Portland, Oregon, January 31, 2026
The spirits industry in Portland, Oregon, is facing a turbulent period as five notable whiskey brands, including House Spirits and Rogue Ales, have filed for bankruptcy. The challenges arise from shifting consumer preferences, economic pressures, and significant increases in operating costs. Some brands have begun restructuring efforts, while others have ceased operations entirely, raising concerns about the overall health of the local distilling scene. The situation illustrates the pressing need for a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs to adapt to the changing market dynamics.
Portland, Oregon’s Spirits Industry Faces Bankruptcy Wave
Portland, Oregon – In the past year, five prominent whiskey brands have filed for bankruptcy, highlighting significant challenges within the spirits industry. The affected distilleries include House Spirits Distillery, Rogue Ales & Spirits, Devils River Distillery, Boston Harbor Distillery, and Luca Mariano Distillery.
House Spirits Distillery
House Spirits Distillery, known for its award-winning Westward Whiskey, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2025 due to declining demand and rising costs. In late 2025, original investors purchased the assets, allowing the brand to continue operating independently with a more secure financial footing.
Rogue Ales & Spirits
Rogue Ales & Spirits, based in Portland, Oregon, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in November 2025, ceasing operations immediately. The company owed approximately $500,000 in rent and $30,000 in back taxes, leading to the abrupt closure without prior warning to employees.
Devils River Distillery
Devils River Distillery, founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 2017, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2025 to reorganize its business. Despite efforts to restructure, a judge rejected the bankruptcy plan in October, casting doubt on the brand’s future.
Boston Harbor Distillery
Boston Harbor Distillery, established in 2012 by Samuel Adams brewer Rhonda Kallman, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025. The company underwent restructuring, and a sale preserved the business under new ownership, leading to increased sales in 2025.
Luca Mariano Distillery
Luca Mariano Distillery, located in Danville, Kentucky, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2025. The distillery is currently undergoing a court-supervised bidding process to find a buyer and continue operations.
Industry Challenges
The rise in bankruptcy filings among these distilleries reflects broader challenges in the spirits industry, including changing consumer preferences, economic pressures, and increased operating costs. The decline in alcohol consumption, with only 54% of U.S. adults reporting drinking alcohol, has also impacted sales. Additionally, trade tensions and tariffs have contributed to a 9% decline in spirit exports during the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Conclusion
The bankruptcy filings of these five prominent whiskey brands underscore the financial difficulties faced by distilleries in the current economic climate. While some have managed to restructure and continue operations, others face an uncertain future as they navigate the challenges of the evolving spirits market. It highlights the need for a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs as they work to adapt to changes and foster resilience amidst uncertainty in the industry.
What are the five whiskey brands that filed for bankruptcy in the past year?
The five whiskey brands that filed for bankruptcy in the past year are House Spirits Distillery, Rogue Ales & Spirits, Devils River Distillery, Boston Harbor Distillery, and Luca Mariano Distillery.
What led to the bankruptcy filings of these distilleries?
The bankruptcy filings were due to factors such as declining demand, rising costs, and economic pressures within the spirits industry.
How has the spirits industry been affected by these bankruptcies?
The industry has faced challenges including changing consumer preferences, economic pressures, and increased operating costs, leading to a decline in alcohol consumption and a decrease in spirit exports.
What is the current state of the affected distilleries?
Some distilleries have restructured and continue operations, while others face an uncertain future as they navigate the challenges of the evolving spirits market.
| Distillery | Location | Bankruptcy Filing Date | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Spirits Distillery | Portland, Oregon | April 2025 | Restructured and continues operations |
| Rogue Ales & Spirits | Portland, Oregon | November 2025 | Ceased operations |
| Devils River Distillery | San Antonio, Texas | May 2025 | Bankruptcy plan rejected; uncertain future |
| Boston Harbor Distillery | Boston, Massachusetts | March 2025 | Restructured under new ownership; increased sales |
| Luca Mariano Distillery | Danville, Kentucky | August 2025 | Undergoing court-supervised bidding process |
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