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US distillery Death’s Door Spirits declares bankruptcy

Wisconsin distillery Death’s Door Spirits has declared bankruptcy and is seeking new ownership.

Vodka, gin and whiskey maker Death’s Door Spirits has declared bankruptcy

In declaring chapter 11 bankruptcy, Death’s Door will be able to continue operating following a restructure as it seeks a new buyer.

Death’s Door opened its ‘craft’ distillery – said to be the largest in Wisconsin – in 2012. The site uses grains grown locally on Washington Island to create its whiskey and other spirits, and has capacity to produce more than 250,000 cases annually.

In a statement the group said: “Death’s Door has been talking with new investment partners and potential acquiring groups for almost two years. The result of those conversations has been that a chapter 11 is necessary to close a successful transaction for the stakeholders in Death’s Door and the future of the Death’s Door products.”

The spirits maker, based in Middleton, has also “amicably” ended its commercial partnership with Don Q Rum maker Destilería Serrallés, which was first agreed in 2011. However, Death’s Door said its distribution “remains thriving and intact” after it re-registered its products with USA Wine West.

The statement continued: “We also want to use this time to reaffirm our many commitments, to our fans and supporters, to our families and friends, to the bartenders, restaurateurs, shop owners and managers, and last but certainly not least, the community of Washington Island that allows us to share the beauty and splendor of their home with the world.

“While this may seem like the time to stop and ‘wait and see’ with Death’s Door, [we] would urge you to do the opposite. Now, more than ever, we need your support.

“By choosing to buy our products, ordering it from your sales rep or off of a menu, talking about it and recommending it to friends, enjoying it at home with others during this holiday season, you are going to help the brand emerge from chapter 11 under new ownership healthier and stronger than ever.”

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