Screech: The Rum That Put Newfoundland on the Map
From the Caribbean to the Cold North
Before it became a symbol of Newfoundland hospitality, Screech was just another barrel of dark Caribbean rum. Trade routes in the 18th and 19th centuries regularly carried molasses and rum to Atlantic Canada in exchange for salt cod. Over time, locals in Newfoundland developed a taste for these bold, molasses-heavy rums.
By the mid-20th century, one such rum stood out—not just for its punchy flavor, but for the reaction it often triggered in unsuspecting first-timers.
How It Got Its Name
Legend has it that the name "Screech" was born during World War II, when American servicemen stationed in Newfoundland took their first shot of the local rum. As the story goes, one serviceman gulped down the dark spirit and let out a dramatic screech. A Newfoundlander nearby reportedly quipped, "The screech? 'Tis the rum, me son."
Whether myth or marketing, the name stuck—and so did the rum.
The Screech-In Ceremony: A Rite of Passage
No conversation about Screech is complete without mentioning the infamous Screech-In—a humorous initiation ritual to make visitors honorary Newfoundlanders.
Here’s how it usually goes:
- You recite a traditional Newfoundland phrase:
"Deed I is, me ol’ cock, and long may your big jib draw!"
—which roughly means "Indeed I am, my old friend, and may you have good fortune for a long time." - You take a shot of Screech.
- You kiss a codfish (yes, really).
The phrase reflects Newfoundland’s nautical roots, where “big jib” refers to the large sail on a schooner. It’s both a linguistic handshake and a heartfelt wish for good fortune.
That said, not every Screech-In is the same—and that’s part of the charm. When I was Screeched-In, instead of the usual phrase, I was asked to recite a verse from the traditional folk song I’s the B’y That Builds the Boat. It was just as joyful, just as spirited, and just as memorable. The ceremony adapts with each host, adding new threads to a shared cultural tradition.
It’s part tourism, part tradition, and all in good fun—anchored by a shared shot of Screech.
What Screech Tastes Like
Screech is a dark rum, typically 40% ABV, with strong notes of molasses, vanilla, and spice. It’s robust and slightly smoky, making it perfect for sipping neat on a stormy night—or sharing in a rowdy ceremony with new friends.
Although it's produced and bottled in Newfoundland, the rum itself is imported from Jamaica, which helps explain its bold, pot-still character.
More Than a Rum—It’s a Cultural Icon
Screech is more than just a bottle on a shelf. It’s woven into Newfoundland’s cultural fabric—both as a point of pride and a tongue-in-cheek badge of toughness.
To outsiders, it might seem like a quirky tourist ritual. But to Newfoundlanders, it’s part of the island's story—one that bridges their maritime past with their warm, welcoming spirit. Newfoundland is also famously known for its Jiggs Dinner—a hearty, salt-meat-and-cabbage dish that shares the same unpretentious, deeply rooted character as Screech itself.
As someone who’s been Screeched-In, I can tell you—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.