A Beloved Whiskey Brand Just Went Bankrupt, but the Doors Remain Open

Monday, 20 October 2025 at 08:10

The American distillery behind the whiskey brand Westward has officially thrown in the towel. The whiskey maker had been struggling for some time and has now voluntarily declared bankruptcy. The reason is a tactical restart under private management.

FAQ

Where is Westward Whiskey made?
Portland Oregon.

Has Westward Whiskey closed?
No. The distillery was under severe strain, but the doors have always remained open.

How long does Westward Whiskey age?
Between 5 and 12 years.

In April it was already revealed that Westward Whiskey was having difficulties. Liquidity problems arose due to high investments and huge supplies that were left lying around. However, Thomas Mooney, the director, was still talking about ‘a bright future for the distillery'. What he meant then, is being revealed now.

Westward under private flag

The distillery has indeed officially declared bankruptcy with the option to sell the assets to a group of private individuals. These investors chose to take over the distillery, after they had already ensured Westward could stay afloat.

Aqua Ardens, as the group is named, officially takes the helm in November, while Mooney remains the director. Mooney responded to the news with a positive outlook on the future.

‘Our new independent ownership structure gives us the freedom and flexibility to focus on the parts of our business that continue to shine, including our Westward Whiskey Club, our direct sales to consumers and selected wholesale markets where we collaborate with Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits.’

- Thomas Mooney

Secure a bottle of Westward Single Malt Whiskey here

The team of Westward Whiskey ‘has the right vision’

Luis Fernande Leal, the chairman of Aqua Ardens, says that the group initially invested in the distillery and will continue to do so. According to him, the distillery team has the right vision, but has simply faced some setbacks.

Now that the distillery has been officially acquired and can proceed, everything should be back on the right track with the numbers. The distillery has had even more to celebrate recently. The sales of the whiskey have risen by 53% compared to last year. As a result, more has been sold this year than in the entire of 2024.