Experimental Drouin Caroni Angels 17 ans

 In 2004, during a trip to the Caribbean, Guillaume Drouin discovered the forgotten stocks of Caroni a major state-owned distillery in Trinidad and Tobago that was founded in 1918 and closed in 2003. Caroni rums are among the most distinctive "heavy" rums in the world, characterized by notes of tapenade, pencil lead, gasoline, and even leather. In 2020, Guillaume Drouin conceived a new, ambitious challenge for the Christian Drouin experimental range: he acquired six casks that had once held 1996 Caroni rum. These were brought to the Daniel Flambard cellars in Pont-l'Évêque and filled with a 17-year-old Calvados Pays d'Auge. "We needed a Calvados that was powerful and structured enough to stand up to the aromas of these old Caroni casks. We usually reduce our Calvados to find the perfect balance, but for 'Caroni Angels,' it was clear that the spirit needed to be kept at a higher alcohol strength. After maturing for eight months in these casks, the balance felt just right, and 'Caroni Angels' was bottled at 48.8% ABV." Tasting notes: On the nose, aromas of toasted apple and dried apricot blend with notes of leather, petroleum, and brown sugar. On the palate, it retains the vibrancy and freshness of Calvados upon the initial sip, before revealing its full breadth, richness, and length. Toasted, smoky, and cooked-apple notes intertwine throughout the refined profile. "Caroni Angels" is a limited edition of only 1,506 bottles.