A Spirit Line Designed by
Master Distiller Brian J. Roan
Handcrafted small-batch whiskies
Each variety of inkwell whiskey is the product of Shmidt Spirits master distiller Brian J. Roan’s sole guidance. From grain selection to distilling cuts to label design and proof writing, there’s not a single aspect not under the direction of his individual vision.
Individually Proofed Bottlings
EVERY ASPECT OF DISTILLATION AND AGING AFFECTS FLAVOR, WHICH IN TURN AFFECTS IDEAL PROOF CUTS. WHY COMMIT TO AN ARBITRARY CUT? TO ENSURE THE BEST FLAVOR AND DRINKABILITY, MASTER DISTILLER BRIAN J. ROAN RE-CUTS, taste tests, AND HAND-LABELS at new EACH BOTTLING.
Beyond Traceable Ingredients to Traceable Craftsmanship
Locally Sourced Grains
MARYLAND IS A STATE WITH A LONG HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL EXCELLENCE. WE’VE MADE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL FARMS TO GET SOME OF THE BEST HEIRLOOM CORN AND NON-GMO GRAINS AVAILABLE.
Bespoke Artwork and Design
We’re fortunate to be close with a number of incredibly talented artists and designers. We’ve worked with Brittany Herbinko and Aimee Houck to make sure every aspect of Inkwell branding reflects our values and essence.
The Inkwell Line
Unaged red corn whiskey
The first addition to our new Inkwell line of craft spirits, this white whiskey is 84% bloody butcher red corn and 16% soft red winter wheat, all grown on small farms in Washington County, Maryland. With the aroma and flavor of corn muffins, this punchy near-moonshine is smooth, sweet, and warms you up on the way down in just the way you expect of an unaged corn whiskey.
wheated red corn bourbon
The first-ever bourbon whiskey produced at Shmidt Spirits distillery. This is an aged version of our Inkwell corn whiskey, with new notes of vanilla and sweet oak layered among the mellow sweetness of red corn and soft red winter wheat. The short finish includes peppery or minty notes.
Inkwell Candles
Further chasing a specific kind of bliss focused on perfecting those things which we love, we’re also selling hand-poured, homemade candles now. Scents to match spirits.
The Artisans Who Make Inkwell Possible
Pathfinder Farm
Bloody Butcher Corn
Our bloody butcher corn comes from this farm and moonshine distillery in Keedysville, Maryland. Master Distiller Brian J. Roan met Nate and Natalie Kraft at the Westminster Oyster Stroll in October of 2021, and upon tasting their shockingly smooth Red Corn Moonshine, he knew he had found the perfect corn base for Inkwell.
Ernest Grain & Livestock
soft red winter wheat and milling
At the suggestion of Nate and Natalie from Pathfinder Farm, Brian approached Josh Ernst at Ernst Grain & Livestock for both non-GMO wheat and milling services. Working with Josh to obtain the grains for Inkwell was such a pleasure, Arthur Shmidt decided to use Ernst’s corn and barley for future batches of Shmidt Spirits as well.
Brittany Herbinko
Artwork
There’s only one chance to make a first impression. The first impression most visitors to the Shmidt Spirits distillery get is the mural in our tasting room, which was hand-chalked by Baltimore artist Brittany Herbinko. A friend of Brian’s for over a decade, when the time came to commission an Inkwell logo, she was the first and only choice.
Two brothers are making some exceptionally well-crafted fountain pens.