Once hailed as a crown jewel of Trinidad's rum industry, the Caroni Distillery boasts a legacy that goes far beyond its physical existence. Established in the early 20th century, its unique rums have become highly prized among collectors and rum aficionados. This piece examines the distillery's rich historical narrative, its ascent and subsequent decline, and its lasting influence on the craft of rum distillation.
The origins of the distillery can be traced back to the Caroni Sugar Estate. The exact date of its founding varies among different sources, with some citing 1918 and others 1923; nonetheless, one record indicates that the first distilled spirit was produced as early as 1899. Located on the site of an old sugar factory near Port of Spain, Trinidad, the distillery was initially managed by the state before being acquired by Tate & Lyle sugar company in 1936. Its strategic placement on the Caroni Plains, a critical area for sugarcane cultivation, enabled the distillery to operate its own sugar processing facility, thus ensuring a steady supply of raw materials necessary for rum production.
Equipped with both column and pot stills, Caroni Distillery had the capability to produce a wide variety of rum styles. The combination of traditional distillation methods and the use of different types of stills resulted in rums with a notably rich and robust flavor profile. Furthermore, the cast-iron stills used in the early years added a distinctive character to the Caroni rums.
However, the latter half of the 20th century saw a significant decline in Trinidad’s distillery operations, with the number of distilleries shrinking dramatically from over fifty to just eight by 1950. The fate of Caroni was ultimately determined in 2001 when the Trinidad Government sold a substantial portion of Rum Distillers Limited, the overseeing entity of Caroni. Despite public outcry, production ceased in 2002 or 2003, marking the end of a significant chapter in Trinidad's rum history. The remaining barrels of Caroni rum were sold to various trading and bottling companies, including TDL, Vellier, Bristol Classic Rum, and Main Rum Company, with a considerable portion retained by Angostura.
Despite its closure, the allure of Caroni Distillery has not waned; in fact, it has often heightened the mystique surrounding its rums. Today, the rums produced at Caroni are among the most coveted in the world, frequently featured in rare spirits auctions and private collections—serving as a lasting testament to the distillery's legacy. Independent bottlers such as Velier and Bristol, along with smaller entities like Precious Liquors, have played a significant role in elevating Caroni's reputation.
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