The Velier Caroni 1998 Employees Edition 1st Release Dennis X Gopaul 20yo 69.5% 700ml is a tribute to the employees of the legendary Caroni distillery in Trinidad and Tobago, renowned for producing both heavy and light molasses-based rums. The distillery was especially famous for its unique cast iron column stills. Caroni's rums were often used as key ingredients in blends, with the British Navy being one of its most notable clients.
This particular rum is a Heavy Caroni, meticulously crafted from a blend of five casks distilled in 1998 and aged for 20 years in ex-bourbon casks before being bottled in 2018. It's presented unfiltered and at cask strength, boasting a significant angel's share of 78% due to the tropical aging conditions, which highlights the intense and concentrated character of the rum. The selection for this first release was expertly made by Luca Gargano, a visionary in the rum world, alongside Olivier Scars, a renowned French connoisseur.
Dennis "X" Gopaul, after whom this release is named, worked at Caroni from 1988 until 2013, the year the distillery closed. His legacy was immortalized by Fredi Marcarini, an Italian photographer who documented Luca Gargano's adventures. This rum, bottled at its natural strength, offers a rare and unique opportunity to savor a piece of rum history, making it a must-have for any serious rum enthusiast. With only 1151 bottles produced, this first release of the Employees Edition is a true collector's item.
The ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of the Velier Caroni 1998 Employees Edition 1st Release Dennis X Gopaul is 69.5%.
There were 1151 bottles produced in this limited edition release.
This rum was aged for 20 years in ex-bourbon casks, with a significant angel's share of 78% due to tropical aging.
The selection was made by Luca Gargano and Olivier Scars, a renowned French connoisseur.
Dennis "X" Gopaul worked at Caroni distillery from 1988 until its closure in 2013. This rum is named in his honor.
Overall taste: This rum is a powerful and complex blend, showcasing notes of vanilla, oak, spice, and rich caramel, with a hint of rubber and a lingering sweetness.
The Velier Caroni 1998 Employees Edition 1st Release is highly praised for its intense and aromatic profile, with strong notes of caramel, cocoa, and vanilla. While the high alcohol content (just under 70%) is noticeable and can be overpowering for some, it does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. Reviewers describe it as a powerful and robust rum with a complex flavor profile featuring hints of dark chocolate, burnt rubber, and mentholated allspice. Despite its strength, it is considered an excellent representation of the 1998 vintage from Caroni, and a must-try for serious rum connoisseurs. Many express a sense of fulfillment in experiencing such a remarkable rum, tinged with sadness that it will no longer be produced.
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