Old Elk Introduces Folds of Honor American Whiskey, Honoring Those Who Serve
Middle West Spirits and Old Elk Distillery introduce a new American whiskey supporting educational opportunities for military and first responder families.
Some whiskey releases are about innovation, others about tradition. The newest expression from Old Elk Distillery brings both together with something even more meaningful: a commitment to honoring the families of America's military heroes and first responders. Middle West Spirits, one of North America's largest independently owned distilleries, has announced the nationwide launch of Old Elk Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey, a new release developed in support of the nonprofit organization Folds of Honor.
Founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot and PGA professional, Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Since its founding, the organization has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships totaling approximately $290 million across all 50 states. These scholarships help fund educational opportunities ranging from K–12 private school tuition and tutoring to college, technical training, trade schools and graduate programs. According to the organization, 91 percent of every dollar raised directly funds scholarships.
A Thoughtfully Crafted American Whiskey
Old Elk Folds of Honor American Whiskey brings together three distinct components: American whiskey, Old Elk High Malt Bourbon and Old Elk Rye. The combination creates a layered expression designed to showcase the complementary characteristics of each whiskey style, balancing the richness of bourbon with the distinctive spice of rye.
Bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV), the whiskey offers an inviting aromatic profile of toasted oak, subtle leather and delicate vanilla. According to the distillery's tasting notes, the palate introduces sweet and tart cherry flavors complemented by warm baking spices and a touch of cherry vanilla. The interplay of fruit, oak and spice suggests a versatile whiskey that may appeal to bourbon and rye enthusiasts alike.
The release also reflects the broader capabilities of Middle West Spirits, the Columbus, Ohio-based distillery founded in 2008. Known for its grain-to-glass approach to whiskey production, Middle West oversees everything from grain selection and processing to distillation, aging, blending and bottling. Its portfolio includes Middle West Bourbon, Rye and Wheat Whiskey, along with Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey and several other American craft spirits.
A Partnership With a Greater Purpose
While the whiskey itself offers an interesting addition to the Old Elk portfolio, the partnership with Folds of Honor is what makes this release particularly noteworthy. The organization was established around a straightforward but powerful belief: the sacrifices made by military personnel and first responders should never be forgotten, and their families deserve opportunities to build successful futures.
Luis Gonzalez, Chief Commercial Officer of Middle West Spirits, emphasized the importance of supporting not only those who serve but also the families whose lives are forever affected by that service.
Through the collaboration, Old Elk and Middle West Spirits hope to bring greater awareness to the organization's mission while encouraging continued support for the educational needs of military and first responder families. It is a reminder that the spirits industry has opportunities to make meaningful contributions beyond the products it creates.
Availability and Pricing
Old Elk Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey carries a suggested retail price of $49.99 and is available for preorder as part of its nationwide launch. The whiskey will also be offered through the Middle West Spirits Distillery bottle store in Columbus, Ohio, and the Old Elk online bottle shop.
For whiskey enthusiasts, the release offers an opportunity to discover a distinctive blend from an established American producer. More importantly, it brings attention to an organization whose work continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of families.
Whether purchased for a personal collection, shared with friends or selected as a thoughtful gift, Old Elk Folds of Honor American Whiskey carries a story that extends well beyond what is inside the bottle.
For additional information about the whiskey, visit Old Elk Distillery. To learn more about the scholarship program or support its mission, visit Folds of Honor.

