CARONI RUM DISTILLERY
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Caroni Rum Distillery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, boasts a storied history spanning over a century. Its history is deeply intertwined with the island's colonial legacy and the global rum trade.
Established in 1923, the Caroni distillery was built on the grounds of the Caroni sugar factory (established in 1888). It was part of the British government's initiative to develop a robust sugarcane industry in Trinidad.
At the time, sugar production was a dominant force in the Caribbean. Distilleries like Caroni capitalised on the abundance of molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, to produce rum.
Caroni Rum soon gained a reputation for its robust and distinctive flavour. Its deep, smoky and somewhat oily character is largely attributed to the unique soil and climate conditions in Trinidad. The traditional production methods employed also contribute to the flavour.
During the early 20th century, Caroni became an integral part of Trinidad’s rum heritage. It contributed to both local consumption and export markets.
The distillery produced a variety of rums. Some were lighter, column-distilled varieties. Others were heavier, full-bodied rums that were made using traditional pot stills.
Caroni’s rums were particularly prized for their use in blends and for ageing. They gained recognition in both the Caribbean and international markets.
However, Caroni's fate was tied to the fluctuating fortunes of the sugar industry. By the late 20th century, the global sugar market had become highly competitive, and Trinidad’s sugar industry began to decline.
The Caroni Sugar Company, which owned the distillery, faced financial difficulties. The government took control of the company in an effort to salvage the industry. Despite this intervention, the government decided to shut down sugar production at Caroni in 2003 due to unsustainable losses. This lead to the closure of the distillery.
The closure of Caroni Distillery marked the end of an era in Trinidadian rum production. At the time of its closure, Caroni was known for producing rums that were highly regarded by connoisseurs. They were regarded especially for their intensity, complexity, and ageing potential. Collectors quickly snapped up the remaining stocks of rum. Caroni began to achieve a near-mythical status among rum enthusiasts.
Following the closure, much of the remaining Caroni rum stock was discovered and purchased by independents.1] Releases of aged Caroni rums, often aged for decades, generated immense interest and led to a revival of the Caroni brand. These rums, some aged in Trinidad and others in Europe, have become highly sought-after collectors' items. Prices skyrocketed due to their rarity and the distillery’s iconic status.
Today, Caroni is revered as one of the most legendary rum producers in the world. The distillery, now defunct, is remembered for its bold, heavy rums and has a cult following. Enthusiasts and collectors regard its bottlings as some of the finest examples of Caribbean rum. Caroni’s legacy lives on through these treasured stocks, which continue to shape the rum world even years after the distillery’s closure.
