As the story goes, during World War II, an American commanding officer of the first detachment was taking advantage of Newfoundland hospitality for the first time and was offered a drop of rum as an after dinner drink. The look of shock and the glorious shades of color on the American's face were overshadowed by the bloodcurdling howl made by the poor fellow as he managed to regain his breath.

Sympathetic persons from miles around rushed to the house to assist the poor man in such obvious agony and of course to satisfy their curiosity as to what was going on. Among the first to arrive was a garrulous old American sergeant who pounded on the door and demanded “What the cripes was that ungodly screech?” The gentlemen who had answered the door replied simply, “The screech?” ‘Tis the rum, me son.”

Thus was born a legend.

The liquor board immediately pounced on the name and reputation and began labeling Famous Newfoundland Screech. Over the years, the alcohol content of Screech has been toned down and the flavour mellowed, so that in 2003, Screech Rum won a gold medal for its excellent taste at the International Rum Festival. Today, Screech remains a Newfoundland favourite.

Website: http://www.screechrum.com