Caroni 1994 Heavy 18-Year

This rum is unique in so many ways. A product of now defunct Caroni distillery formerly operating on Trinidad, these bottles are rising in price fast due to limited availability and legendary status of the Velier name.

In glass, you will notice that the rum does not have the usual shiny, artificial orange-brown shine induced by industrial caramel coloring. It's more dull brownish with yellow tones, like old tea left in the glass too long. Diluting rum of this strength before tasting is a must. The fumes released by adding a teaspoon of water are intense - pungent and woody.

On the palate, the rum is dominated by heavy wood, "coffins left in the rain for too long" was my first association, old, fray rope, must, tannins, a very slight hint of sweet undertone that is quickly dissipating. Lasting and complex finish.

Be sure to take time to let this rum tell you its story. You are drinking a piece of rum history, that is quickly vanishing among the trends of sweetened, "consumer-friendly" brands. This rum is a unique beast, untamed, old and wild. If you were lucky enough to get it, savor it in a good company!

Definitely not a beginner rum. Black rubber on the nose. Very very powerful Caroni twang. Also a strong rubber on the first sip. This leads into a very heavy wooden flavor. I'll definitely echo @Kamamura here and say "coffins left out in the rain for too long."

Definitely more approachable after adding a little water. This reveals a slightly sweet undertone that dissipates into that numbing feeling of alcohol on the tongue... actually the alcohol even turns slightly minty at one point. Really unique flavors here.
Going back it continues to have notes of something damp and seafaring. This is definitely the root of the "tar" note that would be found in imperial navy rum.

J'adore cette distillerie! très belle version mais pas ma préférée!

Un grand rhum riche et puisant.
Une longueur interminable.

Des arômes de fruits cuits, fruits à l'eau de vie, quelques maqueurs très Caroni à l'ouverture de la bouteille.

Un excellent rhum

For me it's very difficult give a vote to this rum.
Flavor is particular, good but no so good as you expected !
The cost is high I suppose because the proof is high; no good quality price rate.
Rum is not so easy to drink (not for beginners)