Big News in American Whiskey

Middle West buys Old Elk Distillery, a whiskey maker from Fort Collins, Colorado. This deal brings together two known names in craft spirits. They plan to make more whiskey and share it with more people. They also aim to keep making great products.

Joining Forces for Growth

Ryan Lang leads Middle West Spirits. He is the head distiller and CEO. Lang said this is a key time for both companies. He shared some thoughts in a press release. Lang noted that Old Elk built a strong brand. He praised their unique way of blending whiskeys. This method works well with Middle West’s style. Middle West handles everything from grain to bottle. Lang feels Old Elk’s skill in making award-winning blends matches Middle West’s large setup.

Lang explained the goal is not just to get bigger. They want to protect what makes each brand special. The companies are combining their efforts. They plan for long-term growth. Quality and being open with customers are important to them.

A Boost for Old Elk

Luis Gonzalez is the CEO at Old Elk. He called the purchase a “launchpad.” He thanked the Old Elk staff, customers, and partners. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a key partner. They help Old Elk sell whiskey across the country. They will continue this important work.

Gonzalez feels this step will help Old Elk’s future. He said the brand will now have dedicated production space. It will have a true home. This will give fans and partners a place to connect with the brand. Gonzalez added that joining Middle West helps them reach more customers. They can create new products faster. Together, they will be a stronger player in the whiskey market.

How Their Strengths Combine

Old Elk started in 2013. The company became known for its good sourced whiskeys. Greg Metze, a skilled Master Distiller, helped shape their products. Middle West handles whiskey making from start to finish. This includes picking the grain and bottling the final spirit. Middle West adds strong production power to the partnership.

Ready for the Future

Middle West recently finished a large building project in Columbus. This greatly increased how much whiskey they can make. This added space will help support Old Elk’s plans for growth. It gives Old Elk a dedicated place for production. Middle West’s bigger campus in Columbus also offers more to customers. Old Elk can use this space to become more visible. They can offer more experiences for shoppers.

The companies did not share the cost of the deal. However, joining seems to offer big benefits for both. This partnership looks set to bring exciting changes for fans and the whiskey world.

References:

  • “Exclusive: Old Elk Acquired By Middle West Spirits.” Shanken News Daily, May 13, 2025.
  • “Middle West Spirits Expands National Footprint with Acquisition of Old Elk.” PR Newswire, May 13, 2025.
  • Kimmel, Ashley. “Middle West Spirits Acquires Colorado-Based Distillery.” Columbus Underground, May 13, 2025.
  • Morrow, David. “Old Elk Distillery Acquired by Middle West Spirits.” Bottle Raiders, May 13, 2025.
  • “Old Elk Acquired by MiddleWest Spirits.” The Bourbon and Rye club, May 11, 2025.