!"

"#20th dec RumXCalendar Blind tasting: Nose: tar, rubber, woody, smoky, oak, roasted Mouth: tar, rubber, smoky, leather, a bit thin Finish: medium, woody, roasted, barrel notes, tar, tannins, dark chocolate Uuuups. This is a good one. 🤪A good demerara diamond dressed up as a Caroni 😏 very delicious, with a small body. The alcohol is integrated very well. The initial price-to-value was awesome Looks like a straight Caroni ca.55 % 99/00"

"The nose is clearly a Caroni, perhaps a touch more dried fruit. In the mouth then extremely spicy and massive coffee. Strong, but very good. The finish is a bit short. Great rum! Thanks to Bonn!!! There I will look around for a bottle...."