Caroni Rum, the legendary distillery

The Caroni Distillery is often unknown to the general public. However, it has made its mark in history through its products and uniqueness. Founded in 1918, this historic enterprise is located in the lands of Trinidad and Tobago and boasts a century of excellence in the field of spirits production. In this article, you will discover more about this fabulous distillery.

The State of Trinidad and Tobago: Caroni Distillery's Uniqueness

Trinidad and Tobago is a state located off the coast of Venezuela. This archipelago provides a true strength to Caroni Distillery with its available natural resources. The variety of agricultural crops and favorable climatic conditions are essential assets for obtaining unique flavors. With growing economic development and a thriving industry, the distillery now enjoys a great reputation that extends beyond national borders.

Geography

The islands of Trinidad and Tobago have a total area of 5130 km², representing a relatively extensive territory. This allows the region to host various agricultural plantations, including those dedicated to producing the raw materials needed for the distillery's products. The mountains and plains offer fertile lands that are perfect for growing diverse and flavorful ingredients.

Climate

The climate in this region is tropical maritime, characterized by heavy rains between June and December. This humidity gives a unique character to the spirits produced by the distillery, bringing more complex and nuanced aromas. Moreover, with an average temperature of around 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, the aging in barrels occurs under optimal conditions to achieve highly qualitative results.

The History of Caroni Distillery

Founded in 1918 by Tate & Lyle, a British company specialized in sugar production, Caroni Distillery continued its operations until its closure in 2002. For nearly a century, it provided exceptional expertise to its master distillers, allowing them to produce incomparable quality spirits. It built a name that still resonates as a true institution of rum among connoisseurs.

Notable Products

Throughout these years, the various ranges of rum and other recipes from the distillery have won over many enthusiasts. The closure of its doors did not dampen the enthusiasm for these products, which have seen their value rise over the years. Among them:

• Caroni Heavy: This version, known for its aromatic intensity, left a mark with its robustness and unique flavors.
• Caroni Light: A milder product that offers a specific aroma of tropical fruits thanks to a longer fermentation.
• And many more: Each production year reflects the evolution of the distillery's craftsmanship and gives life to incredible cuvées whose rarity is matched only by their quality.

Why Did Caroni Distillery Close Its Doors in 2002?

Due to economic constraints, the government made the difficult decision to close the distillery in 2002.

Caroni Distillery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, closed its doors in 2002 for several economic and structural reasons. Here are some factors that contributed to its closure:

• Government disengagement: At the time, the Trinidad and Tobago government held a significant stake in the distillery. Over the years, it gradually reduced its involvement in the sugar and rum industry, which affected Caroni Distillery.
  
  
• Increased competition: Caroni Distillery faced growing competition both in the local and international markets. Other distilleries began to dominate the market, offering similar or superior quality products.
  
  
• Decline in sugar demand: The distillery was originally tied to the sugar industry, which had been declining for years. The demand for sugarcane sugar decreased over time, impacting the distillery's operations.
  
  
• Economic and structural changes: Trinidad and Tobago went through periods of economic and structural changes that affected several industries, including the rum distillery. Government policies and economic factors played a role in reducing the distillery's operations.
  
  
• Lack of modernization: The distillery struggled to modernize to remain competitive. Aging facilities and a lack of investment in modern technologies may have contributed to its decline.
  
  
• Industry consolidation and restructuring: At the time, there was a trend of consolidation and restructuring in the rum industry, leading to the concentration of production in fewer but larger and modern facilities.

Despite this, Caroni Distillery continues to fascinate, so much so that enthusiasts and collectors continue to fervently search for the precious specimens that escaped from its cellars. A posthumous success for a factory that remains engraved in memory.

Following its closure, the remaining stocks of Caroni rum were purchased by companies such as Velier and The Classic Bristol. Aged rum gained a reputation as a coveted collectible product, known for its unique flavor profile and exceptional quality.

Caroni's Distillation Marks and Styles

The distillation process at Caroni significantly distinguished itself from that of other rum producers. Similar to Jamaican rum, Caroni's uniqueness lay in its fermentation method during production. During this fermentation, in addition to ethanol and water, congeners were created, including the well-known esters found in Jamaican rums. Typically, distillers aim to retain some of these congeners to impart flavor to the final rum. However, most distillers seek to remove most undesirable congeners from the distillate during the distillation process. Caroni was an exception to this rule.

Congeners and Aromas

These congeners, also known as rum aromas, are one of the most crucial ingredients in creating the characteristic and aromatic heavy rums (HTR), giving them their unique taste. It is mainly thanks to these heavy rums, bottled by many independent producers such as Bristol Spirits or Velier, that Caroni is recognized worldwide today. These rums are rich in body and evoke bold notes, sometimes reminiscent of tar, lamp oil, or burning rubber, all with a touch of fruity sweetness.

Light & Heavy Rum

However, Caroni also produced lighter rums, known as "Light Type Rums" (LTR), which likely represented the majority of their production. During the distillation process of these rums, a greater number of congeners were removed, making the final rum significantly more subtle in terms of aromas, to the point of sometimes being unrecognizable. Although bolder notes could sometimes be detected in the background, they were considerably subdued.

The Angels' Share Held by Local Customs

The differences between Caroni's heavy and light rums were considerable. Light Type rums were mainly intended for blending under the Caroni label, both for the local market and for export as neutral alcohol. Subsequent production stages at Caroni did not differ much from those of other rum distillers. The rums were placed in barrels at approximately 80% alcohol volume, and if the alcohol content was higher initially, it was diluted before aging. This practice mainly applied to light rums, as it allowed compliance with customs and tax regulations that limited evaporation to 19.5% over five years while maintaining production profitability. Caroni primarily used charred bourbon barrels for maturation.

Distillation Equipment at Caroni

Starting in 1918, Caroni began distilling with a cast-iron still. In 1943, this equipment was complemented by the addition of a wooden coffee still, followed in 1945 by the acquisition of an all-copper still. In 1955, Caroni took over the Esperanza distillery, which allowed it to acquire a single-column still. Two years later, in 1957, this still was transferred to Caroni.

In 1979, a significant milestone marked Caroni's history with the installation of a brand-new Gerb Herman Still with four columns. This powerful still went into operation in 1980, bringing a new dimension to rum production at Caroni.

In 1984, according to a Caroni brochure, the two oldest stills at Caroni, namely the cast-iron still and the wooden Coffey still, were retired from operation. They were replaced by a two-column still from Blair, Campbell & McLean/Blairs Ltd. of Glasgow, as well as a pot still.

In summary, at the time of its closure, Caroni had the following equipment for its distillation:

• An all-copper still (since 1945)
• A single-column Esperanza still (in Caroni's possession since 1957)
• A still (in operation since 1964)
• A two-column Blairs Still (in operation since 1964)
• A four-column Gerb Herman Still (in operation since 1980)

Tasting and Recognition: National Pride Transformed into a Global Treasure

If the fame of Caroni Distillery is well-established in its country of origin, it is also the case internationally, where it ranks among the most famous rum distilleries. Many spirits enthusiasts have been captivated by its history and flavorful recipes.

An Invaluable Heritage

Today, we know of certain Italian owners who have acquired the last stocks for distribution in small batches of Caroni worldwide. They demonstrate the effort to preserve the cultural heritage of this internationally renowned distillery.

The history of Caroni Distillery is an exciting journey that traces the development of a small Trinidadian business into a true international reference in the world of spirits. Having gone through nearly a century of production and despite its closure, it continues to inspire distillers worldwide with its craftsmanship and the excellence of its products.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caroni

Here's a brief overview of frequently asked questions about this legendary distillery.

Is it possible to visit Caroni Distillery?

After its closure in 2002, the site was extensively dismantled, and many of its buildings and facilities were removed or fell into ruins. You can visit the distillery virtually through this amateur video:

Where can I find bottles of Caroni rum?

Finding bottles of Caroni rum from the distillery that closed in 2002 can be a challenging task due to their rarity and collectible status. You can find them at Excellence Rhum; we specialize in rum and Caroni. Our Parisian store also offers some beautiful Caroni specimens. Online auctions are another platform where these bottles may be available. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the bottles before purchasing to avoid counterfeits, as Caroni rum has become a collectible item. Forums and collectors' groups can be other avenues to find these rare rum bottles. Social media also provides a platform to connect with rum enthusiast communities that could help you locate Caroni bottles.

What are the most famous vintages produced by Caroni Distillery?

The most famous vintages from Caroni Distillery are often associated with their rarity and unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most sought-after and appreciated vintages:

• Caroni 1974: One of the most famous vintages (HTR mark), notably bottled by The Classic Bristol, known for its complexity and flavor richness. This very old rum is highly sought after by collectors and rum enthusiasts.
• Caroni 1983: Another well-regarded vintage, appreciated for its robust aromas and depth of flavor, notably from Velier.
• Caroni 1996: This vintage is particularly popular among rum enthusiasts, known for its balance between sweetness and spicy notes.
• Caroni 1998: Also a notable vintage, known for its floral and fruity notes, as well as its richness in the mouth. The smoky aspect takes a back seat. This is what is called a Caroni Light Type Rums (LTR).
• Caroni 2000: Although one of the last vintages before the distillery's closure, it managed to acquire a certain reputation for its profile.

It is worth noting that several independent bottlers have also bottled specific vintages of Caroni, contributing to the diversity of expressions available in the market. Each vintage has its own unique characteristics, and tasting notes can vary significantly from one bottle to another.

Has Excellence Rhum bottled any Caroni?

Absolutely, Caroni did not escape our attention. We have bottled a magnificent single cask Caroni from 1998 cask strength, as well as collaborated on a 25-year-old Caroni for the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Nobilis Rum.

Caroni aficionados often seek bottles that have been bottled at higher alcohol degrees, known as "full proof" or "cask strength," which offer a more intense and undiluted tasting experience.

Remember that the availability of these vintages can vary, and they can be quite expensive due to their rarity and high demand among collectors and rum enthusiasts...