CARONI TRINIDAD 20 ans 1998 Dennis X Employees 1st Rel. One of 1151 bottles

Nose : intense and elegant. The particularly floral (dandelion, daisy) initial nose is at first dominated by stone fruits (peach, apricot, mango) and citrus fruits (orange, mandarin). Allowed to breathe, it becomes more animal (bacon, Swiss dried beef). Next, coated in delicious honeys (lime blossom, acacia), it is revealed to be spicy too (pepper, cinnamon). Gradually, heady florals (reseda, iris) rear their head. At this point, the entire aromatic palette is enveloped in petrol fumes.

Palate : rich, concentrated. Differing greatly from the nose, the palate unashamedly announces it empyreumatic (tarmac, liquorice, benzoin) and medicinal (tiger balm, mustard poultice) qualities. More obliging, the mid-palate takes on very distinguished floral flavours (rose petal, old rose, wisteria). At the end of the palate, liquorice and vanilla envelop ripe fruit (mango, apricot, orange). Finally, gentian root and candied ginger beautifully punctuate the finish.

Overall : long, dense. Artichoke notes bring lost of smooth ruggedness to the start of the finish, while Mirabelle plum and yellow plum emphasize its fruity character. Quickly, however, the Caroni's volcanic temperament gains the upper hand. Lava and ash literally roll across the palate. On the retronasal olfaction, very ripe banana and gentian form a very well-balanced sweet and sour duo. The empty glass wavers between tobacco, liquorice, curry and Russian leather.