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Ardent Spirits buys Dark Matter Distillers
By Nicola CarruthersIndependent whisky bottler Ardent Spirits has acquired Dark Matter Distillers, Scotland’s first rum distillery, for an undisclosed sum.

Aberdeenshire-based Dark Matter Distillers became Scotland’s first rum distillery when it was launched in 2015 by brothers Jim and John Ewan.
Following the purchase, Dark Matter’s production has moved to Ardent Spirits’ flagship Burnobennie Distillery in Banchory, Aberdeenshire. The former distillery has closed.
Mike Roberts, the former head distiller for Dark Matter, has also joined the Ardent Spirits team to continue producing the distillery’s original rum.
The purchase has also created a new job role to oversee the Dark Matter segment of the business, with Simon Morrice taking on the position.
“We felt compelled to acquire Dark Matter Rum because of its deep connection to Scotland’s rich distilling heritage,” said Morrice, who is wholesale and commercial manager.
“This is a brand that broke boundaries as Scotland’s first rum distillery, and we are thrilled to continue its journey under the Ardent Spirits banner.”
Since the acquisition, Ardent Spirits said demand for Dark Matter Rum has surged. The brand is now available through a growing network of suppliers and on Amazon.
Ardent Spirits will also expand the Dark Matter product line, with plans to release a coffee liqueur and a pineapple liqueur.
“This is a new chapter for Dark Matter Rum,” added Morrice. “We’re committed to honouring its heritage while exploring fresh ideas to delight our customers.”
In December last year, Dark Matter Distillers auctioned the first nine bottles from its Biologist Series.
It marked the second time Dark Matter had put its rum up for auction since its ‘hugely successful’ Physicist range in 2021, which sold for £41,800 (US$53,360).
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