Caroni 25 Years Old Manta Ray Genesis Silver Seal Cask 2286 60.4% 1997

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Distillery	Caroni Distillery
Bottler	Silver Seal Whisky Company & East Asia Whisky Company
Serie	Manta Ray Genesis
Bottled for
Distilled date	1997
Bottling date	2023
Country	Trinidad
Region	Laventile, Port of Spain
Age	25
Cask Type	Bourbon Cask
Cask Number	121
Alcohol %	60.4%
Volume	0,70
Condition	In original container
Label	Perfect
Stock	4

Professional reviews

BOW (91)

Caroni 25 Years Old Rum: Exploring the Manta Ray Genesis Series by Silver Seal Whisky Company

Caroni Distillery, a legendary name in the world of rum, was once renowned for its distinctive and robust flavor profiles. Though now closed and demolished, its legacy lives on through independent bottlers who continue to release limited-edition expressions that pay homage to the distillery's rich history. One such bottling is the Caroni 25 Years Old Rum, part of the Manta Ray Genesis Series, crafted by the prestigious Italian independent bottler, Silver Seal Whisky Company, in collaboration with the East Asia Whisky Company. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics of this exceptional spirit.

Caroni Distillery: A Legendary Legacy
Caroni Distillery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, operated from 1918 until its closure in 2002. The distillery was known for its heavy, full-bodied rums, often characterized by their distinctive notes of burnt rubber and industrial elements. The closure of Caroni Distillery resulted in a surge in popularity and demand for its limited remaining stocks, as enthusiasts sought to capture the unique flavors and aromas associated with the distillery's rums.

Silver Seal Whisky Company: An Italian Premium Independent Bottler
Silver Seal Whisky Company, an esteemed independent bottler based in Italy, is renowned for its uncompromising dedication to sourcing and bottling exceptional spirits. The company's meticulous selection process ensures that each release showcases the true essence of the distillery it represents. With the Caroni 25 Years Old Rum, Silver Seal Whisky Company aims to preserve the distinctive character of Caroni's rums while offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience its magic.

The Manta Ray Genesis Series: Unveiling the Spirit of Caroni
The Manta Ray Genesis Series is a collaboration between Silver Seal Whisky Company and the East Asia Whisky Company, designed to celebrate the spirit of Caroni Distillery. This limited-edition series aims to capture the essence of Caroni's rums by carefully selecting casks that embody the distillery's signature flavor profile. Each release is meticulously crafted to offer a unique and memorable experience for rum connoisseurs.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics:
The Caroni 25 Years Old Rum, distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2023, is a testament to the aging process that has allowed the spirit to develop complexity and depth over time. At a cask strength of 60.4%, this expression packs a punch while delivering a range of flavors and aromas that will captivate the senses.

On the nose, one can expect the classic Caroni signature, with hints of burnt rubber and industrial smokiness. These distinctive elements are complemented by underlying notes of ripe tropical fruits, oak spices, and a subtle sweetness that balances the overall profile.

The palate reveals a rich and full-bodied experience. The heavy, oily texture coats the mouth, offering flavors of charred oak, dark chocolate, espresso, and a medley of exotic spices. The robust character of Caroni shines through, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

The finish is long and satisfying, with a delightful combination of smoky and fruity notes, accented by a gentle warmth that lingers on the tongue. As the flavors fade, they leave a pleasant memory of Caroni's unique and intense rum-making heritage.

Conclusion:
The Caroni 25 Years Old Rum, a remarkable release within the Manta Ray Genesis Series by Silver Seal Whisky Company, offers rum enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the storied legacy of Caroni Distillery. With its bold flavors, distinctive character, and meticulous craftsmanship, this expression encapsulates the essence of Caroni's legendary rums. The collaboration between Silver

Seal Whisky Company and the East Asia Whisky Company ensures that the spirit of Caroni lives on, allowing enthusiasts to savor a piece of rum history.

Serge Valentin (92)

Colour: deep gold. Nose: good grief, it's almost the same rum! Still those varnishes, those waxes, those bananas, those very ripe plums, that camphory side... Let's speed things up. With water: cigars, cedarwood, pipe tobacco, dried apricots, old polish, old books... Mouth (neat): yes, it's the same. Mint, Chartreuse, liquorice, fino, green walnuts, nocino... I particularly recommend Silver Seal's nocino, by the way (and bam, another free half pint of Moretti down the hatch). With water: it's the same rum as the Jack Tar at this stage. Finding differences would be splitting hairs. Well, perhaps a little more rubber and lanolin in this little Silver Seal, but maybe not. Finish: very long, mentholated, liquoricy, with that raw ham and sage again. Raw ham and sage, but it's saltimbocca from Rome! Comments: to be honest, when I saw the name 'Manta Ray', I thought this rum was going to be a bit flat. Silly me. To be 100% honest, it is just a tiny tad less complex, less 'Botticellian' than the Jack Tar. Anyway, we're at a very, very high altitude in both cases.