About The Whiskey Lab
Founders Jay Roberts and Mark Sumlin quickly identified a problem as their love of scotch and understanding of the scotch industry developed over time. Many whiskey drinkers were craving something more interesting and personal than the same old bottles on every liquor store shelf, but interesting, small-production scotch was either unknown, unavailable, or too expensive for most American whiskey drinkers.
Problem solvers at heart, they quickly turned this challenge into a mission, setting out to solve the lack of access to unique, independently-bottled scotch for the U.S. market. The Whiskey Lab was founded to bridge the gap between bespoke scotch brands and curious American consumers by offering engaging education and fast, affordable delivery.
Built on the ethos of accessibility and individuality, The Whiskey Lab is designed to continually evolve, partnering with thoughtful craftsman to offer new and exciting brands, celebrating the rich tradition of whiskey while embracing innovative technology.
There’s no one right way to do anything and that includes enjoying whiskey. We continually strive to make high-quality Scotch accessible, breaking down barriers and creating a world of whiskey that’s more interesting, inclusive, and open to all.
The Founders
Despite being polar opposites in many ways, we’re consistently connected by our joy of spirited discussions, learning from each other's diverse perspectives, and a mutual curiosity for exploring the world of whiskey. Our backgrounds and points of view may be (at times wildly) different, but our core values remain the same: human connection is everything.
We built The Whiskey Lab to go beyond an online shop and create true community. A place where whiskey enthusiasts, from the curious newcomer to the seasoned aficionado, can discover, learn, and connect.
We invite you to walk this journey with us. Discover standout bottles that tell a story and make a statement. Experience the thrill of finding something new and sharing it with others. Here, every bottle is an adventure, and every sip is a piece of your personal story.
Meet Jay Roberts
Jay Roberts is a man of diverse talents and unyielding dedication for continuous improvement. From his early days in construction management to serving in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Submarine Officer to consulting in the Intelligence community, Jay has always been driven by a passion for precision, team building, and leadership. His academic journey includes an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, where he met Mark Sumlin. While serving in the C-suite of a tech start-up, Jay co-founded The Whiskey Lab. Here, he continues to blend his strategic vision with a love for whiskey, fostering a community dedicated to exploring and enjoying exceptional scotch.
MEET MARK SUMLIN
Mark Sumlin’s career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and improvement. Starting in public accounting, he quickly rose as a leader in operational strategies and enterprise risk management. Mark's innovative approaches in tax operations have redefined efficiency for global multinationals. He also holds an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, where his Paths crossed with Jay Roberts. As co-founder of The Whiskey Lab, Mark brings his strategic insight and high standards to the world of independently bottled scotch, offering unique selections to modern whiskey enthusiasts.
What are Independent bottlers?
Independent bottlers are one-of-a-kind people. They take their craft seriously, formulating casks as a labor of love, infusing rich history and Scottish heritage into every recipe. We respect and honor their unparalleled quality by sharing their thoughtful products with a modern, digital community.
From traditional distilleries set in rugged landscapes to the most innovative technology, we’re constantly exploring the evolving world of whiskey.
The Whiskey Lab is built on a vibrant, diverse community of open-minded enthusiasts coming together to share their passion, exchange stories, deepen connections and discover together.
Join us in raising a glass to the moments that matter most, pioneering new paths and savoring every sip.
