In the world of collectible rums, few names stir as much excitement as Caroni. The now-defunct Trinidad distillery has become the stuff of legend, with each rare bottle coveted by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Over the past few years, the Caroni Paradise Series has captivated the rum community, bringing the final chapters of Caroni’s story to light.
The Story of Caroni Paradise Series
Caroni Distillery, founded in 1918 in Trinidad, became famous for its heavy rums with distinctive petrol and tar notes. After its closure in 2002, remaining stocks were salvaged and preserved by La Maison & Velier (LM&V). In 2019, the last Caroni barrels were moved to Cognac, France, where they were stored in glass demijohns to stop further aging.
In 2021, LM&V launched the Caroni Paradise Series, featuring these demijohn-aged rums. The series name honors the “Paradis” cellars of Cognac, with bottles designed by Italian glassblower Massimo Lunardon, showcasing Caroni’s legacy in bold, artistic form.
The Third Leg of the Caroni Paradise Series
As we enter the third leg of the Caroni Paradise Series, rum enthusiasts can explore six exceptional vintages, ranging from 1994 to 2000. These releases are more than just drinks; they are works of art, with each bottle label featuring original artwork by Trinidadian artist Che Lovelace. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable bottles from this collection:
Caroni 1996 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #6
This expression, A House in the Sun, was aged for 12 years in Trinidad and Tobago, then moved to Demerara Distillers, and finished its maturation in Cognac demijohns since 2019. It presents a rich and complex aroma profile with notes of burnt cane, petrol, and tropical fruits like mango and persimmon, complemented by hints of pipe tobacco and curry. The full-bodied taste showcases blood orange zest and layers of black olive and smoky nuances, leading to a long finish filled with tropical fruit flavors, sugar cane, and subtle hints of vanilla.
ABV: 62.4%
Bottles Produced: 195
Caroni 1994 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #7
Caroni 1994 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #7This rum, Figure with Falling Water, was aged for 14 years in Trinidad and Tobago, then at Demerara Distillers, and transferred to Cognac demijohns in 2019 for final maturation. It showcases Caroni’s signature petrol notes from the first nose, embodying the distillery’s majestic style. The aroma evolves with rich fruit notes (apricot, nectarine), spices (cinnamon, ginger), and subtle chocolate as it breathes.
ABV: 58%
Bottles Produced: 142
Caroni 1994 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #8
This one, Climbing Figure Above Bathers, is the sister cask to Caroni Paradise #7 and was aged for 25 years in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, before finishing its maturation in Cognac demijohns. This rum invites discovery through an elegant flavor and aroma profile, where the characteristic petrol notes are subdued, allowing woody, medicinal, and herbaceous nuances to shine.
ABV: 58%
Bottles Produced: 195
Caroni 1996 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #9
This release, Man Descending Stairs Carrying Wings (To Become a Blue Devil), was aged in Trinidad and Tobago until 2019 and then finished its maturation in demijohns in Cognac. This unique rum embodies the storied legacy of Caroni, utilizing a rich and complex flavor profile that reflects its heritage. The nose reveals a remarkable balance of apricot, arnica, and candied fruits (pear, Mirabelle plum), evolving to showcase additional layers of iris butter and chocolate as it breathes.
ABV: 68.9%
Bottles Produced: 201
Caroni 1998 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #10
This expression, Emerald and Sun Dancers, was aged in Trinidad and Tobago until 2019 before continuing its maturation in demijohns in Cognac. It showcases the rich heritage of Caroni, presenting a complex and mature flavor profile that alternates between tropical, oriental, and spicy notes. Occasionally, the presence of sleet aromas and petrol adds a nostalgic twist, evoking childhood memories.
ABV: 70.2%
Bottles Produced: 208
Caroni 2000 Heavy Trinidad Rum Paradise #11
This selection, The Gun, was aged in Trinidad and Tobago for 19 years before being transferred to Cognac on April 12, 2019, to continue its maturation in demijohns. The label illustrates a figure searching the seabed, symbolizing the complexity of the rum’s flavor and aroma profile, which requires patience to appreciate. Deeply expressive, it balances petrol and empyreumatic notes with a modern twist, making it a captivating choice for fans of Caroni’s storied legacy.
ABV: 69.4%
Bottles Produced: 188
The Allure of Collectible Rums
What makes the Caroni Paradise Series so desirable for collectors? First, the rarity factor — these bottles represent some of the last remaining stocks from one of the most iconic distilleries in rum history. Second, the artistry involved, from the hand-blown glass bottles to the unique labels, makes each bottle a collector’s item in its own right. Finally, the depth and complexity of the flavors, shaped by decades of aging in tropical conditions and demijohns, offer a drinking experience unlike any other.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of rare spirits, the Caroni Paradise Series is a true gem. With each release, LM&V not only preserves the legacy of Caroni but also elevates it, offering a glimpse into the past while delivering a modern masterpiece for rum enthusiasts.
Looking to add these collectible rums to your collection? Explore our exclusive selection at Distilia.shop. Each bottle is a testament to history, craftsmanship, and the art of aging, making it a prized addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
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