Objective Notes

Extremely Smooth (on the RnD scale of Harsh-Smooth-Very Smooth-Extremely Smooth).

A.D. Rattray Caroni Rum is very dark amber in color from it’s extensive aging in oak barrels. Highly aromatic with definitive oak, banana, vanilla, leather, cinnamon and of course a little alcohol aromas and funk mixed in that is expected from a higher proof rum. Overall a very pleasant nose. On the palate you find and inviting full body and slightly spicy and oaky entry. Other flavors discerned are burnt sugar, vanilla, leather, all spice, cinnamon, bitter dark coco bean, and a hint of anise. The finish is delightfully long and memorable with a cinnamon, oaky, bitter coco bean fade. Warm long and lingering. A finish to remember. 

Anecdotal Notes
The Caroni distillery had been in business since 1918 in Trinidad closed in 2002 due to industry consolidation and monetary loses.  In the last 100 years or so Trinidad and Tobago went from having approximately 50 distilleries to just one; the big guy, Angostura. But as of 2006 it was recorded that Caroni had 740,000 liters of rum in stock and in October 2008 some 5300 casks of aged rum, 60,000 litters of various mixed blends, and smaller amounts of cased product was attempted to be put up for auction. The auction ended with no buyers accepting the opening price set for the bidding. 

Sometime later A.D. Rattray, a company founded in 1868 with their principal activity being the selection, storage and bottling of exceptional malt whiskies, stepped in and purchased some number of the casks of aged rum.  A.D. Rattray also dabbles in aged rum and added Caroni to their portfolio of other fine rums, such as Pampero Rum 1992 and Monymusk Rum 1986.  Their Carnoni 1997 rum is exclusive – there is a finite number of the aged casks in existence, producing a limited number of bottles from each cask in a single barrel production release. Of the three bottles I’ve seen, each from different casks, produced in a range of 279 bottles to 304. The bottle being reviewed here is number 1 of 279 from Cask RR1071, distilled on June 17, 1997 and bottled on August 4, 2010.

The bottle and packaging it comes in is excellent and worthy of the contents inside.

Taster’s Opinion
Roger –  A.D. Rattray’s Carnoni 1997 Rum is an exceptional rum from a high quality producer and a distillery that’s been out of business for almost a decade so saying it’s exclusive and won’t be around for long isn’t an exaggeration. It’s highly refined, aromatic, and flavorful and is best neat or on the rocks. Don’t wast it in a cocktail. One to add to the collection for sure if you can find it. 

Taster's Rating (10 is best):  Roger - 9.0 Flasks

Most recently tasted by:  Roger, November 2011 at RnD’s North Tasting Room, USA.

*750ml unless otherwise specified.