Whether it was due to changing consumer preferences, economic conditions, or a variety of other reasons, 2025 was a difficult year for the whiskey and bourbon industry, and some prominent brands and distilleries felt the pain.
Throughout 2025, several high-profile whiskey distilleries were forced into bankruptcy. Since then, some of those brands have bounced back in a positive direction while others continue to battle the tough environment.
As we head into 2026, here are five high-profile distilleries that filed for bankruptcy last year.
House Spirits Distillery (Westward Whiskey)
Perhaps the most high-profile distillery on this list, House Spirits Distillery is the parent company of Westward Whiskey, which is an award-winning single malt whiskey brand. In fact, we even named one of Westward Whiskey’s products as one of the best single malt whiskeys of 2025.
In recent years, Westward Whiskey has won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies Awards, and the Whiskey Wash Awards.
Unfortunately, however, the distillery fell on hard times in 2025.
Back in April of 2025, House Spirits Distillery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the declining demand and rising costs seen throughout the industry. However, the good news is that things seem to be moving in the right direction.
In late 2025, a group of original investors purchased the assets, allowing the brand to continue operating independently with a new and more secure financial footing. That, coupled with some restructuring, seems to have Westward Whiskey moving forward after a brief scare.
Rogue Ales & Spirits
While perhaps better known for its nationally-renowned beers, Rogue Ales & Spirits also developed a reputation for its whiskeys, which it began distilling in 2006. Unfortunately, after two decades, that distillery is no more.
After owing a reported $500,000 in rent and about $30,000 in back taxes, Rogue Ales & Spirits filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in November and abruptly ceased operations, leaving employees surprised with no prior warning.
Unlike Westward Whiskey, however, it was not able to make a comeback.
Devils River Distillery
Founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 2017, Devils River Whiskey eventually expanded to 36 different states and five different countries as it emerged as a popular whiskey. The company even partnered with Dune and Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista back in 2023 to help boost the growing business.
The company boasts “more than sixty-three national and international awards” for its products, which include bourbon whiskey, agave whiskey, coffee whiskey, and more.
“Devils River Whiskey is recognized nationally as an award-winning brand, including multiple SIP Awards, The Fifty Best accolades, and International Spirits Competition gold medals,” the company said.
However, things took a negative turn for the brand in 2025 as Devils River Distillery LLC and an affiliate filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May to reorganize their business and continue operating.
Unfortunately, things do not appear to be headed in the right direction for the popular whiskey brand, as a judge rejected the bankruptcy plan in October, casting doubt about its future.
Boston Harbor Distillery
Established in 2012 by Samuel Adams brewer and Boston Beer Company’s co-founder Rhonda Kallman, Boston Harbor Distillery is an award-winning distillery that we have long recommended to anyone visiting the area.
Unfortunately, like many other distilleries across the United States, it has recently fallen on hard times.
In late March of 2025, Boston Harbor Distillery officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it looked to restructure and reorganize rather than liquidate its assets. The good news is that things seem to be going in the right direction.
With a sale preserving the business under new ownership and CEO Thomas Mooney remaining, the brand actually saw an increase in sales in 2025 as it looks to bounce back.
Luca Mariano Distillery
In recent years, Luca Mariano, out of Kentucky, has emerged as one of the more beloved whiskey brands in the country, with its Luca Mariano Single Barrel Rye Whiskey even ranking as one of the best rye whiskeys of 2023, according to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Unfortunately, like many other whiskey and bourbon brands and distilleries throughout the United States, Luca Mariano seems to have had some issues on the business side of things.
Back in August, the distillery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it looked to chart a path forward without liquidation. Now, Luca Mariano will enter a court-supervised bidding process that will take course over the next few weeks as it looks for a buyer.
