Newfoundland Distillery Makes Whisky History
Newfoundland Distillery Company is celebrating the launch of the first single malt whisky for the province of Newfoundland, Canada. The 7-year-old expression was rolled out during a special event held at the company’s bar in Barclays Beach. Research confirms the claim indicating that there has been Gin and vodka but never a local whisky producer.
According to Ray Broccolo, a self-proclaimed whisky enthusiast sitting at the bar inside the company building, it reminded him of Irish whiskey.
“It has a beautiful nose on it and the palate is very good as well. It actually has a nice long flavor,” he said.
Newfoundland Distillery Celebrates Historic Whisky Feat
That evening, co-founder Peter Wilkins walked from table to table carrying glasses holding the golden whisky. Locals had gathered to taste the new spirit and share in the province’s historic feat. The bar which was filled, still had whisky enthusiasts entering the tasting session.
“Creating Newfoundland’s first whisky is incredibly exciting,” Wilkins said. “Because it now means you can actually drink whisky across the whole of Canada in every province.”
Since whisky making takes time, they started with faster spirits like gin, vodka, and rum to make money. As the demand for these spirits increased, the whisky-making plan was worked on slowly in the background.
According to Wilkins, there were four years of planning and another three years for the whisky to ripen in barrels. There are 1,600 bottles currently on liquor store shelves.
In addition, there are no additives in this whisky since all of the grains are naturally sourced from Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland’s west coast. These grains are distilled three times and then aged for at least three years in bourbon barrels and virgin oak barrels from Kentucky.
“It’s got quite complex character,” Wilkins added. “But surprisingly smooth finish, a little bit of oak, a little bit of vanilla, little bit of almond, little bit of butterscotch. I think it’s delicious.”
