Spotlight on Spirit Shop of Annapolis

Interviewer: Welcome to the spotlight on Spirit Shop of Annapolis! What inspired you to start Spirit Shop of Annapolis?

Kris: Spirit Shop of Annapolis really started with a simple idea: we wanted to create the kind of liquor store we always wished existed. Steve and I both share a passion for great wine, spirits, beer, and cocktails, but we also noticed that buying them could sometimes feel intimidating or transactional. We wanted to build a place where everyone—from someone grabbing a bottle of wine for dinner to a seasoned bourbon collector—would feel welcome and genuinely enjoy the experience.

Our goal wasn't just to sell bottles; it was to create a destination centered around education, discovery, and community. That's why we focus so much on complimentary tastings, personalized recommendations, unique barrel selections, and introducing customers to products they may never have discovered otherwise. We love helping someone find a new favorite bottle or the perfect gift just as much as we enjoy tracking down a rare allocated whiskey.

Opening Spirit Shop of Annapolis has been an incredible journey. Being welcomed by the community and recently being named Best Liquor Store in Annapolis has been both humbling and rewarding. It reinforces that people appreciate having a locally owned business where relationships matter, customer service comes first, and every person who walks through the door is treated like family.

Interviewer: Your commitment to creating a welcoming and educational environment in the spirits industry really sets Spirit Shop of Annapolis apart! What would you say is your signature offering that draws people to your store?

Kris: I think what really sets us apart is that we don't just sell alcohol—we create an experience. We have one of the largest complimentary tasting selections in the area, with dozens of spirits open every day for customers to sample before they buy. Add to that our weekly guided tastings featuring wineries, distilleries, and breweries, and there's always something new to discover.

Another signature offering is our exclusive single barrel program and Barrel Club. We personally select unique barrels from distilleries around the country, giving our customers access to bottles they simply can't find anywhere else. Whether someone is an experienced whiskey enthusiast or just starting their journey, we love sharing the story behind each bottle and helping them discover something special.

Beyond the products, though, I think what people remember most is how they're treated when they walk through our doors. We take the time to ask questions, understand what they're looking for, and make recommendations based on their tastes—not based on what's most expensive. We've worked hard to create a place where people feel comfortable asking questions, trying something new, and coming back because they know they're among friends. That's the part we're most proud of.

Interviewer: It sounds like you've cultivated a community-focused atmosphere that truly resonates with your customers. Could you share where the name "Spirit Shop of Annapolis" comes from?

Kris: The name actually has a pretty meaningful story behind it. Before opening the retail store, Steve and I owned Spirits On Site, our mobile bartending and event service. We liked the word "Spirits" because it represents more than just distilled beverages—it also reflects hospitality, celebration, and bringing people together. When we decided to open a liquor store, it felt natural to carry that identity forward.

Around the same time, a member of our family had opened Spirit Shop on Falls Road. They became one of the primary suppliers for Spirits On Site, and we quickly developed a great working relationship. We loved the "Spirit Shop" name and the connection it created, so when it came time to open our own store in Annapolis, we chose Spirit Shop of Annapolis.

Today, the connection has grown into something really special. While we're independently owned and operated, we work closely with Spirit Shop on Falls Road as sister stores. We collaborate on exclusive barrel selections, share ideas and cocktail recipes, and learn from one another—all while serving our own local communities. It's been a great partnership, and one that benefits our customers by giving them access to even more unique products and experiences.

Interviewer: The connection between the two stores and the shared name reflects both heritage and community, which is wonderful. Do you have a favorite moment or story from running Spirit Shop of Annapolis that stands out to you?

Kris: There have been a lot of memorable moments, but the one that will always stick with me happened just a few days before we opened. Our first inventory orders started arriving, and by the end of the day our back room was completely filled with boxes—literally stacked higher than I am. It looked impossible.

Steve and I spent the entire night opening boxes, stocking shelves, organizing displays, and trying to turn an empty storefront into the vision we'd been working toward for months. We were exhausted, but there was also this incredible feeling that it was finally becoming real.

What I remember most, though, is that after we had unpacked thousands of bottles and the shelves were finally full, I stood there looking around and had the exact opposite thought than most people would expect: "Oh no... do we have enough?" After all that work, I was still worried we'd missed something or that our selection wouldn't be enough for customers.

Looking back now, it's funny because that first order turned out to be exactly what we hoped it would be—a thoughtfully curated selection with something for everyone. That moment of excitement mixed with doubt probably sums up what it's like to start a small business. You put everything you have into it, hope you've made the right decisions, and then trust that the community will embrace what you've built. Fortunately for us, Annapolis did, and we're incredibly grateful for that.

Interviewer: What an inspiring journey! The blend of passion, hard work, and community connection is truly at the heart of Spirit Shop of Annapolis. Thank you for sharing your story with us—we look forward to seeing what comes next for you and the team!

Kris: Thank you! We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our story. We owe so much of our success to our incredible customers and the Annapolis community for embracing us from day one. Steve and I are excited for what the future holds, and we're committed to continuing to bring new products, unique experiences, and exceptional service to everyone who walks through our doors. We hope everyone will stop in, say hello, and let us help them discover their next favorite bottle. Cheers!