The craft beer industry is facing significant challenges, as evidenced by the closure of Bosque Brewing Company, which announced it will shut down all of its taproom locations following a federal judge’s dismissal of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case on December 22, 2025. This decision was prompted by the brewery’s inability to reorganize due to excessive debt.
According to KOB-TV 4 in Albuquerque, Bosque Brewing’s closure reflects a broader trend impacting the craft beer sector, which has seen over 250 breweries in the United States shut down permanently in the first half of 2025 alone. The closures have been attributed to rising ingredient and labor costs, decreasing taproom traffic, and increased competition in the retail space, as noted by American Craft Beer.
Details of Bosque Brewing’s Closure
Bosque Brewing, which operated 11 locations in New Mexico, confirmed that all its public houses would cease operations on December 28 at 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. In a heartfelt message posted on its website, the company expressed gratitude to its customers and staff, stating, “Bosque has been built on community, and we are forever grateful to everyone who supported our taprooms.” The brewery had previously closed several locations, including The Drinkery and Restoration Pizza in Santa Fe, earlier in December.
Following the recent closure announcement, Bosque Brewing’s remaining public houses include:
– Bosque North, Bernalillo, NM
– Bosque Cottonwood Public House, 10250 Cottonwood, Albuquerque
– Bosque Heights Public House, 5210 Eubank, Albuquerque
– Bosque University Public House, 901 E. University, Las Cruces, NM
– Bosque Telshor Public House, 2102 Telshor Court, Las Cruces, NM
Despite the closures, Bosque Brewing’s beer will continue to be brewed and sold by Marble Brewery in Albuquerque. Some staff members from Bosque will transition to Marble, ensuring that the brewery’s legacy endures.
Impact of the Craft Beer Apocalypse
Since the so-called “craft beer apocalypse” began in 2023, the industry has faced unprecedented challenges. The Brewers Association reported a record number of craft brewery closures, with over 385 shutting down in 2023 alone. The situation has only worsened, with numerous breweries filing for Chapter 7 liquidation, including Dissent Craft Brewing from St. Petersburg, Florida, Iron Hill Brewery LLC from Exton, Pennsylvania, and Rogue Ales & Spirits from Oregon.
As Bosque Brewing concludes its operations, the broader craft beer sector appears to be in a state of crisis, prompting questions about the future of many independent breweries. The increasing costs of ingredients and labor, combined with a saturated market and shifting consumer preferences, have created a perfect storm for these establishments.
Bosque Brewing’s story is just one of many within the industry, highlighting the precarious nature of craft brewing in today’s economic climate. As the industry grapples with these challenges, the fate of craft breweries remains uncertain, leaving both consumers and industry professionals concerned about what lies ahead.
