Rum Sponge 1998 Caroni 22 Year Old Single Cask Rum Edition No.1

Rum Sponge 1998 Caroni 22 Year Old Single Cask Rum Edition No.1 is a highly sought-after Trinidad rum distilled at the legendary Caroni Distillery in 1998 and bottled after 22 years of maturation. Released as the inaugural edition in the Rum Sponge series by Decadent Drinks, this single cask bottling captures the unmistakable industrial character and heavy style that has made Caroni one of the most collectible rum distilleries in the world. With only 258 bottles produced, this is an exceptionally limited release for serious rum enthusiasts and collectors.

Distillery: Caroni Distillery, Trinidad
Bottler: Decadent Drinks – Rum Sponge
Edition: Edition No.1
Age: 22 Years Old
ABV: 57.1%
Cask Type: First-Fill Bourbon Barrel
Outturn: 258 Bottles

Rum Sponge was created by Angus MacRaild under the Decadent Drinks label, extending the cult-followed Whisky Sponge concept into the world of premium rum. The series focuses on carefully selected single cask bottlings that showcase distillate-driven character, often paired with playful artwork and collectible presentation. Edition No.1 marked the beginning of the Rum Sponge journey and quickly became a benchmark independent Caroni release among collectors.

Tasting Notes:
Deep and intensely aromatic, the nose opens with molasses, liquorice, petrol, tropical fruits and polished oak layered alongside herbal tea and menthol notes. The palate evolves into classic heavy Caroni character with tar, burnt sugar, medicinal herbs, pine resin, black olive tapenade and rich caramelised spice. The finish is long, dry and powerful, carrying lingering phenolic smoke, dark herbs, oak char and industrial notes balanced by subtle sweetness and remarkable complexity.