SWELL DE SPIRITS - Private Garden n°3 - Caroni 1998 - 25 years old - Cuvée Clos des Spiritueux - Bottled 2023 - 61.90%
Swell de Spirits is an independent and family bottler based in Pessac in Gironde near Bordeaux. The company was created in 2021 by Michael Barbaria and Kelly . With a rare talent, they unearth remarkable casks around the world to create a variety of limited edition bottles of rum, whisky, armagnac and cognac from distilleries around the world. A range of Mezcal and Tequilla is being developed in Mexico and the first series of Blend will be released soon in the summer of 2023.
Swell de Spirits - Private Garden n°3 - Caroni 1998 is the 3rd opus of the Private Garden series. This series was created to introduce the world to the work of selecting a spirit carried out between Swell de Spirits and a partner wine merchant. We were pleased to be the first to inaugurate this series in September 2022 with our inaugural vintage for our spirits boutique, with the 22-year-old Private Garden n°1 - TDL 2000 which was a real success. Number 2 was made with Vincent, a wine merchant in Limoges, on a magnificent Worthy Park released at Christmas 2022. For this 3rd opus in the series, we present a legendary distillery in the world of rum, a distillery that has now disappeared but present in the hearts of all rum enthusiasts: Caroni . An exceptional molasses rum recognized for its unique characteristics from the terroir of Trinidad and Tobago . To date, there are less than 50 casks in the world, and we are happy to be able to introduce one of the most beautiful of them!
Tasting comment from Fabien (founder of Clos des Spiritueux): “ Caroni... a distillery that needs no introduction. A dream that was unimaginable for me a few months ago, namely the opportunity one day to be able to offer a full cask from this emblematic distillery that will forever remain in the history of rum. But life is full of surprises, and at the end of 2022, I receive a nice Christmas present from Kelly and Michael Barbaria (the founders of Swell de Spirits) with a surprise sample that will be the start of this great adventure! From the very last barrels still present in the world, this Caroni was distilled in January 1998 and it was bottled at its natural degree of 61.9% Alc./vol in March 2023, with more than 25 years of aging. age (11 years of tropical aging in Trinidad and 14 years of continental aging in the UK). 350 bottles were produced. The bottle label is the result of exceptional graphic work by Bastien Renard, who wanted to present a flower that has disappeared in order to recall the history of the distillery. The black and copper colors are a reminder of the hydrocarbon notes of Caroni rums. An original box in oak wood, painted black for the occasion, adorns this bottle.
But the most important thing is in the glass :) And there, the magic of this Caroni transports all our senses on a bewitching journey. From the first nose, let yourself be enchanted by an intoxicating scent of fruit paste, noble wood and ripe fruit. Exquisite notes of rum baba and pastry cream dance harmoniously with delicate accents of raisins and pudding. The empyreumatic nuances typical of Caroni, such as ash, soot and toast, mingle with roasted aromas of coffee, mocha and cocoa, creating an olfactory symphony. On the palate, prepare to be surprised by an unparalleled elegance, where the alcohol is perfectly integrated. Caramel and spices blend subtly with light camphor notes and a sensation of crème brûlée. A delicate balance between dry notes that provide suppleness and a funky side with touches of coconut and spices that tickle the tongue. Each sip is a taste symphony that awakens the senses. The finish, surprisingly long, reveals exquisite flavors of flambéed fruits and delicate acidulous notes, reminiscent of ripe pineapple. A pleasant feeling persists, encouraging you to savor every moment of this unique experience. A hint of maritime salinity sublimates the nectar, accompanied by dry touches that magnify its character. This Caroni is for my part one of the 3 most beautiful Caroni that I have tasted in my life. It's a unique taste experience that will enchant you and leave you yearning for that exquisite finish again and again. It is finally a page of history that we taste and which allows us to travel and dream. To be enjoyed quietly in a good armchair, in peace and with the presence of a friend, and with a little time it will evolve little by little in your glass to make you discover a new magic.
Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Kelly and Michael for their extraordinary talent for selection and their extraordinary kindness. Thanks to their remarkable work, they offer us moments of life filled with happiness and intense emotions. A huge thank you for these treasures that awaken our senses and embellish our existence! »
