Caroni: The Macallan of Rum That Rewrote the Rules of Collecting
From closed distillery to global cult: discover why Caroni is now one of the most collected and valuable rums in the world.
Founded in 1918 in Trinidad, Caroni was for decades one of the island's key state-owned distilleries, producing high-proof rum for both local consumption and export, including for the Royal Navy. But it was only after its permanent closure in 2002 that Caroni began its meteoric rise in the world of collectible spirits.
The Closure That Created a Legend
When the government of Trinidad and Tobago shuttered Caroni, it seemed destined for oblivion. But in 2004, Velier founder Luca Gargano discovered thousands of barrels abandoned in the distillery’s warehouses. This led to one of the most iconic releases in recent spirits history: high-proof Caronis tropical-aged and bottled in limited editions, often with retro labels, detailed technical sheets, and nostalgic designs.
These bottles quickly became collector’s items, triggering a global frenzy among aficionados and investors alike.
Market Value and Auction Records
According to Whiskybase and Catawiki, top Caroni Velier editions (e.g., 1974, 1983, 1985, 1989) have appreciated over +500% in a decade. Some bottles have fetched more than €5,000 at auction, with rare lots sold by Sotheby’s surpassing €20,000.
The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index 2025 confirms the trend: the rum category has grown by +11% annually over the last five years, with Caroni accounting for over 60% of top-traded rum lots internationally.
A Rum with Character
Caroni is not an easy rum. It’s rough, bold, often oily and mineral. Its intense aromatic profile—shaped by tropical aging—is unmistakable. Every edition is unique, varying in blend, vintage, evaporation rate, and ABV. But all share Caroni’s unmistakable signature: character and intensity.
This complexity, coupled with rarity and the myth of a lost distillery, has earned Caroni the title of "The Macallan of Rum."
Why Collect Caroni Today
To collect Caroni is to own a liquid relic. The distillery is gone. The barrels are finite. Each bottle is part of a story that cannot be recreated.
Collectors prize Velier releases, but independent bottlings (from Rum Nation, Sansibar, Bristol Spirits) are gaining traction. Special editions in collector’s boxes or with signed artwork are increasingly sought after.
Caroni has joined the ranks of collectible legends alongside Macallan, Karuizawa, and Pappy Van Winkle.
Collecting Caroni means preserving a rare and powerful fragment of liquid history. At Collecto, we curate the most iconic releases with verified provenance and pristine condition, offering fractional access to one of rum’s greatest legends. Because some spirits are made to be treasured, not just tasted.
