Butterscotch Bombs & Pumpernickel Rye: Middle West's Secret Weapon, Ohio Distilling Revolution Has Arrived

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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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