Black-Owned Spirits FAQ — Everything You Need to Know | The Liquor Connoisseur®
- connoisseurofliquo
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Everything you want to know about Black-owned spirits brands — answered by Crystal and Roger of The Liquor Connoisseur®.
What are the best Black-owned bourbon brands?
Crystal and Roger's ranked picks: Uncle Nearest 1884 (the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history, honoring Nathan 'Nearest' Green), Brough Brothers (first Black-owned distillery licensed to produce bourbon in Kentucky), Boogie Chillen Bourbon (John Lee Hooker's legacy), New Dawn Distilling (launched its 6-Year on Juneteenth), and Diggs Boys Bourbon.
Who is Nathan 'Nearest' Green?
Nathan Nearest Green was a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making in Tennessee — and was erased from that story for over a century. Fawn Weaver founded Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2017 to restore his legacy. Crystal and Roger reviewed Uncle Nearest 1884 and Fawn Weaver's book Love & Whiskey — both essential TLC episodes.
What Black-owned spirits brands are made by women?
Vanessa Braxton of Black Momma Vodka is one of the only Black women to hold a Master Distiller title in the United States. Dawn O'Neal founded New Dawn Distilling in New York, launching her 6-Year Bourbon on Juneteenth 2024. Crystal and Roger visited Black Momma's distillery and reviewed both brands extensively.
What is Sorel Liqueur?
Sorel Liqueur is a Caribbean hibiscus liqueur created by Jackie Summers after a life-threatening illness. Made from dried hibiscus flowers, clove, cinnamon, and other botanicals, it's one of the most versatile liqueurs on the market. Jackie joined Crystal and Roger for a two-part series on the brand's origin and how to use it in cocktails.
What is Taste of Black Spirits?
Taste of Black Spirits is an annual event in Brooklyn that brings together Black-owned spirits brands, industry leaders, and consumers for tastings and business conversations. Crystal and Roger attended and covered it in a three-part series — Day 1 recap, Days 2-3 highlights, and the Liquid Forum funding conversations.
How can I support Black-owned spirits brands?
Buy the bottle. Request them at your local bar by name — on-premise requests drive distributor attention. Gift them during holidays and celebrations. Follow and share the brands on social media. Book a TLC private tasting featuring Black-owned spirits. Every purchase sends a signal that these brands belong on every shelf.
🥃 Want to Taste and Learn With an Expert?
Crystal and Roger lead private spirits tasting experiences — live and in person. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings nationwide.
Comments