Ardent Spirits buys Chapter 7 Whisky
Scotland-based Ardent Spirits has purchased fellow whisky bottler Chapter 7 after the company went into liquidation.
Kevin Mapstone and Kenneth Craig of insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor were appointed joint liquidators of Scottish whisky bottler Chapter 7 on 2 October 2025.
The company was hit by ‘falling global demand and a softening of discretionary spend overall’, according to Begbies Traynor. The business was also impacted by the opening of a bottling facility in 2022, which led to cashflow issues.
Begbies Traynor said it had been approached by an unnamed ‘sector specialist’, who has acquired the intellectual property and trading brand of Chapter 7.
Chapter 7 has now confirmed that the purchaser is Ardent Spirits, an independent whisky bottler and owner of Dark Matter Distillers.
This latest acquisition is said to mark a ‘strategic expansion’ of Ardent’s spirits portfolio, following its purchase of Scotland’s first rum distillery, Dark Matter Distillers, last December.
Under Ardent’s ownership, Chapter 7 will benefit from investment, operational stability, and strategic leadership, with the aim of rebuilding and strengthening its position in the global whisky market.
Selim Evin, who founded Chapter 7 in 2014, has joined the company’s senior leadership team. He will help drive growth across Ardent’s entire portfolio and focus on expanding market presence, strengthening distribution partnerships, and enhancing storytelling across the whisky and rum categories.
Ardent will relaunch Chapter 7 Whisky globally in 2026, with new bottlings already in development and collaborations under way with select distilleries across Scotland.
The company also intends to develop visitor experiences and digital storytelling to attract a wider audience of spirits enthusiasts.
“Chapter 7 has always stood out as a brand that champions individuality and the art of whisky making,” said Evin. “Joining Ardent at this exciting time presents an opportunity to not only preserve that legacy but also to amplify it.”
There also plans to launch a new ready-to-drink range for Dark Matter Rum.
In addition, Ardent has invested in a new bottling hall in Banchory, Scotland, to boost capacity for its existing whisky bottling contracts and creating additional space to meet packaging enquiries.
Ardent believes this investment will support the company’s goal to scale its independent spirits operations in Scotland.
“The acquisition of Chapter 7 represents a perfect alignment of craftsmanship, creativity, and ambition,” said a spokesperson for Ardent.
“We have long admired the brand’s commitment to authenticity and quality. Despite the challenging economic headwinds that have affected many independent producers, Chapter 7 has built an extraordinary reputation among whisky connoisseurs.
“We’re excited to bring the brand into the Ardent family and give it the support and structure it deserves to thrive.”
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
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