Black Business Month — The Complete Guide to Black-Owned Spirits Brands | The Liquor Connoisseur®
- connoisseurofliquo
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Black Business Month is August — and the Black-owned spirits category is one of the most dynamic and important spaces in the industry right now. Crystal and Roger have covered more Black-owned spirits brands than almost any other independent podcast. Here's the complete guide to brands worth knowing, supporting, and pouring.
Why Black-Owned Spirits Brands Matter Right Now
Black Americans represent a significant percentage of spirits consumers but have historically had almost no ownership stake in the industry. The last decade has seen a wave of Black-owned brands fighting through the three-tier distribution system to build shelf space, brand awareness, and sustainable businesses. Every bottle you buy sends a market signal.
The Complete List of Black-Owned Spirits Brands Reviewed by TLC
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey — honoring Nathan Nearest Green, the man who taught Jack Daniel to distill. The fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history.
→ Full Uncle Nearest Review
Sorel Liqueur — Jackie Summers' Caribbean hibiscus liqueur built after a near-death experience. One of the most versatile spirits TLC has reviewed.
→ Full Sorel Liqueur Review + Founder Interview Part 1
Black Momma Vodka — Vanessa Braxton, one of the only Black women to hold a Master Distiller title in the US. Their corn vodka beats Tito's in a blind tasting.
→ Full Black Momma Vodka Review + Distillery Tour
Du Nord Social Spirits — Minneapolis distillery that became a mutual aid hub during the 2020 protests. Exceptional apple liqueur and community commitment.
Brough Brothers — the first Black-owned distillery licensed to produce bourbon in Kentucky.
Loft & Bear Artisanal Vodka — Black-owned LA distillery. In Crystal and Roger's blind tasting, it beat Grey Goose.
→ Full Loft & Bear Review
New Dawn Distilling — Dawn O'Neal's New York distillery, launched its 6-Year Bourbon on Juneteenth.
Boogie Chillen Bourbon — John Lee Hooker's legacy in a bottle.
Ten to One Caribbean White Rum — Marc Farrell's multi-island Caribbean blend that Crystal and Roger say changes how you think about white rum.
How to Support Black-Owned Spirits This August and Beyond
Buy the bottle at your local spirits retailer. Request them at bars and restaurants by name — on-premise requests drive distributor attention. Gift them for birthdays, holidays, and corporate events. Follow the brands on social media and share when you try them. Book a TLC private tasting themed around Black-owned spirits.
→ Full Black-Owned Spirits Ranked List
→ Black-Owned Spirits FAQ
→ Taste of Black Spirits Brooklyn Day 1
🖤 Book a Black-Owned Spirits Tasting for Your Team or Group
Crystal and Roger lead private spirits tasting experiences. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings nationwide.
Comments