A Littleton-based distillery known as 52eighty Distilling, which has been producing vodka, whiskey, and gin since its founding in 2018, has announced its decision to cease operations. The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week, marking the end of its journey as it intends to liquidate its assets.

Founded by brothers Erick and Drew Demgen alongside their friend Lou Pacenta, 52eighty Distilling has encountered declining sales over the past few years. By mid-October 2025, the distillery reported a meager revenue of $72,629, a significant drop from the $97,900 generated in all of 2024 and from $158,040 in 2023.

The distillery sold its products through its website, various retailers, and its tasting room located at 10488 W. Centennial Road in Littleton, which has now closed its doors. The bankruptcy filings indicate that the last rent payment of nearly $20,000 was made in July 2025, with the lease extending until February 2028.

In the filings, 52eighty listed its assets at approximately $288,000, which includes $175,000 in equipment. Additionally, the company has about $10,000 worth of alcohol ready for processing and $6,000 worth of raw materials. However, the distillery’s liabilities total around $1.1 million, with substantial debts owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and Ready Cap Lending.

Each of the founding trio holds an 18% stake in the company according to the bankruptcy documents, which do not specify the ownership of the remaining shares. Attorney Robertson B. Cohen of Cohen & Cohen is overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings for 52eighty.