On October 1, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale of most of Westward Whiskey’s assets to a group of private investors who financed the company during its bankruptcy process. The transaction is expected to close by November 3, and the company will then operate under a new, 100% independent ownership structure. The bankruptcy process allowed Westward to restructure and position itself for success in a challenging business environment, and long-time CEO Thomas Mooney remains at the helm and will continue to lead Westward into the future.
While the global spirits market presents the most challenging climate in modern history, Westward has seen solid growth in 2025. Through the end of September, Westward sales grew by 53% versus the same period in 2024, already surpassing its total sales for the entire 2024 calendar year. Additional growth is on the horizon as the holiday season – traditionally the most lucrative sales quarter — is still ahead.
Thomas Mooney, CEO, Westward Whiskey said, “Today, we celebrate a new beginning at Westward Whiskey, a bright new future that will allow us to compete and win despite an industry slowdown and broader economic headwinds. Our new, independent ownership structure gives us the freedom and flexibility to lean into the parts of our business that continue to shine – including our Westward Whiskey Club, direct-to-consumer business, and select wholesale markets where we have partnered with Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits.”
Luis Fernando Leal, a principal of Aqua Ardens, the buyer of Westward Whiskey assets in this transaction, added, “Along with my partners, I am thrilled to play a role in the future of Westward Whiskey. We were among the original investors in the brand, and I have served on its board of directors since 2011. Thomas and the Westward team have the right vision, strategy, and ability to propel Westward Whiskey to sustainable growth in the coming years. This is a difficult moment in the spirits industry, but a tremendous opportunity for Westward Whiskey.”
On April 6, Westward Whiskey filed for Chapter 11 (Subchapter V) bankruptcy protection, a mechanism designed to allow small businesses to restructure for success in the future. Though consumer interest in Westward grew last year, this was a necessary step to address a liquidity shortfall and route to market challenges that had strained the business.