Middle West Spirits buys Old Elk whiskey
Ohio-based Middle West Spirits has acquired Old Elk to “secure the future” of the whiskey brand by providing a dedicated production facility.
Middle West Spirits is expanding its national footprint with the acquisition of Old Elk and its related assets for an undisclosed sum.
Middle West is an independently-owned distillery in Columbus, Ohio, while Old Elk whiskey is based in Colorado, specialising in irregular grain bills and inventive finishes.
“This is a meaningful moment for both our teams,” Ryan Lang, founding lead distiller and CEO of Middle West, said. “Old Elk has built a respected and beloved brand with staying power, thanks to a distinct blending and innovation philosophy that complements our grain-to-glass production model.
“Their agility in developing award-winning blends pairs naturally with our technical approach and scale. Together, we’re not just expanding – we’re joining forces to preserve what makes each brand special while unlocking new potential. We’re laying the foundation for long-term growth with a shared focus on quality, transparency and customer relationships.”
Middle West recently increased its production capacity, completing a distillery expansion in January 2024.
Old Elk was founded in 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a portfolio currently available in all 50 states. In 2016, Greg Metze, formerly of MGP Ingredients, joined as master distiller. A leading non-distillery producer, or NDP, Old Elk previously contract distilled its whiskey at MGP.
“Since the day we launched over eight years ago, we’ve been laser focused on one thing: listening – truly listening – to our team, customers and partners. That focus has brought us to this incredible moment,” Old Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez said.
“Our relationships have always been at the heart of what we do and have been pivotal in shaping our journey. We’re wholeheartedly grateful to our extraordinary team, loyal customers and to our national distributor partner, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, for their trust and belief in our vision. I’m extremely appreciative to Greg Metze for his mentorship, craftsmanship and dedication to the team and his lasting impact and influence on the spirits industry.”
Middle West was founded in 2008, and leverages Ohio’s grain belt to manage every step of production from seed selection through distillation and ageing.
The company produces a range of products including Bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Setting a ‘new standard’ in spirits
“This acquisition isn’t just a milestone, it’s a launchpad. We’re securing the future of the Old Elk legacy with dedicated production and a true home for our brand, one that fans and partners alike can rally around for years to come,” Gonzalez added.
“As we grow, Middle West Spirits is doubling down on what matters most: delivering on demand, pushing innovation and building a best-in-class infrastructure that sets a new standard in the spirits industry.
Joining the Middle West family is a powerful step forward – and together, we’re ready to shake things up and make bold moves. Together, I see an exciting future filled with opportunity and shared success for our customers, consumers and distributor partners.”
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