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Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (Ex-Caroni Casks) 2017
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"Caroni? It's only the name on the label" — that's the recurring line, and it's the whole story here. What you actually get is a well-aged Sajous clairin: green olive and brine, overripe tropical fruit, glue and esters, over a grassy vegetal base. The cask lends softness and a faint tar-and-licorice finish, nothing more. Oily, mostly smooth, a touch of unexpected sweetness. A fine sipper if you drop the Caroni expectations.
The community says- Briny olive notes
- Oily complexity
- But: Caroni barely there
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How does Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (Ex-Caroni Casks) 2017 taste?
Summarized by AI from community reviews.
Olive-and-ester aged clairin, Caroni barely shows Most rate it well as a smooth, aged clairin — the near-universal gripe is that the Caroni cask barely registers, so buy it for the Sajous, not the label.
Aroma profileclairin fans who like briny, estery, vegetal rum
anyone buying it for the Caroni cask
Style & occasion: Tropical & funkyFresh & grassySipping neatCocktails & mixing
Full aroma profile Aroma families · nose & palate · top aromas
Relative to this rum's strongest aroma family
67 of 179 left detailed tasting impressions · Click an aroma to explore similar rums
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Rated better
Hampden Great House (Distillery Edition 2021)
8.6/10131.29 €
Milder
Savanna Art of Rhum by Vast 2015
8.3/10140.00 €
Similar rating, cheaper
Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (LMDW) 2019
8.3/1099.05 €
Nothing for you?
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First choice: 94 of 112 tasters who tried both prefer it.
What does the community say?
179 community reviews
48 selected write-ups on this page, all of them in the RumX app
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Positive from 8.0 · Mixed 6.0–7.9 · Critical below 6.0
Review by BTHHo 🥃
Most helpful positive review
Caroni tasting The taste is rich and intense with notes of dark honey, licorice, citrus and nutmeg.
Review by Jacques etdom
Most helpful critical review
Very disappointed, I was expecting something else. A nose of grapes and tangy fruit. The palate confirms this. Far too expensive for what it is, the term "caroni" must have inflated the price. For me, it's worth a third of the price.
Review by Stefan Persson
Overall a great, very smooth and soft Clairin. Tasted this aged Clairin at the Sweden Rumfest, May 2023. It’s from Mr. Michel Sajous distillery Chelo and released by Velier and Mr Luca Gargano. It’s made from cane syrup in pot still whereafter it’s tropical aged for 5 years in Ex-Caroni Cask.
Review by Giorgio Garotti
I thought the caroni cask would give it some extra special flavor instead it just makes the clairin softer!An undemanding everyday drink that still contains all the scents and aromas of Haitian sugarcane!
Review by Mike H.
A little too dry and vegetal for me. Not really what I like to drink but the finish is rather nice. 2nd tasting: First of all the Caroni cask is nothing more than a marketing gimmick in my opinion and I believe that we will see more bottlings like this one in the future. I really favor my Clairin’s unaged. Here, the sweetness present overshadows most other notes except for the vegetal and slightly earthy ones. There’s a dryness and creaminess present as well. Add a little fruit, wood and very subtle spices and the result is a rum that makes me regret my bottle purchase. Luckily I purchased a sample as well, so I’ll be able to get rid of the bottle at a future date. I just reflected upon my rating and came to the conclusion that 78 points are too high. Reducing it to 75 points.
Review by Thunderbird
I am somewhat ambivalent about this rum, I expected a clear Caronieinfluss! From this, however, is only fleeting something to perceive..if at all rather in the finish! On the nose predominate sour fruit flavors, on the palate initially a heavy sweetness, which in turn changes to a light sour fruitiness, later join licorice notes with a hint of dirty notes to it.The finish contains first licorice notes, approaches of dried fruit and later a touch of tar!The alcohol is barely perceptible, a little more percent would certainly have done him good!I would almost call him a sipper!Overall, a good rum, just different than expected!
Review by Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰
#4656 16.03.2024 just relaxing with John Wick 4 and a few rums 😊 Nose Light wood, faint roasted, fruity, ester, solvents, light olive, floral, light grass. Palate Oily, light wood, faint roasted, fruity, ester,light grass, glue, faint olive, medium dry, faint salt. Finish Medium long, oily, light wood, fruity, ester, light grass. The empty glass has some medicinal, light anise and herbal notes.
Review by LukaŽiga
8,6:On the nose, very complex first impression, as there is a mix of vegetal, fruity, woody, medicinal notes like solvents, esters.A sugar cane honey is herbaceous and flowery, quite earthy, with hay and olive, spicy.Tropical fruits like banana, pineapple are overripe, with a help creamy, buttery roasted wood notes like nuts. On aeration, citrus, dried and red fruits arise, some meaty notes and, from ex Caroni cask finish, a rubber. 8,4:On the palate, the attack is again diverse, creamy with an olive, grass, tropical overripe fruits, esters, glue, pepper, brine, tar and rubber from ex Caroni finish.The wood is roasted with a caramel, leather, the sugarcane honey and licorice intermingle.When resting the rum nicely, the cane becomes flowery, herbaceous, earthy, the wood resinous, the fruits red and citrus. 8,3:The finish is long, dry and tannic, smoky, dirty, most of palate notes continue, a confectionery crunchy bread note nicely rounds the finish.. Edit:2.8.25
Review by Johannes
Compared to the Casimir GRF clearly less fruity, more wood notes, astringent, more acidity, seems older. Caroni I can not really rausschmecken. Too bad, I expected something more.
Review by cigares
Spirits Museum Tasting 29th of March 2025. A nose of dried herbs, pineapple and tropical fruit with a fermented edge. Sweet tropical fruit and dried herbs on the palate, with a fermented, metallic edge. The finish is short, on dry herbs.
Review by Oliver
Very good Clairin. The barrel aging makes it very harmonious and brings an exciting going pole to the "wild" base product. The Caroni influence comes through rather subtly. With a few drops of water, the Caroni comes through more.
Review by Mentalo
Slightly upgraded but still somewhat disappointing. The Sajous sweetness almost overshadows everything. In the finish, a slight Caroni note comes through. I hoped for more balance, like the Sajous in the Bielle cask. So I can just go for the 5-year-old Sajous directly.
Review by Gunnar Böhme "Bauerngaumen" 🤓
Nose: hui! 😋 Palate: not pfui, but really not intoxicating, is somehow too sour for me, we will not be friends.The great smell saves the rhum at 70 points over the finish line.
Review by Christian Rudt
So it was definitely tarred here. So I definitely perceive the finish. As has been said here before, the rum is very soft. That makes it a nice sipping rum, but the wildness of a young clairin is lost too much for me to rate it higher.
Review by DosenZorn
In the nose initially very floral, the Clairin still comes out properly. In addition, somehow meat / unfried bacon. Something that takes getting used to, the smell later turns fruity. Pineapple, passion fruit and olive. Very interesting.taste citrus, so again goes in the direction of Sajous. In addition, there is some sweetness and orange. Also slightly salty and floral. In the finish, the age is then noticeable. At the first tasting I liked him only moderately, today I like him much more.
Review by Serge
I think the reviews reflect more the disappointment of those who thought you taste more Caroni than the actual taste of the rum. He is very nice mild and creamy, but otherwise still has the character traits of Sajous Clairins (about to the same extent as in the last release). In short: at the release price top, but does not taste like Caroni. The label should appeal to collectors ...
Review by Leo Krüper
Beautiful Clairin with olive notes. Not much left of the Caroni barrel. Alcohol well integrated. In the daiquiri comes across very much power despite the only 52%, but quite pleasant.
Review by TheRhumhoe
A Clairin that has caused a lot of buzz. The nose is particularly dense with aromas stepping on each other. We find a very pronounced olive note, as well as green notes (vegetal, herbal), very ripe tropical fruits, some spices but also many funky ester notes of glue, solvent, and the fermented side of butter. For once, the Caroni cask didn't have much effect. On the palate, it's a rich and creamy rum opening on olive brine, exotic fruits (banana, pineapple), spices (vanilla, pepper), licorice, toasted wood, and medicinal notes enveloping the palate (esters, solvent, glue, and a metallic side). The vegetal and earthy notes integrate very well into this profile, very complete and expressive for a clairin. Again, the cask has only a minimal influence. The alcohol is very well integrated. The finish is well made, balanced between greenery notes, a peppery and licorice side, slight empyreumatic notes (tar, rubber), esters, and slightly overripe exotic fruits. A quality and generous Clairin but unfortunately a victim of its exaggerated marketing and the expectations raised on the cask.
Review by Enriko Špinler
This is a rum I could enjoy every evening. A balanced and smooth rum, I really enjoyned the sample. Aroma: Fruit, esters, grass, wood. Taste: Glue, olives, tropical fruit, licorice. Finish: Long, fruity, esters, grass, smoky.
Review by Basti
After a while in the glass the rum opens up and you could almost think you have a Jamaican in front of you. Tropical fruits, some olive and fermented/overripe fruit spread out. On the palate fruity - floral with a slight barrel influence. Finish relatively bitter with licorice and rubber.
Review by mto75
perhaps it is so that the Caroni barrel and the brilliant, typical Sajous markers after olive, pear, earth as there are in the 2016 (RX 442), neutralize here somewhat. Also on the palate I can not detect any dirty workshop notes, instead a sweetness that I would not necessarily have expected so. Not a bad Sajous, but not necessarily what the packaging suggests.
Review by Piotr Ignasiak
On the nose the Clairin fruitiness is felt. On the mouth the wood seems just right with a chocolaty vibe, a lot of plum. It had this Trinidad feel to it, and now I read it's after Caroni casks, would probably more call a TDL. I enjoyed this, thanks Leo!
Review by Vincent D
Very surprised by the nose of this rum. At first, a vague impression of TDL that quickly fades in favor of fruit and olive. Slightly greasy, buttery smell. Herbaceous profile. On the palate, lively alcohol and vegetal notes first. Then fruit. And that lingering brine/olive. The barrel is discreetly felt on the finish, with wood, licorice and a little dirty Caroni.
Review by Rowald Sweet Empire
Interesting combination of flavours. Grand Arome in the base (I guess). The Caroni is present in a slight note of tar and ash. Yellow fruits rule the palate though. Funky. Well aged. Good balance. French oak with a good balance between sweet and sour.
Review by Tim
Complex nose of esters, smoke, vegetal/herbs, syrup/honey, subtle barrel aromas. A heavy rum, but very rounded and goes down like oil. Not least because of a clearly perceptible sweetness.
Review by Dr.Django
i like the clairin runs very much! there's a lot to discover here, even without storage. let's see how the series with the beautiful black and white labels performs and lives up to my expectations. 2017: I wouldn't have given this bottling five years. The alcohol could be better integrated, little barrel influence, which I find rather negative here. Generally very herbal with olives and herbs. Otherwise (light) fruity as usual. 76 pts. 2018: this is already "heavier", darker fruity and spicier. clear barrel influence. warm, fruity and full-bodied on the palate. Alcohol not optimally integrated here either. 80 pts. 2019: Seems to combine the first two perfectly! I like it very much. A full-bodied fruit basket with spices and astringency. It's a lot of fun! 86 pts.
Review by Jarek
I understand all those who hoped for more from the Caroni barrel, but the rum is still not bad.
Review by Skyfly
Cologne-Bonn rum tasting: you can feel the 5-year barrel ageing, but it's not that noticeable. Caroni markers can hardly be tasted. Beautiful olive notes, lots of sugar cane, something grassy/vegetable. Alcohol well integrated
Review by Speedflo
Tasted at the "Rum House Caribbean" in Prague. Unusually soft in the mouth for a Clairin, which I usually only know unaged. Nevertheless, very rich in flavor and varied. The Caroni cask did the Clairin a world of good, for me one of the best I've tasted so far.
Review by Christoph H.
At first very heavy, fruity and intense. It smells much more mature and substantial than the age would suggest. You first get the full pack of concentrated quince jam, rhubarb, and lychee. Then follow almond essence and marzipan, with a bit of medicinal and chemical notes. Some herbal notes that remind me of the Almdudler lemonade I can't deny either. I like it very much at first. On the palate, the youth clearly shows and it can no longer deny its age. At the beginning, there is an extreme, almost artificial sweetness that just reminds me of white industrial sugar. But this is immediately replaced by a metallic note and chlorine. Only in the background do unripe quince and green apple appear. Also, the alcohol at 52.14% is not well integrated at all. The nose promises a lot, but the palate by far does not deliver.
Review by FischeJ
Caramel, sour apple, and vegetable garden on the nose. Very dry and astringent on the palate. Initially sweet, quickly turning to sour apple. All embedded in grassy notes and a hint of wood. Quite dry on the finish. All in all, nice, but nothing more. Good for an aged Clairin. I wouldn't have recognized Caronifass. Probably a nice anecdote.
Review by Émile Shevek
On the nose corn, fermented tropical fruit, butter, cheese,fruit jam, muffato, lychee, seaweed. On the palate pungent and intense, very aromatic with notes of pepper, fermented, sour fruit, muffato wine and white vermouth. On the finish solvent and evo oil. A real surprise that stands out and reflects the Sajous spirit
Review by zabo
Tastes better than expected. On the nose dominated by fermented or overripe fruits. At first it is a bit thin and watery in the mouth, but shortly after the aromas develop. In the finish the Caroni notes from barrel aging can be guessed, but unfortunately not more. Overall a nice and light sipper, okay for the price. But you shouldn't expect too much from it.
Review by Michael Schou
01-04-2026 - Rate 7.5 Have tasted this one before but this is my first time reviewing it. It has tasted better before but it does not do it for me today. To much earthy and dirt taste today. Perhaps the Caroni cask was a better gimmick last time I tasted it
Review by Fuwi
First comes across as pointedly sweet on the tip of the tongue, then develops a full bang on the back of the palate and in the cheeks and the alcohol inflates the aromatic cheeks. Great fun! Not a full Caroni flavor, but it also only has a finish. The interplay of both parties is well done, easy drink along with little aha moments
Review by Roman Lelek
Because it’s not my first time tasting of Sajous, I know what to expect. The color isn’t dark, but light yellow..like straw. In the nose I can smell fresh grass mixed with honey and glue as a technical part. Taste is complex - from lemons, earthy tones to glues and spices with wood
Review by Djehey
Nose more pleasant than the palate. Metallic or even mineral notes are present. An olive and brine side as well. Herbs, very ripe fruits, bitter citrus. The Caroni barrels don't seem to bring much, except a dirty or even roasted side.
Review by alex
I had high expectations of this rum, which inevitably led to disappointment. All that's left of Caroni is the name on the packaging, but you can't smell it or taste it. All that's left is a good Sajous, but that's about as far as I go. Next --> A bit expensive too, especially for the result!
Review by Sebastian.W
I preferred the two previous "Vieux Sajous" releases as this one is more vegetal and briny, especially on the nose. The Caroni cask is not noticeable for me.
Review by paulgi86
First try of anything with the word Caroni on the label and this Clairin resting in an ex-Caroni cask has provided such a lovely array of complexity - so far also my second try of Clairin and it’s a banger! On the nose - there’s hints of industrial notes like solvents and esters that give way to fermented or overripe fruits. Once that’s subsided it moves onto a slightly bite-y floral nose, almost perfume like in its intensity and then it transitions to a charred bbq meat that’s covered in runny caramel On the palate - wow! It’s sweet and savoury at every turn! First it’s the arrival of esters and something banana like however that quickly fades and then you get a grassy, vegetal note alongside some salty brine (stay with me here!) there’s yet again bbq charred meat that’s been covered with a caramelized glaze on it that finishes with a puff of smoke and dirty, oily rags that have been dipped in tar The finish is medium and hangs around long enough to remind you of the experience you’ve just had Absolute banger - I don’t want a bottle, I NEED a bottle!
Review by LesTontonsMaltés
On the nose, it's funky, fruity and a little salty: green olives, ripe mango and a hint of herbs. On the palate, it unfurls: dark honey, candied citrus, a flicker of licorice, and that slightly oily texture that coats the palate. Caroni in the story? Present, but in the background. More of a wink than an uppercut. A beautiful complexity, without going overboard. An insider's clairin, to be savored calmly, with or without a drop of water depending on the mood - but always with respect.
Review by Filip Šikula
In the nose the olives tab salt and a minimum of technical hints. Not a trace of caroni. On the palate, the olives are joined by salt, alcohol and a hint of fruit. The traces I expected of caroni are not unlike the 16 mes. On the whole it is dry, and not bad.
Review by Dw117
Tasted alongside velier caronis and it really stands its ground well. Reminds me of heavily tropically aged jamaica rum eg appleton hearts collection. Powerful delicious stuff. I even preferred it to the Caroni ‘tasting gang’ by velier
Review by Jonas
Beautiful nose with lots of fruit. Palate then falls off a bit. Either way it pleases well.
Review by Richard Krupa
Not sweet at first, then slightly sour and then a sweet tone, licorice and a slight hint of tar.
Review by Pavel Ungr, RumRock
Vintage 2017. I rate it 8.5 out of 10, an excellent rum that ranks high even among my more than 1,300 ratings.
Review by ...and a bottle of Rum.
Nose reminiscent of vanilla milkshake forgotten overnight. Something sour-floral, but also vanilla (no trace of Caroni). The alcohol is very well integrated! On the palate then also light fruit acidity, minimal wood note, and.... yes what actually?! Caroni? Missing! Round it is. Light citrus note. Finish relatively short. Too bad, I was hoping for more. Seems somehow thin, where you expect a mix of heavyweights. Since I like the Sajous from the Oloroso barrel a lot better! From this I do not need a bottle...but thanks for the sample 😘
Review by Gaspard
Angular and complex
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Expert reviews
2 critics scored it, averaging 8.3/10. Reviews from RumX's blog partners, independent experts who have tasted, evaluated, and described this rum.
Expert review by The Dunder Hut
This is nice. But I don't get any of the Caroni. I get a bit paranubes anejo vibes. But to be honest, it could do a bit less on olive and salt for me.
Expert review by The Secret Rum Bar
Read full review ›
Community shelf
249 bottles logged by 192 collectors.
A collector's bottle.
14% opened, 19 emptied.
What does Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (Ex-Caroni Casks) 2017 cost?
Community paid 85–140 €.
Current best price: 150.13 € – above the typical community range.
Purchase prices reported by members, not a shop price. Avg. 83 €. Full price & collection history in RX+ ›
249 purchased · 186 tasted · 58 wishlist · as of
Details about Velier Chelo Vieux Sajous (Ex-Caroni Casks) 2017
A Clairin from Haiti, bottled by Velier, at 52,14%.
About the Chelo distillery
The Chelo distillery is located in Haiti. Rums from Chelo have been reviewed 1,378 times with an average of 8.2/10.
To Chelo ›Read on in the RumX Guide
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