Middle West Spirits has acquired fellow US distiller Old Elk Distillery to expand its footprint in the country.  

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

According to Middle West, the deal adds “nationally recognised craftsmanship” to its “expanding” portfolio, which includes whiskey, vodka and gin.

Middle West Spirits, established in 2008, is independently owned and operates from Columbus, Ohio.  

The company produces Middle West Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskey at its Ohio distilleries.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, Old Elk’s products are distributed across all 50 states through Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.  

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In a statement announcing the acquisition, Middle West said the move brings together its “robust infrastructure” and Old Elk’s “brand momentum”,

Ryan Lang, founding lead distiller and CEO at Middle West, called the deal a “meaningful moment”.  

He added: “Their agility in developing award-winning blends pairs naturally with our technical approach and scale.”

Just Drinks has approached Middle West to comment further on the deal.

In the statement, Old Elk CEO Luis Gonzalez said the acquisition is a “launchpad” for the business. 

“We’re securing the future of the Old Elk legacy with dedicated production and a true home for our brand,” he said.”

In March 2023, Middle West broadened its operations by establishing a second plant.  

The new campus, acquired in 2020, includes a 75,000ft2 distillery, a grain recycling centre, and a packaging and bottling facility.  

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