Another whiskey brand files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

The whiskey distilling industry is hoping for a brighter year in 2026 as it finishes the year with more bankruptcy filings.

Whiskey distillers that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025 included Boston Harbor Distillery on March 31, Westward Whiskey parent House Spirits Distillery on April 6, McCallum & Sons Whiskey Co. on April 30, Devil's River Distillery on May 1, JJ Pfister Distillery on May 2, and The Alton Distillery parent SVG 26 LLC on Sept. 25.

Rogue Ales & Spirits filed Chapter 7 liquidation

Business was even worse for whiskey distiller Rogue Ales & Spirits, as its parent, Oregon Brewing Company, closed operations on Nov. 14 and filed for Chapter 7 liquidation on Nov. 24.

Many of the distillers blamed the economic distress that led to bankruptcy filings on the rising costs of labor and products driven by inflation and changes in consumers’ attitudes toward drinking spirits.

Spirits sales and volume dropped

The fallout from the financial distress resulted in the U.S. spirits industry suffering a 2.8% decline in sales and a 3.2% drop in volume in the first half of 2025, according to NeilsenIQ, Beverage Industry reported.

Those distressing statistics are likely to continue through the end of the year as more distillery businesses have filed for bankruptcy through the end of the year.

Wilder Whiskey Seltzer files for Chapter 7 liquidation

And now, fledgling whiskey beverage brand Wilder Whiskey has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy to liquidate its assets before it finishes its fourth year in business.

The Kannapolis, N.C., maker of ready-to-drink Wilder Whiskey Seltzer filed its petition on Dec. 23 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, listing up to $100,000 in assets and liabilities, according to Bankruptcy Observer.

Wilder Whiskey is owned by its fulfillment company, Full Circle, which is based in Florida.

The company did not indicate a reason for filing for bankruptcy liquidation, but Wilder Whiskey had been seeking investors on its website.

Wilder Whiskey Seltzer targeted ages 21-35

The company indicated that its products targeted the youngest market of adults, between the ages of 21 and 35, which comprises 39% of whiskey drinkers, according to its website.

The bankrupt company produced four flavors of canned Wilder Whiskey Seltzer, including Grapefruit, Orange Vanilla, Peach, and Lemon Lime, consisting of 5% ABV, 2g carbs and 100 calories per can, all-natural flavors, no artificial sweeteners, gluten-free ingredients, and 100% American-made whiskey.

"This easy-to-drink seltzer combines the bold tradition of American whiskey with adventurous new flavors — conveniently packaged in a single serving can," Wilder Whiskey asserted on its website.

"Made using sustainably sourced ingredients, Wilder Whiskey is shaking up the seltzer game with this new take on an American classic," according to the website.

"This isn't your average whiskey cocktail," Wilder Whiskey's website message concluded.

Wilder Whiskey Seltzer's vital statistics

• 5% alcohol by volume
• 2g carbs and 100 calories per 12-ounce can
• 100% American-made whiskey
• All-natural flavors
• No artificial sweeteners
• Gluten-free ingredients
• 4-pack,$14.99
• 16-can variety pack,$52

Wilder Whiskey launched on March 1, 2022, offering online sales shipped to 40 U.S. states. The 4-packs of cans sold for $14.99, and 16-can variety packs sold for $52, according to its website. Full Circle shipped all orders from its Florida fulfillment center.

Wilder Whiskey Seltzer varieties

• Grapefruit
• Orange Vanilla
• Peach
• Lemon Lime

"We are so excited to finally share our seltzers with the world, we think there is such a big opportunity in the marketplace right now," the company's CEO Hank Zapf said in a statement when Wilder Whiskey Seltzer launched.

"It's been a long time coming," Zapf said.

Wilder Whiskey's goal was to "craft a whiskey seltzer that is light, refreshing, and convenient for whatever adventure the day calls for," the statement said.

"We have a lot of work to do, but this is a step in the right direction," Chief Product Officer Will Bigger said in a statement at the time of the launch.

"We can't wait to see how our customers respond to the flavors and take part in our brand overall," Bigger said.

Zapf described his vision of a more convenient and affordable way of consuming whiskey when the product launched.

"I love whiskey, but the traditional way of drinking it is inconvenient. Nobody wants to lug around a heavy glass bottle with them everywhere they go," Zapf said.

"The goal was to create a way where you could still enjoy whiskey but make it more convenient and affordable to consume. Wilder Whiskey is meant to be enjoyed when you are outdoors, enjoying nature, out at the pool, or just relaxing in the backyard with your friends," Zapf added.

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"We can't wait to hear our customers' responses and thoughts, as well as see all their wilder experiences with our whiskey seltzers," he concluded.

Wilder Whiskey, unfortunately, learned that customers didn't respond the way they were hoping. The company apparently didn't take a big enough step in the right direction.

Related: Beloved brewery closes for good after comeback attempt