House of Rum has just introduced a treasure trove for collectors and connoisseurs: the Caroni Collection Rum, a trio of finite-edition vintage rums from Trinidad’s legendary Caroni Distillery, which shut down in 2003.
Each rum in the Caroni Collection Rum comes from a single vintage—1997, 1998, and 1999—and offers a rare glimpse into the final years of the iconic distillery. These rums have matured for 28, 27, and 26 years respectively, and represent what may be the first release of three consecutive-year Caroni expressions as standalone bottlings.
David Howarth, founder of House of Rum, emphasized the significance of this release.
“The enduring legacy of Caroni means these rums have a true cult following, and we were so very excited to discover and purchase these rare casks,” he shared with The Spirits Business.
House of Rum sourced these column-distilled rums made from molasses, which began aging in Trinidad in ex-Bourbon casks under tropical conditions. After their initial maturation, the company transported the early-landed casks to the UK. There, the rums matured for at least 15 more years in American oak barrels, developing depth and character unique to long-aged Caribbean spirits.
Howarth described the flavor of the Caroni Collection Rum as classic and complex.
“The expressions are simply stunning—complex and well-balanced with a real tangy, oily, briny olive edge that Caroni is known for, along with nuances of fruit, spice, pepper, and cigar leaves.”
He added that such depth and aroma are rarely found, reinforcing House of Rum’s mission:
“We’re here to give people the chance to experience the rare, the surprising, and the very special—always in their purest form.”
Each expression in the Caroni Collection Rum comes bottled at natural cask strength in 700ml formats:
Each bottle includes a unique batch number, with the initial release offered as a three-bottle set priced at £4,500 (approx. US$6,100). Individual bottles will become available at a later date through specialty retailers like Hard to Find Whisky.
Founded in 1923 near Port of Spain, Trinidad, the Caroni Distillery originally operated under government ownership before becoming part of the Tate & Lyle Sugar Company. Known for producing robust, smoky, and full-bodied rums with sweet undertones, Caroni’s output continues to be highly sought-after by collectors worldwide.
At The Rum & Cachaça Masters 2025, House of Rum’s releases earned three Master medals. Notably, the Single Cask Dominican 2000 was named a Taste Master, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to excellence and authenticity.
For those who seek an ultra-rare sipping experience, the Caroni Collection Rum stands as a testament to Trinidad’s rum heritage. With rich backstories, long aging, and limited availability, these bottles offer more than just exquisite flavor—they deliver history in a glass.
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The Spirits Business Article — House of Rum bottles Caroni trio, written by Miona Madsen
The image of the article is courtesy of © ArtemSH via Canva.com
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