Discover the rare and powerful Caroni 1998 Full Proof 21 Year Old Heavy Kevon 'Slippery' Moreno, a highly collectible Trinidad rum from the legendary Caroni distillery (closed 2003) independently bottled by Velier. Distilled in 1998 and matured for 21 tropical years before being bottled at 69.5% ABV (full proof) as part of the Caroni Employees series, this elite release honours Kevon 'Slippery' Moreno, a valued long-serving Caroni employee. With only around 1,400 bottles released worldwide from a specially selected blend of ageing barrels, this expression delivers the classic Caroni profile intense tar and rubber notes, tropical fruit and oak spice, and a long, bold finish that makes it a standout for serious collectors and premium rum investors alike. Rum Auctioneer+1
Bottle Overview
Name: Caroni 1998 Full Proof 21 Year Old Heavy Kevon 'Slippery' Moreno
Distillery: Caroni (Trinidad & Tobago; closed 2003)
Bottler: Velier
Vintage: 1998
Bottled: ~2019 (Second Employees release)
Age: 21 years (tropical aging)
ABV: 69.5% (Full Proof)
Volume: 70 cl
Outturn: ~1,400 bottles worldwide Rum Auctioneer
This expression is part of Velier's Caroni Employees series a curated set of releases celebrating key figures from the distillery's workforce, each showcasing the intensely bold and tar-forward character that Caroni is legendary for. Rum Auctioneer
Market Value (UK/EU Secondary & Auction)
Historical Highs: Earlier sales in 2021-22 reached above £1,600+ when bottles were newer and rarer on the market. FineSpiritAuction
Specialist Retail Listings: Some boutiques list this bottle significantly higher (e.g., £2,500+) depending on condition and availability. No6Cavendish
Market Note: Caroni releases often display volatile pricing due to scarcity, collector demand, provenance, condition, and box inclusion and bottles can fetch a premium when fewer are available.
Tasting & Profile (Community Consensus)
According to the rum community and review platforms, this rum delivers a classic Caroni Heavy profile with:
Aroma: Intense tar, smoke, woody spice and tropical fruit
Palate: Bold rubber and leather notes with deep molasses and dark oak
Finish: Long, dry, bittersweet with lingering petrol-like complexity
Most tasters highlight its complexity and power, rewarding slow nose development and gradual sipping. RumX
Why It's Sought After
Closed distillery legend: Caroni's closure gives all official bottlings exceptional collectible status.
Full proof intensity: Bottled at nearly 70% ABV for undiluted character and dramatic flavour.
Employees Series rarity: Limited production (~1,400 bottles) tied to specific distillery personnel adds provenance appeal.
Collector & investor interest: This expression frequently appears in high-end auctions and specialist listings.