Dark Waters Distillery sits on Bridge Street in Groton, Connecticut, a waterfront city known for its submarine base and maritime history. Founded by husband-and-wife team Mike and Lisa Reppucci, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2018 after the couple left their corporate careers to pursue their passion for creating small-batch spirits. Mike, a former engineer, and Lisa, who worked in marketing, spent years perfecting their recipes before committing to the distillery life. They operate out of a converted industrial space that they’ve transformed into a working distillery complete with custom copper stills and a cozy tasting room. The name Dark Waters pays homage to Groton’s submarine heritage and the deep waters of the Thames River that flows nearby. They focus primarily on rum production, though they’ve expanded into whiskey and specialty spirits. The Reppuccis handle most operations themselves, from mashing and distilling to bottling and labeling, giving visitors a genuine look at craft distilling on an intimate scale. Their approach emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional techniques, with a commitment to supporting local suppliers whenever possible. The facility includes both production areas and visitor spaces, allowing guests to see the entire process from grain to glass while sampling the finished products.