COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Middle West Spirits, one of North America’s largest independently owned distilleries, officially announces the appointment of Luis Gonzalez as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This follows Middle West Spirits’ acquisition of Old Elk Distillery in May 2025, where Gonzalez served as CEO. The acquisition marked a major milestone for Middle West Spirits, enhancing its scale, capabilities, and portfolio.
In his new role, Gonzalez will lead commercial strategy and execution, along with overseeing Operations and Marketing divisions. He will also spearhead the continued growth of Middle West Spirits’ robust contract distillation program, expanding its reach into international markets and enabling partners around the world to develop custom spirits under their own labels.
“This is an exciting chapter for Middle West,” said Ryan Lang, Founder and CEO of Middle West Spirits. “Luis is a proven leader who understands the power of people, process and brand. His unique ability to align strategy with execution will be key to accelerating our commercial momentum and unlocking new opportunities across our portfolio and the globe.”
Gonzalez served as CEO of Old Elk Distillery for over seven years, transforming it from a niche craft operation into a highly awarded, nationally recognized whiskey brand available in all 50 states. Under his leadership, Old Elk became known for its innovation, commitment to quality, and operational excellence, setting a new standard for American-made bourbon whiskey. He was instrumental in scaling the distillery’s custom mashbill program and launching several standout products, including the Signature High-Malt Bourbon, Master’s Blend Series, and Cask Finish Series.
“Middle West has long been committed to raising the bar in the global spirits industry,” said Luis Gonzalez, Chief Commercial Officer. “From crafting world-class whiskey and premium spirits for our own portfolio to partnering with some of the most respected names in the business, the team here has earned a reputation for excellence, innovation, and consistency—always grounded in integrity and honor.
I’m excited and grateful to join this remarkable team and serve the business as it enters its next era. With our state-of-the-art facility and forward-thinking approach, we’re positioned to grow both our branded and contract operations without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a distributor, a producer, or an entrepreneur entering the market, Middle West offers a partnership defined by trust, results, and long-term success. Through my appointment, I will carry on the company’s foundation that Middle West is a business that our partners can depend on today and for the future of the industry.”
Founded in 2008, Middle West Spirits is deeply rooted in Ohio’s grain belt and oversees every step of production, from seed selection to distilling, aging, blending, and bottling. The company offers a portfolio of award-winning brands, including Middle West Bourbon, Rye, Wheat Whiskey, Bourbon Cream, OYO Vodka, Vim & Petal Gin, Lux & Umbra, and now Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey. Following recent expansions, Middle West Spirits has become the largest distillery in Ohio and ranks among the top 10 grain-to-glass spirits producers in the U.S., serving both its own brands and a growing roster of partners across the craft and global spirits industries.
ABOUT MIDDLE WEST SPIRITS:
Middle West Spirits is an independently-owned distillery rooted in Ohio and recognized nationwide for setting new standards in American craft spirits since 2008. The company produces a portfolio of award winning brands including, Middle West Bourbon, Rye, Wheat Whiskey, Bourbon Cream, Old Elk Bourbon Whiskey, OYO Vodka, Vim & Petal Gin, and Lux & Umbra. Middle West uses unique Ohio grains and controls every step of the production process – from seed selection to on-site grain processing, distilling, aging, blending and bottling – all in its Columbus, Ohio distilleries. Middle West Spirits has earned more than 200 awards, including top honors from the ASCOT Awards, PR%F Awards, Beverage Tasting Institute, Heartland Whiskey Competition and more. Guests can enjoy the full Middle West experience at the Courtland Avenue Distillery, Service Bar Restaurant and Bottle Shop in Columbus, OH to purchase Middle West’s signature products. To learn more about Middle West Spirits, visit middlewestspirits.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
