Columbus, Ohio – Middle West Spirits, an independent distillery based in Columbus, Ohio, has acquired Old Elk Whiskey and its related assets for an undisclosed price. The acquisition aims to strengthen Middle West’s national presence while expanding its portfolio of innovative and high-quality spirits.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Innovation
Ryan Lang, the Founding Master Distiller and CEO of Middle West, expressed excitement about the merger, calling it a “monumental moment” for both teams. He highlighted Old Elk’s commitment to creativity and innovation in whiskey production, which aligns with Middle West’s “grain to bottle” production model. Lang emphasized that the collaboration will not only expand both brands but also unlock new potential while preserving what makes each brand unique. He added, “Our shared focus on quality, transparency, and customer relationships sets the stage for long-term growth.”
Middle West Spirits’ Growing National Footprint
Middle West, known for its exceptional bourbons, rye, wheat, vodka, and gin, has been actively scaling its operations. In January 2024, the distillery completed a significant production capacity expansion, positioning itself for greater national distribution.
Founded in 2008, Middle West prides itself on controlling every aspect of its production, from seed selection to distillation and aging, with a unique focus on Ohio’s grain belt.
Old Elk’s Strong Legacy and Expertise
Founded in 2013 in Fort Collins, Colorado, Old Elk Whiskey is known for its unique grain blends and creative approach to whiskey making. Under the leadership of Greg Metze, a former MGP Ingredients master distiller, Old Elk’s whiskey has gained a loyal following across all 50 states. Metze, who joined Old Elk in 2016, played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s offerings, further elevating its reputation within the industry.
Luis Gonzalez, CEO of Old Elk, reflected on the company’s journey, saying, “Since our founding, we have been focused on one thing: listening to our team, customers, and partners. This focus has shaped our success and led us to where we are today.” He thanked their distributor partner, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, for their continued support and expressed deep appreciation for Greg Metze’s influence and craftsmanship.
A New Chapter for Old Elk
The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Old Elk, with Gonzalez adding, “This acquisition is not only a milestone, but a launching pad. We will ensure the future of the Old Elk legend through focused crafting and a true brand home that fans and partners can rally around for years to come.”
The merger represents a powerful step forward for both companies. Middle West Spirits is poised to leverage Old Elk’s established market presence and blending expertise, while Old Elk will benefit from Middle West’s capacity for growth and its commitment to industry-leading standards.
A Vision for Future Growth and Innovation
Middle West is committed to delivering on the growing demand for high-quality spirits while continuing to drive innovation and enhance its infrastructure. As the two brands unite under one roof, they are focused on setting a “new standard” in the spirits industry. Lang concluded, “Together, we are ready to move forward, transform, and take a bold step into the future, benefiting our customers, consumers, and distributor partners.”
This acquisition sets the stage for an exciting future for both Middle West Spirits and Old Elk Whiskey, marking a significant milestone in the spirits industry. The strategic partnership promises to bring new innovations and expand both brands’ reach on a national scale.
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