Middle West Spirits-Owned Old Elk Distillery Announces Nationwide Launch of Folds of Honor American Whiskey To Support Military Heroes and First Responders

Award-Winning Whiskey Producer Supports the Mission of Honoring
Service and Celebrating America

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Middle West Spirits, one of North America's largest independently owned distilleries, is proud to announce the launch of the Old Elk Distillery Folds of Honor Blended American Whiskey, developed to support the mission of Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a 501 non-profit organization providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled service members and first responders. Through their philosophy to "honor their sacrifice; educate their legacy," Folds of Honor has awarded 62,000 scholarships valued at $290 million.

"Folds of Honor is an organization that is close to our hearts, and we consider it a privilege and duty to offer support to American heroes," said Luis Gonzalez, CCO of Middle West Spirits. "Our goal is to help our hard-working service members and their families. We want to aid all those in need, not just the ones on the front lines. Through this partnership, we hope to make an impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so greatly for our country."

Old Elk Folds of Honor American Whiskey is a blend of American whiskey, Old Elk High Malt Bourbon and Old Elk Rye. On the nose, the spirit offers inviting notes of toasted oak, subtle hints of leather and a delicate undertone of vanilla. On the palate, the whiskey has a harmonious blend of sweet and tart cherry, complemented by warm baking spices and a touch of cherry vanilla.

"Being able to provide hope and support to these families is truly the ultimate reward for us as a team, and we couldn't do what we do without the partnerships and people who also believe in this amazing mission," said Luke Sherman, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for Folds of Honor. "Working with Old Elk, an American whiskey that wholeheartedly believes in our purpose, showcases the power of two American organizations coming together to support a critical cause. We are excited to change lives together."

The Old Elk Folds Of Honor American Whiskey is now available for preorder at an SRP of $49.99. This release will also be available at the Middle West Spirits Distillery bottle store and online at the Old Elk bottle shop.

For more information, visit oldelk.com or follow Old Elk on Instagram, @oldelkbourbon.

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. 

ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR: Folds of Honor is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of US military service members and first responders who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country and communities. Our educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school, and post-graduate work, including a master's degree, doctorate, or professional program. Funds for a second bachelor's degree or trade/technical program certification are also available.

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 62,000 scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 45 percent are minorities. A total of 91 percent of every dollar raised directly funds scholarships. Folds of Honor was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq) and PGA Professional. He is currently stationed at Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship visit foldsofhonor.org.

Media Contact:
Collin Smith
Colangelo & Partners
[email protected]

SOURCE Middle West Spirits