THE STORY: Newport Craft Distilling Co. began distilling craft spirits in 2006, the first distillery in Rhode Island in 135 years. An outgrowth of the interests of the founders of Newport Craft Brewing Co., the distillery and the brewery have now merged into a single company. The distillery currently produces gin, amaro, moonshine, whiskey and the single barrel rum.
› Thomas Tew Rum Single Barrel Rum is made start to finish in Newport
› It first came out in 2006
› About 80 barrels of this rum are made per year
› Price is $30-$35 per bottle
› Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. has about 20 employees, and it takes two to distill the rum
› Including the aging process, it takes about five years to make one bottle
› This rum is made from black strap molasses
Jaime Lowe is a PBN contributing writer.
