How did Newfoundland Screech get its name?

The story has been told of the commanding officer of the first American detachment stationed here in Newfoundland.  He was offered a drop of rum after dinner and after seeing his host toss the drink back, the American adhered to the local Newfoundland custom and downed the glass of rum in one gulp.

The commanding officer let out a tremendous howl.  Legend has it people rushed from miles around to assist the officer and to see what was going on.  When an American sergaent pounded on the door asking “What the cripes was that ungodly screech?”, a Newfoundlander opened the door and said “The Screech?  ‘Tis the rum, me son.”

The legend of Newfoundland screech was born and many wanted to try the “mysterious screech rum”, making it a favourite for years to come.

The original label for Newfoundland screech was replaced by a more modern label in 2004, shortly after the rum won a gold medal at the 14th Annual International Rum Festival.  The image below shows both the old and new looks for Newfoundland Screech.

Newfoundland Screech is also used throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to perform “Screen In” ceremonies, where tourists are made HonouraryNewfoundlanders where they are required to perform a few tasks and follow it up with a drink of Screech.  The Screech-In ceremonies have become so famous, that the Newfoundland Liquor Corporation offers certificates to those who have participated and joined the ranks of “The Royal Order of Newfoundland Screechers”.

For more information on Newfoundland Screech, visit the website ScreechRum.com.