Five Black-Owned Whiskey Brands To Support
Whiskey has become the new "sexy" drink of choice, and in the past decade, Black-owned whiskey brands have emerged as some of the most exciting in the industry. These brands, ranging from small-scale to large-scale operations, are captivating consumers with their unique stories and exceptional spirits.
Recently, whiskey brand Jack Daniel's made headlines by becoming the latest company to discontinue its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In response to mounting pressure from conservatives, the whiskey maker's parent company, Brown-Forman, informed employees last week that it would also stop participating in an annual ranking of companies with LGBTQ-friendly work environments.
To keep you in the know, here are five Black-owned whiskey brands that not only add to the diversity of the spirits industry but also reclaim a heritage deeply rooted in the history of whiskey itself.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was founded by Fawn Weaver, the first Black woman to lead a major spirits brand in the U.S. The company pays homage to Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known formerly enslaved African-American master distiller in the world, who taught a young Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. Uncle Nearest is reported to be the fastest-growing whiskey brand in U.S. history and the top-selling Black-owned and founded spirit brand of all time.
Mercer + Prince
Mercer + Prince is a Canadian blend whiskey founded by A$AP Rocky. The brand is inspired by the rapper’s sophisticated taste and cutting-edge style. It consists of American white oak and Japanese Mizunara Oak to develop a spicy but sweet taste.
Kind of Blue Scotch Whisky
Inspired by the legacy of jazz legend Miles Davis and his iconic album Kind of Blue, this deep amber Scotch whisky captures the essence of his groundbreaking music. The blend, a harmonious fusion of Islay, Speyside, and Highland Scotch, offers a remarkable balance of rich fruits, smoky-sweet spice, and a hint of soft Madagascan vanilla.
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Greenwood Whiskey
Greenwood Whiskey pays tribute to the legacy of Black excellence in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District. This handcrafted rye whiskey, aged for three to four years, features a distinctive blend of rye and corn, delivering a rich array of caramel, vanilla, and citrus notes.
DuBlasé
DuBlasé is a premium whiskey crafted with natural ingredients and meticulously aged under the guidance of a skilled master distiller. Their signature expression offers a subtle hint of vanilla, enriched by natural spices, resulting in a well-balanced and robust finish.
