Drink the Bottles

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 ap...

  There's something about fall that invites us to slow down, gather with friends, and embrace the flavors of the season. Crisp apples, warming cinnamon, rich caramel, and, of course, pumpkin spice have become synonymous with autumn. While pumpkin spice lattes may get most of the attention, the season's signature flavors have found an equally delicious home behind the bar. This fall, we're looking beyond the coffee shop and exploring five creative cocktails that bring a little sophistication, warmth, and seasonal personality to the glass. From an indulgent espresso martini to a bourbon cocktail finished with toasted marshmallow, these recipes showcase how premium spirits can transform familiar fall flavors into something worth celebrating. Whether you're hosting a Halloween gathering, planning a Thanksgiving celebration, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these five cocktails offer plenty of inspiration for your autumn entertaining. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Ma...

In May of 2025, Middle West Spirits completed their acquisition of the Old Elk brand.  For sometime prior to that, we were struggling to see much inventory on shelves locally, knowing that some BIG things were likely on the horizon.  And, boy oh boy... we've got some really cool stuff to share!  We tasted these from media samples (not pictured). 10-Year Old Wheated Bourbon This straight wheated bourbon whiskey has a mash bill of corn (51%), wheat (46%) and barley (3%).  Mouth-watering from the first aromas to the warm and satisfying finish.  Vanilla bean, sugary caramel and toasty wheat fill the senses.  The same carries over to the palate with the addition of barn wood, milk chocolate chips and hints of red fruits.   ABV:  52.5% (105 proof) Suggested retail price:  $69.99 Drink The Bottles score:  94/100 10-Year Old Straight Wheat Whiskey This one a super fun to tasted because it is so different than much of what we have tasted rec...

We've been Old Elk fans for several years, always interested in what was next for this brand.  There were a few fleeting moments where we were seeing fewer and fewer selections on the shelves of our local liquor stores, and we were puzzled.  After some investigating, we found that this non-distilling producer, founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, has sold to Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio.  We were immediatley thrilled about the new ownership, as the Ohio distillery produces some fantastic bottles under their own labels.  Keep an eye out to see what becomes of this new marriage! In today's bourbon landscape, everuy brand seems to be searching for a way to stand out.  Some chas higher proofs.  Others lean heavily into barrel finishes and limited releases.  Old Elk, under the watchful eye of Master Distiller Greg Metze, took a different path.  Rather than focusing solely on what goes into the barrel, they spent years perfecting what happens aft...