Whiskey News Worth Toasting To: Middle West Just Bought Old Elk

Big moves are happening in the world of bourbon and rye — and if you love a good pour, this one’s for you.

Middle West Spirits, the craft distillery out of Columbus, Ohio (you might know them for their Four Grain Bourbon or killer Double Cask series), just announced they’ve acquired Old Elk Distillery from Fort Collins, Colorado. Yep, that Old Elk — the folks behind Slow Cut Bourbon, the 9-Year Reserve, and the ridiculously smooth Cigar Cut.

This is more than just a business deal — it’s a big moment in American craft whiskey.

So what’s the deal?

Middle West has been growing like crazy lately. They’ve built out a massive new production space, expanded bottling lines, and are turning their Columbus campus into a whiskey destination. Now, they’re adding Old Elk’s top-notch lineup to their portfolio — and giving it a new home where it can keep growing.

Middle West’s CEO Ryan Lang said the company is ready to give Old Elk the space and support to keep doing what it does best. And Old Elk’s CEO Luis Gonzalez is all-in, calling the acquisition a “launchpad” for the brand’s future. Sounds like a win-win to us.

Why should you care?

Well, if you’re a fan of either distillery, this means more access, more product, and probably more collabs and releases down the line. It’s also another sign that the craft whiskey scene is leveling up — with bigger facilities, more distribution muscle, and brands teaming up to reach more fans.

Pursuit Spirits Gets a Fresh Look—And Bold New Bottles to Match

Big news for fans of Pursuit Spirits—the independent whiskey brand just hit the refresh button in a major way. They’ve rolled out a full rebrand, debuted new whiskey expressions, and even introduced updated proof points across the board. Whether you’re already a fan or just whiskey-curious, this is a great time to take a fresh look at what they’re pouring.

So, what’s new?

🔹 New Look, Same Great Juice
Pursuit Spirits has reimagined its packaging to better reflect the quality and character inside the bottle. The new labels are clean, modern, and a little bolder—just like the whiskey itself. It’s a visual upgrade that makes their lineup pop on the shelf while staying true to their small-batch, curated roots.

🔹 Introducing Barrel Proof
If you like your whiskey with a bit more punch, good news: Pursuit United Bourbon and Pursuit United Rye are now bottled at Barrel Proof. That means richer flavor, a longer finish, and a little extra warmth—without sacrificing balance. It’s the same carefully blended whiskey, just turned up a notch. They are also releasing 88 proof versions of their bourbon and rye while still producing their staple 108 proof products.

The folks behind Pursuit Spirits are whiskey podcasters turned producers, and they’ve built a reputation on transparency, creativity, and a genuine love for the spirit. This latest move shows they’re not just keeping up—they’re leading the charge in the craft whiskey world.

Whether you’re looking to rediscover an old favorite or try something completely new, Pursuit Spirits’ updated lineup is worth a sip (or several).

Explore the rebrand and shop the new lineup at: pursuitspirits.com
(And keep an eye out at your favorite whiskey shop—these new bottles are hitting shelves now!)

Big Win for a Small Distillery: This Colorado Whiskey Just Beat Out the Big Guys

If you're the kind of person who loves discovering hidden gems before everyone else—especially when it comes to your favorite pour—then you’ll want to hear about this.

A small, family-run distillery in Colorado just pulled off something huge: Root Shoot Spirits took home the title of Best American Single Malt Whiskey at the London Spirits Competition. Yep, they beat out a ton of big-name brands, proving that craft really can conquer.

So what makes Root Shoot so special? They’re not just distillers—they’re farmers. The folks at Root Shoot grow their own barley, malt it themselves, and distill it on-site. It’s a true grain-to-glass operation, all based in Loveland, Colorado. That kind of hands-on process means their whiskey doesn’t just taste good—it tells a story.

Their award-winning single malt is rich, smooth, and complex—perfect for sipping neat, over ice, or however you like your whiskey. And if you’ve ever wanted to support local, sustainable businesses with real passion behind them, this is the kind of bottle you want on your shelf.

The American single malt scene is heating up, and Root Shoot just proved that small-town craft can hang with (and beat) the best of the best.

Ready to try it for yourself?
Check them out at rootshootspirits.com and see what all the buzz is about. Cheers!