Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery, has just won Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year Award at the 2024 Icons of Whisky Awards, the distillery states.
“We are immensely proud of Greg’s well-deserved recognition as Master Distiller of the Year. His talent and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Old Elk’s reputation, and this award serves as a testament to his craft and enduring legacy,” remarked Luis Gonzalez, CEO of Old Elk Distillery, in a news release.
Crafting High Quality Whiskey
During Greg’s time at Old Elk, the brand has flourished, producing countless award-winning products that have garnered recognition nationwide, according to the distillery. Throughout his career, Metze has made significant contributions to the industry with his unique approach to crafting spirits, such as his annual Infinity Blend release.
One of the ways Greg helps Old Elk to set itself apart from the herd is through a Slow Cut Proofing Process. Learning about this process from Nancy Fraley, a master blender and consultant who works with distilleries worldwide, Greg decided to adopt this along with his own processes.
“The science behind the concept is to preserve the very delicate and high volatility congeners that we work so hard to produce in our distillates,” explains Greg. “When water is added to reduce from barrel proof to bottle proof, heat is liberated into the product. Doing this in one or two steps, like most folks in the industry, liberates that heat all at once which can drive off delicate flavors.”
The Road to Being Master Distiller
Greg Metze became Old Elk’s Master Distiller after steadfastly racking up four decades of distilling experience at some other distilleries. In 2013, he was approached by the distillery’s founder to create a unique, signature mashbill for Old Elk’s Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the distillery states. Since then, he has crafted a large portfolio of award-winning products.
In the release, Greg commented on his win, saying, “This award is a tribute to all those who have shared their knowledge with me over the past four decades. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and want Old Elk to be my legacy. It is thanks to my smart and passionate team over at Old Elk that we can continue to produce world-class whiskeys. This is quite a special moment, and I hope this award serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in Old Elk’s whiskey-making journey.”
