First Impressions
The Angostura Zenith is one of the most impressive releases in recent rum history. It blends two of Trinidad and Tobago's most iconic distilleries — the now-closed Caroni, renowned for its oily, industrial character, and Angostura, celebrated for its refined, smooth style. The sought-after spirit from Caroni provides the backbone, while Angostura's expertise in blending brings balance and finesse. At £2,965, this is squarely in collector territory.
Tasting
The nose is extraordinary. Caroni's signature — oily, spicy, almost industrial — is immediately recognisable, but it's tempered and enhanced by Angostura's smoother character. Dark chocolate, engine oil, dried fruit, tobacco, and vanilla layer together in a nose of remarkable complexity. It's the kind of nose that reveals something new with every return.
The palate is layered and profound. Caroni's industrial intensity — the tar, the oil, the dark power — forms the backbone, while Angostura's refined sweetness provides balance and accessibility. Dark chocolate, dried fruit, leather, and oak create a mid-palate of extraordinary depth, and the texture is viscous and commanding. At 44.7%, it's perfectly calibrated for extended sipping.
The finish is extraordinarily long. The interplay of two legendary distilleries continues to evolve — dark chocolate, oil, fruit, and spice taking turns in a finish that lasts for minutes.
The Bottom Line
The Angostura Zenith is a once-in-a-lifetime rum. The combination of Caroni and Angostura distillates creates something that can never be replicated — Caroni will never distil again. At £2,965, it's an investment, but for the rum collector, it's a piece of distilling history in a glass. Extraordinary.
