THE SHMIDT STORY
“I can make
it better.”
This is an assertion well-known to those among us with an ambition that cannot be satisfied simply by taking part. For those people, satisfaction only comes from taking charge.
Arthur Shmidt is no stranger to this impulse. An engineer who graduated from the University of Maryland, Arthur knew after years of sampling and enjoying quality spirits that he could make them better.
In the pursuit of this belief, he began a years-long process of education and experimentation, marrying his passion for engineering and his love of fine liquor. The result of this pilgrimage is Shmidt Spirits.
Located just outside of the city of College Park, the home of his alma mater, Shmidt Spirits is devoted to understanding the science and the art that separates a good liquor from an exceptional spirit, and using this knowledge of craft the best liquor you ever had.
Bottle by bottle, Shmidt Spirits seeks to set itself ahead of the pack in every way.
“Taste. Quality. Finish. The whole experience. You name it.”
Our Team
Arthur Shmidt // President
Arthur founded Shmidt Spirits as a way of pursuing his great passion for fine liquor. It also serves as the first step on a path that he hopes will allow him to achieve a personal dream—to be able to use a plot of family land in Mexico to cultivate agave that will be made into a luxury tequila named in honor of his grandmother.
“I can make it better”
Brian J. Roan // Master Distiller
Brian graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Journalism. In addition to overseeing recipe development and product production at Shmidt Spirits, he recently launched his own brand of whiskey made using only local grains, Inkwell Whiskey. The only thing he loves more than whiskey is his daughter, whom he shares his journey with as the company—and the memories—grow.
“I want to move beyond traceable ingredients to traceable craftsmanship.”
Ashleigh Newman // Director of Sales
Ashleigh is a proud alumna of the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Criminal Justice. During her four years, she played basketball and helped the team win their first NCAA Division I National Championship in 2006. She is very excited about her role with Shmidt Spirits and by no coincidence, her drink of choice of choice is whiskey.
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much of good whiskey is barely enough”
“ ”
taste the
Difference
There is a science to the production of fine alcohol. Each ingredient brings its own specific element to the chemical process, and each step in that process influences the quality of each element. Understanding the core science of distilling allows for the construction of a solid, meaningful base upon which to build a better liquor.
At Shmidt Spirits, our journey toward a truly distinctive and exceptional liquor began with learning this science - devoting ourselves to mastering the fundamentals so that we could begin on a solid foundation. This allowed for a more focused, more confident level of experimentation moving forward.
Because when you know the mechanics of what makes a good liquor, you can better pursue the magic that makes a fantastic one.
The difference between a manufactured product and a work of art is the personal touch of the artist. It takes more than academic knowledge to make something that feels real, that holds the soul of its creator. That's where the care and passion of that Shmidt Spirits team comes in.
From rowdy parties and posh bars to subdued gatherings and one-on-one meetings, we've spent the whole of our adult lives in the company of great liquor. A conversation over a bottle that doesn't open with a discussion about the contents of that bottle is unheard of. We have spent years debating and enjoying those subtle, ethereal markers that turn a liquor from a drink into an indulgence worthy of praise. Now, we're taking that adoration and applying it to our own spirits.
We aren't trying to make a product, we're trying to make a work of art worth signing our names to.
Mastering the basics and revering the grace notes means one thing—Shmidt Spirits knows quality. Quality makes itself known from the moment you pour to the minute after you've taken a sip. Color, aroma, taste, finish. These are the markers of a truly quality product, and no amount of technical proficiency or impassioned intention can make up for its lack.
That's why we have boots on the ground for every step of the process, why we monitor and test at every stage. Why not a single drop of liquor leaves our floor without us being assured, through our own five senses, of its unassailable quality.
That's because big talk only matters if you can back it up with something special, and we live to make something special.
Contact Us
hours of operation
Friday 5PM to 8PM (Cocktail Hours)
Saturday 10 AM to 5PM and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.
You can schedule a tour and tasting online with just a few clicks.
Get In Touch
We welcome all questions and comments regarding our team, our company, and our spirits. Use the below form to reach out to us.
You will receive a follow-up email immediately asking if you'd like to join our mailing list. We hope that you will accept so we can keep you apprised of everything we have in the works.
The Distillery
10360 Southard Dr.
Beltsville, MD 20705
