Cadenhead‘s Caroni TMCG HTR 1998 21yr 61,6%

"In the vein of the 1998 Caroni, Cadenhead's presents a lovely vintage with no real false notes. The nose opens with exotic pineapple fruit, then diverges with rounder cookie dough notes before falling back on a more classic profile: machine shop, smoky wood and warm spices are there to awaken the senses. The attack on the palate is lively, heavy and intense, but also oily and round. Rubber and tar are still warm, followed by tropical fruit, spices (vanilla, chili), oak, leather and hot caramel, which adds a touch of sweetness. Although the profile is well mastered, it lacks that little touch of madness that would set it apart from other Caronis of this fairly widespread vintage. The same applies to the finish. It's long, warm, petroliferous, smoky, with fruity touches and almost burnt caramel. Smoky oak, warm spices and leather are also present. This is a fine Caroni, but one that struggles to break away from the archetypal genre (or perhaps my palate is becoming demanding)."

"An incredibly sweet nose, with rubber and lots of fruit. Kumquat, almond and a pleasant vanilla woodiness. The alcohol is a little more present on the palate with a slight spiciness at first, then this rum fills the mouth with fruit, nuts, spices, varnish and a tar base that enhances all the flavors. A tropical roadside garden. The finish is very long, with noble bitter flavors and a slightly more pronounced woodiness than on the palate. A citrus note (kumquat) reappears at the very end. A real surprise, a delicious rum even if it is fruitier and more floral than the more powerful Caronis. Everything is in balance."

"#4527 14.12.2023 The second Caroni of the evening and it's also a very nice and well balanced one. The Caroni profile is medium strong and there is a nice fruity touch to it. The palate is oily, well rounded and fresh with some cherry. The finish os medium to long with a light minty touch."

"Guter HTR, der einiges an Zeit braucht sich zu entfalten. 2. Verkostung Nach meiner 1. Verkostung muss ich nochmal etwas nach unten korrigieren. Solider-kontinentaler Caroni. Alkohol könnte besser eingebunden sein. Dennoch schön komplex, ölig und schwer."

"First time having a Caroni and it did not disappoint. This rum was such a great experience - deep, bold, woodiness, smokiness and big body and finish. So glad I got a chance to try this and probably one of my favourite runs to date."

"Everything you would expect from a 1998 Caroni. It’s really nice overall and scratching the 9.0 rating (from my perspective) but for this something is missing. Where is the menthol I was promised? Nevertheless a great drop."

"Ein intensives Brett, das schwere Süße, brackige Aromen und Holz gut zusammen bringt. Die über 60% schieben das Ding kräftig an, da ist für feine Aromen kaum Platz, was aber auch nicht weiter stört. Der geht hart und voll auf die Zwölf. Macht Spaß. 91/100 oder 8/10"

"Mild and sweet"