Columbus, Ohio-based Middle West Spirits is acquiring Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery for an undisclosed sum. Old Elk has a national distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s. Its strongest markets include Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Illinois, Texas, and California, along with Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Its key labels include Slow Cut Bourbon ($40), Old Elk 9-Year Bourbon ($60), and Old Elk Cigar Cut ($130). Old Elk’s Port Finished Bourbon ranked among Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2023.

Middle West is among the larger independent distilleries in the U.S., according to the company, housing both contract and branded operations. Its offerings include Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye Whiskey, Four Grain Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, and the Double Cask Collection, as well as OYO Barrel Finished Honey Vanilla Vodka, Vim & Petal Gin, and Lux & Umbra Gin.

Ryan Lang, CEO and lead distiller at Middle West told SND the company is “uniquely positioned to take Old Elk to the next level because of our operational depth and scale that has been put in place to drive our brands and contract partnership side of the business. Our distillation footprint has grown significantly, enabling us to support Old Elk’s growth ambitions. Additionally, our expanded Columbus campus—located in one of America’s top 15 largest cities—offers a dynamic consumer-facing hub that Old Elk can now leverage for broader brand visibility and experiential retail growth.”

Old Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez called the deal a “launchpad” for Old Elk. “We’re securing the future of the Old Elk legacy with dedicated production and a true home for our brand,” he said.—Daniel Marsteller