Golden Moon Distillery Shuts Down Operations Effective Immediately

Posted on by Scott Dilley

Founded in 2008, Golden Moon Distillery has, over the last 16 years, become one of the highest awarded distilleries in the craft spirit industry.

Colorado’s Golden Moon Distillery announced Tuesday that its distillery has made the difficult decision to close its doors. This comes several months after the distillery announced on social media that it was seeking a buyer. Golden Moon founder, Stephen Gould, previously appeared as a guest on Bourbon Lens podcast (way back in Episode 46).

Full Press Release from Golden Moon

We are saddened to announce that Golden Moon Distillery is ceasing operations effective immediately.

Founded in 2008, Golden Moon Distillery has, over the last 16 years, become one of the highest awarded distilleries in the craft spirit industry. This includes dozens of major awards for our whiskies and spirits, including winning Gold or Double Gold Medals for every single-malt product (whiskey and shochu) we’ve produced at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the top spirits industry competitions in the world today. Golden Moon Distillery was also named at Distillery of the Year in 2019 by the American Distilling Institute, received honorable mention for Gin Distillery of the Year in 2021 by Gin Magazine/Icons of Gin, and was named as “Best Distillery in Colorado” three times by Westword, 2016, 2020 and 2023 (the only Colorado distillery to receive this accolade more than once), and Top Distillery in Denver by 5280 in 2015.

Golden Moon Speakeasy, Golden Moon Distillery’s tasting room and cocktail lounge has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named Gin Bar of the Year 2021 by Gin Magazine / Icons of Gin, Best Classic Cocktail Bar in Denver by Westword in 2015 and being listed as one of the top cocktail destinations in either Denver or Colorado several dozen times by various publications including 5280, Eater, Thrillist, Vin Pair and others.

The various events of the last several years, including the trade wars, COVID, the war in Ukraine and a variety of more local external and political issues have all negatively affected both the company’s operations and our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue to pursue our business plan in the current economic environment.

According Golden Moon Distillery’s Founder, Mr. Stephen Gould, “This is all very sad. Until a few weeks ago we thought we had a buyer/investor that would have allowed the company to continue to grow and prosper, but they unfortunately were unable to deliver the investment and resources they promised. As such the company is now out of cash and time and we have no alternative at this point. We will keep Golden Moon Speakeasy operating in the near term, as we look at ways to keep that part of the business intact, likely with new ownership. That is assuming the bank allows us to do so. We appreciate all the support we’ve received over the years. My co-Founder, Karen Knight and I and the entire Golden Moon Team will miss you all …”

Golden Moon Distillery produces the Golden Moon Brand, REDUX Absinthe, the Gun Fighter American Whiskey brand and the Olde Blackhawk Spirits brand.

The company’s assets will be liquidated by Live Oak Bank in accordance with their interpretation of SBA regulations in the near future.

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