Why Candles?

We admit that it might not make a lot of sense or seem at all logical that a distillery specializing in whiskey would decide to make candles, too. In fact when people come to the distillery and see and smell the candles burning they usually take a beat or two to realize that the candles are for sale; then they’re shocked to find out that Master Distiller Brian Roan actually makes them himself in his home kitchen.

Born of a love of what a burning candle adds to a room—the subtle scent, the gentle ambiance and warmth—and an abundance of empty rocks glasses and used bottles, Inkwell Candle Co. is an unexpected but delightful addition to the Shmidt Spirits family of products. With scents inspired by Shmidt Spirits Distinctively Finished Cobalt Rye and Viridian Gin—in addition to a whiskey-inspired scent of Brian’s own devising—there’s a candle for everyone. As a gift for your non-drinking friends or a compliment to your spirit of choice, you’ll love what our candles add to a room and a moment.

Tumbler Candles

Spirits-inspired scents in a usable rocks glass

For fans of Shmidt Spirits Cobalt Rye Whiskey and Viridian Gin, we have a special pair of scented container candles. Light the double wicks and this sustainable soy-coconut blend releases your choice of Cobalt (whiskey and brown sugar) or Viridian (dry gin, lavender, and blood orange) scent. Once you’ve burned the candle to completion, simply stick it in the freezer and chip out or double-boil to melt and pour out the remaining wax. Hand or machine wash and suddenly you have a brand new Shmidt Spirits-branded rocks glass to enjoy a drink in.

Cut-Bottle Candles

writer-inspired scents in cut-and-sanded used spirits bottles

The idea behind making candles came about because of our growing concern over the amount of empty, used bottles we had on hand. Between samples and cocktails, we were recycling a large amount of spent bottles, but we thought there was a better use. We made a few lamps, a couple of ill-fated terraria. Then, Brian got a simple glass cutter and some sheets of sandpaper, and voila! The Inkwell cut-bottle candle was born. Help us give second life to our old bottles and treat yourself to a cool glowing reminder of your favorite spirit.

Match Holder

A cut-glass match holder with striker

When Brian looked at the bottle tops left over from creating the cut-bottle candle containers, he knew there had to be a use for them. They just looked too perfect and functional. But what? Candy bowl? Planter? Taper candle holder? It wasn’t until he dropped some matches into one to test how it might look as a bud vase that the obvious became apparently—this was the perfect partner for a cut-bottle candle; a handsome way to display matches. Adding a striker strip on the side was the final touch to make the match holder complete.