Cornish craft spirits producer Saint Sithney Distillery has announced the acquisition of Cape Cornwall Rum Company, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into the premium rum category.
Based in West Cornwall, Saint Sithney Distillery has quickly built a reputation for producing premium craft spirits inspired by Cornwall’s coastline, heritage and natural landscape. The acquisition of Cape Cornwall Rum Company represents the next phase of growth for the distillery as it broadens its portfolio beyond gin into new spirit categories. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
The Cape Cornwall Rum Company was founded by Jack Shannon and Harvey Thomas, whose vision was to revive a unique piece of Cornish history rooted in the rugged coastline of West Penwith. The brand is inspired by a family story dating back to 1925, when Harvey’s great, great grandfather discovered bottles of alcohol hidden within the walls of his farm cottage — a legacy believed to be linked to the region’s long-standing smuggling heritage. At the time, rum and other goods were often brought ashore under the cover of darkness to avoid heavy taxation, before being concealed in remote farm buildings known locally as “The Wink.”
Using the same historic setting to age and bottle their rum. Cape Cornwall Rum combines Caribbean rum with Cornish spring water to create a distinctive spirit inspired by the rich maritime and smuggling history of the Cornish coast. The brand has developed a loyal following and a strong identity shaped by the dramatic landscape of Cape Cornwall.
The current range includes three premium rums as well as ready-to-drink (RTD) cans, offering a versatile portfolio that caters to both retail and on-trade demand. The brand has received multiple awards, including Gold at Taste of the West and international recognition at the London Spirits Competition and USA Spirits Ratings.
The brand is already well positioned for further growth, with clear opportunities to scale distribution nationally and internationally. Under Saint Sithney’s ownership, Cape Cornwall Rum will benefit from increased investment, a strengthened route to market and an expanded sales network, enabling the brand to reach a wider audience while maintaining its premium positioning.
Under Saint Sithney’s ownership, the Cape Cornwall Rum brand will continue to honour its Cornish heritage while benefiting from the distillery’s growing distribution network, brand development expertise and investment in future growth.
The Directors of Saint Sithney Distillery said: “As distillers, we’re always drawn to spirits that carry a genuine sense of place and story. Cape Cornwall Rum has a wonderful heritage rooted in Cornwall’s coastline, farming and maritime history. From the moment we explored the brand, we could see the potential to build on what has already been created while staying true to its Cornish character. We’re excited to continue developing the rum and ensuring its quality and authenticity remain at the heart of the brand.
This acquisition represents an important step in Saint Sithney’s growth. Our ambition has always been to build a portfolio of premium spirits that reflect Cornwall’s heritage and craftsmanship. Cape Cornwall Rum is a natural addition to that vision, and we see significant opportunity to expand the brand’s reach through our growing distribution network and investment in the future of the business.”
Saint Sithney Distillery also confirmed that it will launch a new premium vodka this May, further expanding its growing portfolio of spirits. The vodka will continue the distillery’s focus on provenance-led production, combining Cornish water with carefully crafted distillation to create a clean, refined spirit designed for both premium cocktails and contemporary serves.
The acquisition forms part of Saint Sithney Distillery’s broader strategy to develop a diverse portfolio of premium spirits rooted in Cornwall while building national and international distribution.
The company confirmed that the Cape Cornwall Rum range will continue to be produced and developed, with plans to expand distribution and further strengthen the brand’s presence both within Cornwall and beyond.
About Saint Sithney Distillery
Saint Sithney Distillery is a Cornish craft spirits producer inspired by Cornwall’s landscape and heritage, producing a range of premium spirits combining traditional craftsmanship with modern flavour innovation. Visit saintsithney.com for more details.
About Cape Cornwall Rum
Cape Cornwall Rum Company produces a range of premium rum inspired by the smuggling heritage and dramatic coastline of West Cornwall. The brand combines Caribbean rum with Cornish water to create a distinctive spirit with a strong sense of place. Visit capecornwallrum.com for more details.
