Delta Dirt Distillery Sweet Roots Arkansas Brown

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Earthy richness with subtle sweetness and hints of roasted grain
• Palate: Exceptional smoothness with hints of caramel, warm vanilla, and the natural sweetness of sweet potato balanced by rye spice
• Finish: Just the right amount of subtle spice with a lingering warmth and complexity

Meet the Founders: The Williams Family

Delta Dirt Distillery was co-founded by Harvey and Donna Williams, along with their sons Thomas and Donavan, representing the culmination of a four-generation farming legacy in the Arkansas Delta. Their story is one of innovation, perseverance, and honoring ancestral wisdom.

Harvey Williams is a former agricultural engineer with deep roots in farming. Growing up in the Arkansas Delta, he witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Black farmers and rural communities. His technical expertise and agricultural knowledge became the foundation for transforming their family farm into something unprecedented in American spirits.

Donna Williams, the Chief Brand Officer, brings strategic vision and passion for storytelling to the distillery. She recognized the power of their family's story and worked to ensure their brand would not only produce exceptional spirits but also inspire and uplift their community.

Thomas and Donavan Williams represent the next generation, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the family business. Together, the family made the bold decision to diversify beyond traditional farming and create something that would preserve their land and legacy for future generations.

The Williams family's innovative use of sweet potatoes—a crop deeply connected to African American agricultural history and heritage—honors their ancestors' ingenuity. Their great-great-grandparents worked this same Delta soil, and the sweet potato became a symbol of resilience and creativity in Southern Black farming communities.

Beyond crafting exceptional spirits, the Williams family is committed to community revitalization in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, one of the most economically challenged areas of the Delta. Their distillery provides jobs, attracts visitors, and demonstrates what's possible when heritage meets innovation. They're proving that Black-owned agricultural businesses can thrive in the modern economy while staying rooted in tradition.

FAQs

What makes this Black-owned whiskey unique?
Sweet Roots Arkansas Brown is unique because it is distilled using sweet potatoes grown on the Williams family's fourth-generation Black-owned farm in the Arkansas Delta, making it America's only true Black-owned, farm-to-bottle craft distillery. The sweet potato addition creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile while honoring African American agricultural heritage.

How should I drink Arkansas Brown?
Its signature smoothness and caramel notes make it delightful to sip neat or on the rocks, but it also elevates classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Mule. Its versatility makes it perfect for both contemplative sipping and creative mixology.

Is this product considered a bourbon?
While it is produced following all the same practices and guidelines as bourbon whiskey, the use of sweet potatoes in the mash disqualifies it from being labeled as traditional bourbon (which must be made from at least 51% corn with no other unusual grains). This distinctive ingredient gives it the proprietary name "Arkansas Brown," making it a category of its own.

Why sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes have deep significance in African American agricultural history and were a staple crop for enslaved people and Black farmers throughout the South. The Williams family honors this heritage while creating a flavor profile that's distinctly their own. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and smoothness that make Arkansas Brown truly special.