Canada’s spirit landscape is undergoing a delicious transformation, and rum is leading the charge. While whisky often steals the spotlight, a wave of dedicated craft distillers across the country is producing exceptional rums, showcasing local ingredients and innovative techniques. This isn’t your average rum – it’s a reflection of Canada’s diverse terroir and burgeoning distillery culture.
From the rugged coast of Newfoundland to the fertile valleys of British Columbia, Canadian rum producers are pushing boundaries. Let’s explore some of the key players:
Newfoundland Distillery Co.:
Nestled in Clarke’s Beach, Newfoundland & Labrador, this distillery’s commitment to traceability is remarkable. They meticulously source ingredients locally, aging their rum in barrels and focusing on the provenance of every element.
Ironworks Distillery:
Based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Ironworks Distillery masterfully blends tradition with the Atlantic’s unique environment. Their rum is aged in barrels, some of which float on the ocean, imparting a distinctive character to the spirit. Expect warm, rounded flavors with notes of spice, caramel, and dried fruit.
Wayward Distillery:
Situated in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC, Wayward Distillery takes a distinctly local approach, certified as a B-Corp. They create honey-based rum, meticulously fermented with 100% BC-sourced honey, working closely with local beekeepers to ensure ethical sourcing.
Screech Rum:
An iconic Canadian brand, Screech Rum continues to be blended and bottled in St. John’s, Newfoundland. While the base rum is imported from Jamaica, the Canadian-owned company maintains a bold, rich flavor profile, delivering deep caramel and oak tones.
Lamb’s Rum:
A heritage rum brand, Lamb’s Rum is produced at the Hiram Walker distillery in Windsor, Ontario, offering a range of flavour profiles, including spiced, dark, and navy-style rum.
Kinsip House of Fine Spirits:
Based in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Kinsip House of Fine Spirits prioritizes crafting spirits through careful blending and slow ageing, emphasizing collaboration with local growers and small-batch production.
North of 7 Distillery:
Located in Ottawa, Ontario, North of 7 Distillery’s aging model focuses on depth over volume, utilizing a variety of barrels to create woody and slightly smoky flavors.
Key Trends:
Many producers are experimenting with different base ingredients, from imported molasses to Canadian sugar beets and honey. Increasingly, rums are aging in barrels previously used for whisky, a clever tactic that adds unique and complex flavours. This burgeoning scene demonstrates Canada’s growing appreciation for quality spirits and innovative production methods.
