San Antonio-Based Devils River Distillery Files for Bankruptcy Under Subchapter V
SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 2025) — Devils River Distillery, a San Antonio-based whiskey maker known for its Texas-crafted spirits and growing national footprint, has filed for bankruptcy under Subchapter V of Chapter 11, a process designed to help small businesses reorganize while remaining operational.
Filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, the distillery reported assets between $1 million and $10 million, with liabilities ranging from $50,001 to $100,000. Court documents list notable creditors, including Pollock ($50,634), Persedo ($19,270), and Parking Management ($5,927).
Founded in 2017 by Mike Cameron, a prominent figure in the Texas spirits industry, Devils River Whiskey has expanded its brand to offer nine expressions and is currently available in 36 U.S. states and five countries. The brand is distributed through 375 Park Avenue Spirits.
Despite the filing, no official comment has been made by Devils River Distillery regarding its financial status or future operations.
The company gained national attention in October 2023 when actor Dave Bautista, known for blockbuster roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune, became an investor. At the time, Cameron described Bautista’s involvement as a “major step” toward diversifying bourbon culture and elevating the profile of Texas whiskey.
Cameron, who co-founded Rebecca Creek Distillery alongside Steve Ison, and currently serves as President of the Texas Distilled Spirits Association, is an influential advocate for the craft spirits industry. He was recently appointed to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States’ Craft Advisory Council for 2025–2026.
The filing follows a broader trend in the industry, with other distillers like Oregon-based Westward Whiskey also entering bankruptcy under Subchapter V in an effort to address liquidity issues. The provision allows small businesses to restructure debts while maintaining control of day-to-day operations, streamlining the legal process and enhancing court oversight.
Texas remains a major player in the U.S. craft distilling scene. According to the 2024 Craft Spirits Data Project, Texas is home to 177 craft distilleries, ranking fourth in the nation. A recent economic impact study revealed that the state’s distilling industry contributed more than $831 million to the economy in 2022, supported over 7,700 jobs, and drew more than 2 million visitors, particularly from out of town.
As the case moves through court, the future of Devils River Distillery remains uncertain—but for now, the brand continues to operate as it navigates the challenges of financial reorganization.
