About a week after suddenly closing, Rogue Ales & Spirits declared bankruptcy on Monday, filing legal paperwork that shows the economic ripple effect of its collapse.
The company and two subsidiaries filed Chapter 7, a type of bankruptcy through which assets are liquidated.
Combined, Rogue Ales & Spirits (legally known as Oregon Brewing Co.) and its subsidiaries — Rogue River Brewing Co. and Yaquina Bay Beverage Co. — list $5.6 million in assets and $19.6 million in liabilities.
The biggest debts include $594,000 in rent owed to the Port of Newport, $511,000 in taxes owed to Lincoln County and $66,000 in federal alcohol taxes.
The companies also owe money to dozens of small businesses that provide everything from cleaning services to internet access to canning equipment.
Rogue’s bankruptcy attorney didn’t immediately return messages. Rogue’s executives have not spoken about what led to the brewer’s sudden closure.
The craft beer industry has struggled recently because of increased competition and shifts in consumer preferences.
Sales declined last year for six of Oregon’s 10 biggest craft breweries, according to data from the Brewers Association. Rogue’s sales decreased 18% last year.
Rogue closed a location in Northwest Portland during the economic fallout from COVID. It closed Rogue Hall, near Portland State’s campus, last year.
This month’s closures included its four remaining pubs in Astoria, West Salem and Southeast Portland.