Copyright The Denver Post
A Littleton maker of vodka, whiskey and gin is ceasing operations. 52eighty Distilling, founded in 2018, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last week. The business started by brothers Erick and Drew Demgen alongside longtime friend Lou Pacenta will liquidate its assets and shut down. The three men did not respond to requests for comment from BusinessDen. Filings show dwindling sales over the past three years. Through Oct. 14, the distillery posted $72,629 in 2025 revenue, compared with $97,900 in all of 2024 and $158,040 in 2023. 52eighty sold its liquor on its website, through some retailers and at its tasting room at 10488 W. Centennial Road in Littleton, which has closed. Filings state 52eighty last made its nearly $20,000 monthly rent payment for July. Its lease runs through February 2028, documents state. 52eighty listed $288,000 in assets in bankruptcy filings, with equipment accounting for $175,000 of that total. The business also said it has $10,000 worth of alcohol ready for “proofing, bottling or blending” and $6,000 of raw materials. The spirit maker reported $1.1 million in liabilities. Its two biggest creditors are the U.S. Small Business Administration, owed $560,000, and Ready Cap Lending, owed $204,000. The Demgen brothers and Pacenta each own 18% of the company, according to the filings, which don’t identify the remaining owner or owners. Attorney Robertson B. Cohen of Cohen & Cohen is representing the company in the bankruptcy proceedings. Read more from our partner, BusinessDen.
