The past several years have witnessed a significant surge in interest in whiskey, particularly American bourbon and rye. This renewed enthusiasm has coincided with a concerted effort to foster a more inclusive environment within the American whiskey landscape, recognizing the diverse contributions that have shaped its rich history.
Jack Daniel, third from right center, seated next to "Uncle Nearest"'s son George Green.
Since its inception, black Americans have left an indelible mark on American whiskey. Figures like Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green, America’s first black master distiller who mentored Jack Daniel, exemplify their profound contributions. Beyond such documented pioneers like Green, countless unknown but skilled workers toiled in distilleries across the country, their expertise vital to the industry's growth and refinement. Today, a new generation of black-owned whiskey brands is emerging, celebrating this legacy and crafting exceptional spirits.
Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
Founded in 2017 by entrepreneur and author Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the legacy of Nathan Green. The brand has quickly become one of the most awarded American whiskey brands with a portfolio that includes Rye and Single Barrel expressions, all crafted using the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing technique Green helped pioneer. His legacy is carried forward by Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nathan "Uncle Nearest" Green, who ensures the authentic spirit of the brand's heritage.
Fawn Weaver (L) and Victoria Eady Butler (R) of Uncle Nearest Whiskey.
Sir Davis is an American whisky brand launched in 2024 as a joint venture between Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy. It is named in honor of Beyoncé's paternal great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, a farmer and moonshiner in the American South during the Prohibition era. The brand's American Rye Whiskey has garnered significant recognition, winning Platinum and Best in Class for American Whiskey at the 2024 SIP Awards and scoring 93 points at the 2024 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Kinfolk Trust American Whiskey is owned by TSR co-founder OJ Lima, who brings his vast knowledge of spirits to bear, sourcing barrels from his favorite independent distillers and NDPs and blending them for limited release. Batch 1 was released in Cask Strength and Preferred Proof versions and featured a blend of four barrels sourced from Bainbridge Organic Distillers and Dark Arts Whiskey House.
Recently featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Delta Dirt Distillery is family-owned and deeply rooted in the Arkansas Delta, where the Williams family has farmed for four generations. Building on their history of cultivating their land, they successfully transitioned from sweet potato farming to distilling sweet-potato based spirits, including their Arkansas Brown whiskeys, which reimagine bourbon and rye by incorporating sweet potatoes into their grain bill.
Brotha Whiskey is a brand rooted in the journey of its founder, Deondra Randle. Recognizing the need for more black-owned brands within the whiskey industry, Randle was driven to create a premium whiskey that offers an exceptional tasting experience while also reflecting diverse stories and heritage. Brotha Whiskey, which released its inaugural Fellowship Wheated Whiskey, aims to be more than just a craft spirit; it is a movement dedicated to inclusivity, authenticity, and cultural storytelling, seeking to unite people and create a legacy that transcends generations.
Old Hillside Bourbon Company, founded in Durham, North Carolina, in 2020, has quickly made a name for itself. Within just three years of its establishment, the company achieved significant recognition, including a "Best in Show" award at the TAG Global Spirit Awards in Las Vegas, demonstrating their rapid ascent in the bourbon market. They offer signature Bourbon and Ryes and limited releases that celebrate black history, such as Oliver Lewis The First Rye'd Rye, which salutes the black jockey who won the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875.
James Saunders of New England Barrel Co.
Founded in 2020 by James Saunders, Massachusetts’ New England Barrel Co. focuses on sourcing and blending bourbons and ryes. Their process involves importing barrels and selecting them for their Small Batch and Single Barrel programs, as well as for special releases. This approach allows them to offer a diverse range of whiskey profiles, many of which have earned awards and recognition within the American whiskey community.
Brough Brothers Distillery holds the distinction of being Kentucky's first black-owned distillery. Founded by brothers Victor, Chris, and Bryson Yarbrough, the distillery produces their flagship Brough Brothers Bourbon, which has received recognition, including a Silver medal at the USA Spirits Ratings. Their establishment marked a significant milestone for diversity in the heart of bourbon country.
Greenwood Whiskey pays homage to the Historic Greenwood District, often referred to as "Black Wall Street," in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded by Che Bailey, Sheldon Johns Hairrs, and James Roach "KG" Gordon, the brand aims to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and community.
Renard Blended Whiskey was founded by Renard Lewis, who ventured into the spirits industry as a passion project for his 40th birthday. The brand focuses on blending traditional and heritage whiskeys to create new and distinctive taste profiles, reflecting Lewis's dedication to crafting unique spirits.
Russ Smith and Cecy Linzey of Mr & Mrs Bourbon
Mr & Mrs Bourbon was founded in 2019 by NBA star Russ Smith and co-founded by Cecy Linzey. Smith fell under the spell of bourbon while attending the University of Louisville, where he was a star player on the Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team. MMBC offers several whiskey expressions, including the 90 Proof Traditional Kentuckian, the "1794 Batch" Bourbon - which benefits the Tennessee NIL, October's Bourbon - collaboration with musician October London, and their Green Oak Tree Rye, which won Platinum at the Ascot Awards.
Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey offers a distinct flavored whiskey experience. This award-winning blend combines aged bourbon and corn whiskies with natural salted caramel, designed to provide a balanced sweetness with only one gram of sugar per serving. It aims to offer a guilt-free indulgence for those who appreciate flavored whiskeys.
Diggs Boys Bourbon draws inspiration from a century of distilling heritage. The brand crafts its bourbon using a blend of malt, corn, rye, and wheat, combined with limestone-filtered water. This labor of love creates a bold yet smooth bourbon that's pleasing to taste.
Nineteen70Something is a Connecticut-based NDP founded by Obee Byrd, Paul Cannady, Dakar Franklin, and Sean Dorantes. It offers a range of bourbons, including wheated, 5 grain, and traditional expressions. These small-batch and single-barrel bourbons are crafted to appeal to a wide array of whiskey drinkers, from those new to bourbon to seasoned enthusiasts.
It's a family affair at New England Sweeter Farm & Distillery.
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery is a family-owned and operated business with a legacy of distilling passed down through generations. Founded by Robert Patton-Spruill, who learned the craft from his grandfather "Uncle Bob," the business was acquired in 2020 by his cousins, Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, along with their spouses Karl Lawrence and Kenny Young. This next generation continues to embrace the family's traditions, emphasizing craftsmanship and quality in producing a full line of spirits, including their Clark & Chesterfield whiskey and Monadnock moonshine brands.
Abisola Whiskey, founded by Abisola Abidemi, is a premium, small-batch spirit designed to appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and new whiskey drinkers. It is a blend of bourbon and malt whiskeys, offering notes of caramelized sugar, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and citrus zest. The brand emphasizes a smooth and light drinking experience, aiming to fill a gap in representation for modern whiskey consumers.
Shinju Japanese Whisky is a premium Japanese whisky that has achieved significant accolades. It received Double Gold, Best of Class, and Best Whisky awards at the 2021 Santé International Spirits Competition, even earning a perfect score of 100 from judges. Its high quality and critical acclaim position it as a notable entry in the global whiskey landscape.
The Future Of Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
The increasing visibility and success of black-owned whiskey brands represent a pivotal moment for the industry, showcasing a rich tapestry of heritage, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From honoring historical figures to crafting contemporary expressions, these brands are not only producing exceptional spirits but also actively contributing to a more inclusive and representative future for American whiskey.
Photographs courtesy of SirDavis, Jack Daniel's, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, New England Barrel Company, Mr & Mrs Bourbon, and New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery.
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