The distilled spirits industry has faced economic challenges over the last year as high inflation suppressed demand for distilled liquor, as well as more expensive, premium bottles of spirits.
Spirit supplier sales in the U.S. declined 1.1% in 2024 for a total of $37.2 billion, while volumes rose 1.1% to 312.2 million 9-liter cases, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reported in its Annual Economic Briefing in February 2025.
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The council also reported that tariffs on spirits would further curtail industry growth.
Related: Another popular whiskey brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The decline in demand for alcohol and spirits has led to several whiskey producers and retailers to either file for bankruptcy protection or close down their operations.
Craft spirits producer Boston Harbor Distillery, which makes whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, and distilled beer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 31, seeking to reorganize its business.
Boston Harbor Distillery was established in 2012 by Samuel Adams brewer Boston Beer Company’s co-founder Rhonda Kallman.
The distillery occupies a historic building in Dorchester, Mass., that was built in 1859 and housed a hot-forged horse nail maker that supplied both sides in the Civil War. The building subsequently was occupied by George Lawley & Son Shipyard and a Seymour’s Ice Cream factory.
Westward Whiskey files for bankruptcy
The parent company of popular high-end whiskey brand Westward Whiskey filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 6 to reorganize its business, facing significant liquidity challenges.
The Portland, Ore.-based whiskey maker’s parent, House Spirits Distillery LLC, filed its Subchapter V petition facing financial distress brought on by the decline in demand for alcohol and spirits following the Covid pandemic, overproduction of its whiskeys as a result of a buildup of inventory, overcapacity of its distillery facilities after investing heavily in production capacity, and increased costs and inflation from the overall global economy.
Popular whiskey company closes its business and liquidates.
Image source: Shutterstock
McCallum & Sons closes and liquidates its businessÂ
Finally, McCallum & Sons Whisky Co., a premier boutique Scotch whisky and cognac bottle shop, revealed on its website that it is liquidating its inventory and closing permanently on April 30, 2025.
Related: Popular whiskey brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Tacoma, Wash.-based company has not indicated whether it will file for bankruptcy.
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McCallum & Sons in January posted a message on social media revealing that it was closing and liquidating its business.
“Closing. After much deliberation, we have decided to close the doors of McCallum & Sons Whisky Co. on April 30, 2025. We have appreciated you all being part of this journey with us.
“We will be liquidating inventory over the next few months and hope to see all of your faces on our way out.
“There are a few barrels that will come on for club releases that will still go out. Cheers. Maxine and Glen McCallum,” the message concluded.
The company offers Fine & Rare bottles, which include Camus Cognac Jubilee 5.50, for $33,000 per bottle; The Macallan Fine & Rare 1979, $27,000; The Macallan Fine & Rare 1989, $21,000; The Macallan Fine & Rare 1991, $19,200; Camus Cognac Cuvée, $8,750; The Balvenie 40 Year Old, $6,800; The Dalmore 30 Year 2021 Edition, $5,500; Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac, $4,500; The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Year Old, $2,500; and Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996, $1,290.
McCallum & Son’s Fine & Rare spirits are available for in-store purchase only. The company’s website provides informational and promotional messages and does not have an online store.Â
McCallum & Sons is open Tuesday through Saturday. It operates by appointment only on Monday and is closed on Sunday.Â
The company also offered several membership clubs, including American Whiskey Club, with a $60-$110 quarterly price range; International Whisky Club, with an $80 to $150 quarterly price range; Cocktail Club, with a $50 to $120 semi-annual price range; and a Luxury Club that was at capacity.
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