The Mission.
Straight Talk. No Chaser.

At Experience Distilled, we understand the complexities of the distilling industry and we’re here to help you navigate them with clarity and confidence. Our mission is to deliver expert consulting services that empower distilleries to thrive, with a steadfast focus on quality, efficiency, and long-term success.

We believe in honest, unfiltered guidance. Success is possible, and it won’t come easily. We're here to help you do the hard work it takes to get there.

The Experts

With over 35 years in the distilling industry, our team brings deep expertise in operations, distillation, leadership, and M&A strategy. We also specialize in crafting unforgettable visitor experiences, everything from guest flow and staffing to cocktail menus and retail optimization. On the sales and marketing side, we offer full-service brand development, pricing strategy, distributor outreach, and growth-focused digital support to position your brand for success.

A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a black jacket with a company logo, posing with crossed arms in front of distillation equipment.

Donald Snyder

Compliance, Finance, and Strategy

  • Distilling industry consultant and previous President/Founder of Whiskey Systems, has 20+ years in the alcohol and beverage industry including holding senior management roles at the Buffalo Trace Distillery and MGPI. Donald now helps distilleries of all sizes with internal audits and TTB compliance checks, business valuations, merger & acquisition support, team training and development, software utilization, and many other areas to drive profitability.

A smiling man with a beard, wearing a light gray shirt, sitting at a wooden table in a warmly lit restaurant.

John Little

Operations, Business & Brand Dev.

  • 15+ Year Business Leader offering a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate industry experience, specializing in Business Creation and Development, Strategic Planning, Product Development and Positioning, Operational Excellence, and Leadership. Founded and lead the Smooth Ambler Distillery to a successful exit. John now brings his expertise to help distillers, entrepreneurs, and spirits brands find their own success and make a meaningful impact.

Experience Distilled
Tool Box

Welcome to the Experience Distilled Tool Box — a collection of time-tested tips, tricks, and practical checklists built from decades inside the distilling industry. Think of this as your quick-reference guide to tightening up your SKUs, fine-tuning operations, and getting the most out of your software. From boosting profit margins and ensuring top-notch quality to transforming raw data into smart decisions, these insights help you cut the fluff, fix the gaps, and keep your distillery running like a well-oiled machine.

  • Take a page from the legacy distillers and focus your efforts on the most profitable brands. Ensure at least 50% Gross Profit Margin. Are the bottles priced correctly in the market?

  • Is your product the highest possible quality? How are consumers responding? Can sourcing bulk spirits fill in the production or inventory gaps? Is safety a priority for your team? Do you have the right-sized equipment?

  • Are you using all the bells and whistles from your software? Can manual excel sheets be improved or eliminated? How can we turn data into wisdom?

Ready to Transform Your Distillery?

Our team brings the expertise and tools needed to guide your distillery toward lasting success. Whether you're working to boost profitability or preparing for a successful exit, we’re here to support you every step of the way.