E-Malt.com News article: USA, TX: Devils River Distillery files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Dave Bautista-backed Devils River Distillery in Texas has become the latest whiskey maker to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, The Spirits Business reported on May 6.

Based in San Antonio, Devils River Distillery filed for bankruptcy under Subchapter V in the US Bankruptcy Court for Western District of Texas.

The company reported assets between US$1 million and US$10m against liabilities in the US$50,001 to US$100,000 range. It owes money to creditors including Pollock (US$50,634), Persedo (US$19,270), and Parking Management (US$5,927).

Founded in 2017 by Mike Cameron, Devils River Whiskey has nine expressions in its portfolio and can be found in 36 states and five countries. It is distributed by 375 Park Avenue Spirits.

Devils River Distillery did not respond to a request for comment.

Bautista, known for roles in films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, joined Devils River as an investor in October 2023.

Cameron said at the time that the American actor’s involvement in Devils River was a “major step” towards the company “leading the diversification of Bourbon culture and elevating Texas whiskey”.

Cameron is also the president of the Texas Distilled Spirits Association and founded Rebecca Creek Distillery in San Antonio in 2007. He is also part of the Distilled Spirits Council of the US’ 2025-2026 Craft Advisory Council.

Last month, Oregon-based Westward Whiskey filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy under Subchapter V to restructure the business, after facing ‘significant liquidity challenges’.

Subchapter V can only be used by small businesses to expedite bankruptcy procedures, enabling them to negotiate a reorganisation, retain control of the business, and increase oversight.

Last year, a study into the distilling industry’s impact (based on 2022 data) on Texas found that the state’s producers contributed a total economic impact of US$831.7m. It also noted that there were 2,089,000 visits to Texas distilleries and a spend of US$459.4m in total by non-local distillery visitors.

The industry also supported 7,700 total jobs in Texas, the study noted.

According to the 2024 Craft Spirits Data Project, Texas was the fourth biggest state for craft producers with 177 distilleries – up from 163 year on year.


06 May, 2025