Old Elk does use MGP (Midwest Grain Products) distillations as the base for their products. In fact, the MGP distillations currently account for an estimated 95% of Old Elk's overall production. While Old Elk has their own still in Fort Collins, which they use for their own distillations, it is the MGP distillations that form the foundation for their products.
I must admit, when I first learned about Old Elk's use of MGP distillations, it piqued my interest and raised a few questions in my mind. As a sommelier and brewer, I am always curious about the sourcing and production practices of different spirits and beverages. So, I delved deeper into the topic to understand why Old Elk chose to rely heavily on MGP distillations.
It turns out that MGP is a well-known and respected distillery based in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. They have been producing high-quality spirits for over 170 years, which is quite impressive. Many notable brands in the industry, both big and small, source their distillations from MGP. This includes whiskey, bourbon, and other spirits.
Old Elk's decision to use MGP distillations can be attributed to a few reasons. Firstly, MGP has a longstanding reputation for producing exceptional spirits with consistent quality. By partnering with MGP, Old Elk can tap into their expertise and benefit from their years of experience in distillation.
Another factor to consider is the scalability of production. Old Elk is a relatively new brand, and building their own distillery from scratch would require significant capital investment and time. By utilizing MGP distillations, Old Elk can focus on other aspects of their business, such as blending, aging, and branding, without the need to worry about the initial distillation process.
Furthermore, MGP has a wide range of mash bills and distillation techniques at their disposal. This allows Old Elk to experiment and create unique flavor profiles for their products. They have the flexibility to select different mash bills and customize their distillations according to their desired taste and style.
However, it is worth mentioning that Old Elk is not solely reliant on MGP distillations. As I mentioned earlier, they have their own still in Fort Collins, which they use for their own distillations. This indicates their commitment to the craft and their desire to have more control over the production process.
In my personal experience, I have come across several brands that use MGP distillations as a base for their products. While some might view this as a negative aspect, I believe it is important to evaluate the overall quality of the final product rather than solely focusing on the sourcing of distillations. After all, the skill of blending, aging, and finishing plays a significant role in shaping the flavor and character of a spirit.
To summarize, Old Elk does indeed use MGP distillations as the primary source for their products, accounting for approximately 95% of their overall production. This decision allows them to benefit from MGP's expertise, scalability, and variety of distillation options. However, Old Elk also has their own still in Fort Collins, showcasing their commitment to the craft and their desire to have more control over the production process. Ultimately, the quality and taste of the final product should be the determining factor in assessing the success of Old Elk's approach.