Greg Metze

Bourbon Distilling Excellence

Intro:

Gregory Lawrence Metze was born in April 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and while he spent a 38-year  career at MGP’s enormous Lawrenceburg, Indiana, plant, he still calls Ohio home. Metze’s is a name that resonates with reverence and admiration within the bourbon industry. As one of America’s most celebrated Master Distillers, his career spans decades of innovation, tradition, and craftsmanship, contributing profoundly to the heritage and future of bourbon whiskey.

The Early Years

Metze’s journey into the world of spirits began with Seagram in Indiana, a region with deep distilling roots. He joined that distillery in 1978, starting as a production supervisor. Over the years, he learned every aspect of the distillation process: the science, the artistry, and the nuances that separate ordinary whiskey from extraordinary bourbon. Under the mentorship of seasoned distillers, Metze mastered the craft, rising through the ranks to become Master Distiller of the Lawrenceburg facility.

Mastery and Methods

As Master Distiller, Metze’s approach combined respect for tradition with a willingness to innovate. He oversaw the production of iconic brands and managed the meticulous blending, aging, and quality control protocols that define high-caliber bourbon. His palate and technical expertise enabled him to create expressions that appealed to both classic bourbon lovers as well as adventurous new drinkers.

Signature Achievements

Metze’s tenure at what would become MGP is marked by the production of celebrated bourbons and ryes, including some that have won international acclaim. He led the development and expansion of sourced whiskey, a practice whereby craft brands purchase aged spirit from established distilleries, then bottle or blend it under their own label. In this way, Metze’s whiskey became the backbone of many small brands, fueling the craft movement and raising standards for sourced spirits across the industry.

MGP honored Metze in 2015 by releasing “Metze’s Select” bourbon. Metze crafted only 6,000 hand-numbered bottles of this unique expression, which is the result of marrying three distinct straight bourbon whiskeys, consisting of 38% 2006 bourbon (21% rye), 3% 2006 bourbon (36% rye), and 59% 2008 bourbon (21% rye), all made by MGP. Metze’s Select was always bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume.

Quality and Consistency

As Master Distiller, Metze was instrumental in developing high-rye bourbons and ryes, which earned a cult following for their spicy profiles and complexity. And while consistency in bourbon is a challenging pursuit, each barrel is unique, responding to the variables of wood, temperature, and time. Metze’s rigorous standards ensured that each batch met the reputation of its label. His blending expertise also allowed him to marry barrels in a way that created balanced, harmonious whiskey. While tradition is revered in bourbon, innovation drives the industry forward. Metze experimented with different grain ratios, proprietary yeast strains, and aging techniques. These experiments not only resulted in new products but also contributed valuable knowledge to the distilling community. But one of Metze’s lasting impacts is his role in the craft whiskey boom. As small producers sought to enter the market, they often turned to MGP for sourced bourbon and rye. Metze’s whiskey was lauded for its quality, enabling fledgling brands to gain credibility and develop loyal followings. This practice, initially controversial, is now widely accepted as part of the craft spirits ecosystem.

Legacy

Metze’s influence extends beyond the stills and warehouses. He has mentored a generation of distillers, sharing wisdom, techniques, and a philosophy of integrity. Through seminars, collaborations, and industry events, he continues to shape the future of American whiskey.

Later Career

After leaving MGP in 2016, Metze did not step away from the world of whiskey. Instead, he lent his expertise to new ventures, including Old Elk Distillery in Colorado, where he developed innovative mash bills and guided the production of high-quality bourbon, wheat whiskey, and rye. His work at Old Elk demonstrates Metze’s willingness to push boundaries while honoring the traditions of bourbon.

In May of 2025, Ohio’s largest distillery, Middle West Spirits, announced that it had acquired Olk Elk, giving Metze a reason to finally come home to Ohio for good. “This is a meaningful moment for both our teams,” Middle West Spirits CEO Ryan Lang said. “Old Elk has built a respected and beloved brand with staying power, thanks to a distinct blending and innovation philosophy that complements our grain-to-glass production model.”

Conclusion

Greg Metze is married to his wife, Joan. Details are unclear as to whether they have children. One thing remains certain: Metze’s career journey and his personal life are both emblematic of the bourbon industry’s evolution—grounded in care, propelled by passion, and enriched by honesty and transparency.

Contributed by Kate Byrne, Bardstown, Kentucky

with assistance from Tracy McLemore, Whiskey Row Section Editor