The Best Black-Owned Spirits Brands — Reviewed and Ranked by The Liquor Connoisseur
- connoisseurofliquo
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
The Liquor Connoisseur has reviewed more Black-owned spirits brands than almost any other podcast in the category. This list ranks every brand we've covered — by quality, story, and why they deserve a permanent place on your shelf. Every bottle reviewed on-camera by Crystal and Roger with full tasting notes. No paid placements.
🥇 #1 — Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
The brand that gave Nathan 'Nearest' Green his name back. The fastest-growing American whiskey brand in history — and it earned it with the liquid, not just the story. Honeyed, smooth, historically significant. Essential.
🥈 #2 — Sorel Liqueur | Jackie Summers' Masterpiece
Caribbean hibiscus liqueur built after a near-death experience. Jackie Summers joined us for two episodes. Sorel is one of the most versatile and culturally rooted spirits we've reviewed — pairs with everything.
🥉 #3 — Black Momma Vodka | Vanessa Braxton's Challenge to Tito's
One of the only Black women to hold a Master Distiller title in the US. We visited her New Jersey distillery and did a side-by-side with Tito's. Black Momma won. Buy it.
#4 — Du Nord Social Spirits | America's Community Distillery
Minneapolis distillery that became a mutual aid hub during the 2020 protests. Chris Montana built something extraordinary — and the spirits (apple liqueur, coffee liqueur, vodka) back it up with real quality.
#5 — Brough Brothers Bourbon | First Black-Owned Kentucky Distillery
History was made in Louisville. The Yarbrough brothers opened the first Black-owned distillery licensed to produce bourbon in Kentucky. The bourbon delivers on the landmark status.
#6 — Loft & Bear Artisanal Vodka | The LA Distillery Better Than Grey Goose
Black-owned, purpose-driven, and genuinely better than the premium mainstream competition. We said it. Our tasting confirmed it.
Also Reviewed: Boogie Chillen Bourbon (John Lee Hooker legacy) | MurMur Rum | New Dawn Distilling 6-Year & 10-Year | Diggs Boys Bourbon | Taste of Black Spirits event coverage
🖤 Book a Black-Owned Spirits Tasting
Crystal and Roger build curated tastings specifically around Black-owned spirits brands — the perfect corporate team event or private celebration. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500.
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