Renowned actor and entrepreneur Matthew Lillard known for his roles in Scooby Doo, Scream, The Descendants, co-founder of Beadle & Grimm’s, one of the world’s preeminent creators of premium boxed editions for tabletop games, joins forces with long-time friends and fellow fantasy aficionados, Justin Ware, a screenwriter and Tim Sparapani, Blue Run Spirits co-founder.
Together, they embark on their latest entrepreneurial venture, QUEST’S END WHISKEY, a super-premium whiskey targeted directly to fantasy fans and gaming enthusiasts through his new high-end spirits label Find Familiar Spirits.
Combining the storytelling acumen and influence of Hollywood with award-winning whiskey expertise, the first of four initial releases is QUEST’S END: PALADIN, a world class bourbon created in tandem with a unique brand-new fantasy saga, delivered direct-to-consumer in collectible limited releases. The whiskey itself is a super-premium blend of aged barrels from Kentucky and Indiana, selected and blended by Alé Ochoa, a rising star in the spirits world.
Together they are crafting curated whiskeys with the same attention to detail, commitment to authenticity, and feeling of kinship you get inside any dedicated and beloved fandom subculture. Tasting notes include that of vanilla and fruit in keeping with the noble aims of a Paladin, with an undercurrent of spice to reflect her fighting spirit. The bottle was designed by celebrated fantasy illustrator Tyler Jacobson, who is also providing all-original artwork for the all-new fantasy saga written by renowned Dungeons & Dragons game designer Kate Welch.
Chilled chats with Matthew about his latest quest, what his home bar is stocked with and his busboy past.
Photo by Manfred Baumann
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
A lot. That’s real talk. I have a D&D company, active convention schedule and a family. Not to mention, I launched a new spirits company in October called Find Familiar Spirits. Our inaugural launch project is called Quest’s End — Paladin. We sold out in two weeks and opened a waiting list… we ended up with 25,000 people on the waiting list. We then put Paladin +1 on sale for 10 days and sold more bottle than the initial launch. It was a great way to start a new company.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
I love playing D&D with my buddies. I’m also a huge fan of being a dad… so volleyball games, art openings, play performances. That’s really my “happy place.”
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
There’s a bunch of standard fare in my hometown that we rely on and visit often. For special occasions, I will order a Ribeye steak charred on the outside, medium inside, perfection.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
Anything without garlic.
Any favorite bars?
Not really any specific bars. What I do like is an adult type scene with low lighting and some fantastic music. I like my wife and I being the “old” people in the bar. I love hanging out with the young people… they give me fucking hope.
What drinks do you order when out? Favorite drink?
ALLLLL DEPENDS ON THE VIBE! Right now, I’m a tequila/soda and lemon kinda guy. I can drink that all night and not feel rocked the next day. If I’m celebrating, I start the night with a dirty ass martini.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
I do. Often. Don’t judge me.
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
QUEST’S END WHISKEY! And lots of it.
Have you ever been a bartender?
No. But I was a busboy for three years in high school and then a server for two years in NY. Until I got my first film Serial Mom—walked in and quit, never to return… YET.
If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Obama. He’s the GOAT.
