Saint Sithney Distillery has officially acquired Cape Cornwall Rum, marking the company’s first major expansion into the premium rum market. This move allows the distillery to diversify its portfolio beyond its established gin offerings.
According to The Spirits Business, the directors of Saint Sithney view this acquisition as an “important step” in their growth, aiming to build a collection of spirits that reflect the heritage and craftsmanship of Cornwall.
Jack Shannon and Harvey Thomas established the Cape Cornwall Rum Company in 2019 to revive a rugged piece of Cornish history. The brand draws inspiration from a 1925 family discovery, where Thomas’s great-great-grandfather found hidden alcohol bottles within farm cottage walls. The Spirits Business reports that this find likely links to the region’s smuggling heritage, where traders evaded taxes by concealing goods in remote buildings known as “The Wink.”
Today, the brand continues to use that same historic setting to age and bottle its spirits, blending Caribbean rum with local Cornish spring water. Under the new ownership of Saint Sithney, Cape Cornwall Rum will benefit from increased investment and a strengthened route to market. The directors told The Spirits Business that they intend to build on the brand’s existing foundation while staying “true to its Cornish character.”
The current lineup of Cape Cornwall Rum includes spiced, gold, and white expressions, alongside ready-to-drink (RTD) cans like the Mojito and Cuba Libre. Saint Sithney believes the brand holds significant potential for both national and international distribution. By leveraging their brand development expertise, the new owners plan to ensure that “quality and authenticity remain at the heart of the brand.”
Saint Sithney confirmed that they will continue to produce and develop the range under the Cape Cornwall Rum name. This acquisition is just one part of a larger expansion; the distillery also plans to launch a new premium vodka this May. Furthermore, founders Wendy and Greville Richards recently submitted a planning application for a new £3.5 million (US$4.6 million) distillery and visitor center in their home village of Sithney.
As Saint Sithney integrates the brand into its distribution network, the focus remains on provenance-led production. The directors shared with The Spirits Business their passion for spirits with a “genuine sense of place and story.” With a reinforced sales network and a clear vision for the future, Cape Cornwall Rum is well-positioned to reach a wider audience of spirit enthusiasts while maintaining its deep maritime roots.
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The Spirits Business Article — Saint Sithney buys Cape Cornwall Rum, written by Miona Madsen
The image of the article is courtesy of © Szymon Shields via Canva.com
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