April Auction starts Friday 12 April. Bottle deadline 8 April.

Caroni 1998 SMWS 20 Year Old R13.1

Lot: 939

Caroni 1998 SMWS 20 Year Old R13.1

Winning Bid: £525

Currency Estimate

Important: Currency exchange rates are constantly changing; this feature is to be used as a guide price only. All final transactions occur in British Pounds (£).
Lot:
Distillery: 
Caroni
Age: 
20 Year Old
Vintage: 
1998
Region: 
Trinidad
Bottler: 
SMWS
Cask Type: 
1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
Bottled Strength: 
62.3%
Bottle Size: 
70cl
Distillery Status: 
Closed
Production method: 
n/a
Base: 
molasses
product Details

Caroni 1998 SMWS 20 Year Old R13.1

'Deep, dark and brooding'

Established in 1923 on the site of the sugar factory for which it was named, Caroni was a key ingredient of British Navy rations, where it's famous high ester 'Heavy' rums help to make up the signature flavour. Sadly, with the decline of the Trinidadian sugar industry, the Islands distillers became more and more dependent upon imported molasses, making distilling less and less economical. The writing then, was already on the wall when in 2001 the Trinidadian government sold a 49% share in the holding company to Angostura. Caroni was shuttered in 2002 and a behemoth of flavour was lost to the world.

Despite there name The Scotch Malt Whisky Society do more than just Scotch Malt Whisky.

According to Chris Lutz of the Swiss SMWS, "This rum was produced by a legendary Trinidad Distillery that closed down in 2002." No prizes for guessing which one that is then. Distilled on the 1st of January 1998 (the last year that the distillery as using local molasses) in Trinidad, aged in a first fill bourbon barrel and bottled 20 years later. No indications on ageing locations, though given that they were able to draw 184 bottles from the barrel, it is unlikely it spent too much time in the tropics, which at 20 years old, might be for the best. 

 

Important Notice

We would recommend viewing/close inspection prior to placing any bids. If this is not an option and you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please contact us for a more in-depth condition report. Otherwise lots will be sold as seen in the images.

Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit.