Velier 1996 The Last Caroni 23-Year

I was catch already by the aroma. Full, strong with fruit tones and a hint of typical Caroni petroleum ...
First taste is very complex, fresh and fruity. After come the body with dry wood on palate. Aftertaste starts with typical Caroni petroleum tones, ending in long fruity (peach) end. Not for beginners, but heaven for experienced drinkers.

Man kann sicher behaupten dass die meisten Velier Caronis gut oder sogar sehr gut sind ,der liebe Luca hat ein äusserst feines Händchen und einen äusserst guten Geschmack bei der Auswahl seiner Fässer gehabt.
Dieser Caroni dürfte mit der ebenfalls 1996er Abfüllung für Kirschwhisky zu den besten Velierabfülungen je zählen und die aufgerufenen 400 Bankrottos werden bald lächerlich erscheinen.Zum Glück gibt es hier im Gegensatz zum Kirsch ein Vielfaches an Flaschen.
Die Caroni typischen Aromen kommen hier in perfekter Balance unendlich lang,besser geht nicht.
96 war ein Top Jahrgang aber hier ist die Creme de la Creme aus 96 abgefüllt.....

Nose: Bananas, Vanilla, Raspberries, Honey, Cinnamon, Baking Spices, Raisins, Cherries, Papaya, Pineapples, Plums, Caramel, Citrus, Apricots, Coconut, White and Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Dulce de Leche, Flan

Palate: Raisins, Bananas, Honey, Caramel, Gas, Oak, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Coconut, Pepper, Grass, Mint, Herbs, Minerals, Licorice, Cherries, Maple Bark

Finish: Banana, Vanilla, Toffee, Honey, Chocolate Bark, Gas, Raisins, Raspberries, Flowers, Oak, Cinnamon, Spearmint, Dill, Citrus

I got the opportunity to attend a rum tasting with Daniele Biondi from Velier were we tasted 9 different rums. This was the ninth and final rum of the night, that we tasted side-by-side with the 38th release of the same series "Tasting Gang". I have a big place in my heart for Caroni, so to be able to taste this one was like liquid magic to me. It is a piece of history and it tastes like heaven in a bottle.

Nose: Asphalt, minerals, passion fruit, dark chocolate and a faint smell of vanilla and fresh fruit
Taste: Asphalt, diesel, passion fruit, minerals, roasted coffee, tobacco, figs and a fresh floral taste to bind it together in a long and pleasant aftertaste.
Overall: This might be one of the best, if not the best, I have ever tasted. This rum is complex and soothing. It is harst and loving. It is hearty and warming. It is everything you would want and more. Perfection.