Velier Caroni 32nd Release Heavy Trinidad Rum HTR 1998

Epic Velier Caroni Tasting 2023: Classic, very good 98 Caroni, only the somewhat present alcohol causes deductions in the B grade. Apart from that, an absolutely convincing bottling, even if it doesn't reach the very highest levels.

Tasted in a restaurant. A surprisingly sweet nose with tar, walnut and old leather in which one has sweated.The palate is also quite sweet once the bite of the alcohol has disappeared. Still that old leather and a little tar. It's like being in a tanner's workshop in the Middle Ages, with tar boiling in the corner. The finish is long on wood and licorice-like notes, and there's a hint of tropical fruit, especially banana and pineapple.A rum that takes you back in time, I really like it. Perhaps not Caroni's best, but a rum where the workshop is not mechanical but a tanner's.

Had a nice Caroni tasting yesterday and this was the starter. Nicely balanced and intense with the traditional Caroni flavours. Needs to rest for a good while to hit the optimum balance between flavor and ABV.

Overall, nice total package. Belongs to the winners of the 1998 vintage.

Good 98 vintage. Powerful and quite one-dimensional. Nevertheless, very high level.

Fantastique, je m’en rappelle comme si c’était hier. Update: J’ai enfin pu remettre le nez dedans après de longues années, toujours aussi bien, Caroni bien équilibré avec ce côté sale qui ne prend pas le dessus, du fruit rouge, beaucoup de camphre, un nez dont je ne me lasse pas, qui vient confirmé mon premier amour pour ce rhum qui m’a ouvert la porte de ce monde il y a plus de 10 ans.

I agree with the previous speakers, a great 98! Wonderfully sweet on the finish, paired with bicycle inner tube