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Middle West Spirits has emerged as a powerful force in American whiskey, acquiring Old Elk Whiskey and expanding with a massive 75,000 square foot facility that produces 14,000 barrels every three months.

• Founded in 2008 by Ryan Lang with a commitment to Ohio-grown grains and local production
• Recently acquired Colorado-based Old Elk Whiskey to secure its future with a dedicated production facility
• Produces a standout four-grain wheated bourbon featuring dark pumpernickel rye that delivers butterscotch, caramel, and toffee flavors
• Scored an impressive 17/18 in our tasting, rivaling established brands like Booker's and Rare Breed
• Operates one of North America's largest independent distilleries with a grain-to-glass philosophy
• Manages over 25,000 acres of Ohio grain farmland to ensure quality control
• Works with Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Jackson, Ohio for their barrel needs
• Produces 15 brands including Midwest Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskeys

Join us at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and for our next barrel selection - a private Maker's Mark pick on Thursday morning, September 4th at 9am!

The American whiskey landscape is shifting eastward, and Middle West Spirits is leading the charge. In this eye-opening episode, we explore how an Ohio distillery has transformed from a small craft operation into one of North America's largest independent distilleries, culminating in their recent acquisition of Colorado's Old Elk Whiskey.

Ryan Lang founded Middle West Spirits in 2008 with a vision to create a true "Ohio bourbon experience." Unlike many who source ingredients from across the country, Middle West embraces a genuine grain-to-glass philosophy using exclusively Ohio-grown grains and partnering with Speyside Bourbon Cooperage in Jackson for their barrels. This commitment to local terroir is paying dividends as their whiskey gains national recognition.

The star of our tasting was their Michelson Cast Strength Wheated Four-Grain Bourbon (Batch 001), bottled at a robust 122.2 proof. What immediately captivated our panel was its complexity without astringency – delivering notes of butterscotch, caramel, toffee, and what one panelist described as "warm pumpernickel rye bread with butter." The unique four-grain mash bill features non-GMO yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, two-row barley, and dark pumpernickel rye.

During our Old Louisville Barrel Bottle Breakdown, this bourbon scored an impressive 17 out of 18 points, with particular praise for its thick mouthfeel, complex flavor profile, and lingering finish that rivals established barrel-proof bourbons costing significantly more. At approximately $70, it represents exceptional value in today's premium bourbon market.

Middle West's expansion has been nothing short of remarkable. Their new 75,000 square foot facility produces approximately 14,000 barrels every three months, tripling their workforce and managing over 25,000 acres of Ohio grain farmland. With this capacity and their acquisition of Old Elk, Middle West is positioned to become a dominant force in American whiskey production.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast looking for the next frontier or simply appreciate craftsmanship and innovation, Middle West Spirits deserves your attention. They're proving that world-class whiskey can come from unexpected places when passion meets commitment to quality and local sourci

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