Whiskey and Bourbon
Whiskey and bourbon are popular spirits with a rich history. Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden casks, while bourbon, a type of American whiskey, must contain at least 51% corn and be aged in new charred oak barrels. The contributions of Black people to the industry are significant, with figures like Nathan "Nearest" Green, an African American master distiller, playing a crucial role. Today, there is a growing recognition of Black individuals in the whiskey and bourbon industry, with more Black-owned brands emerging and celebrating their heritage.
Abisola Whiskey
Discover Abisola Whiskey, a modern-day tribute to whiskey enthusiasts by founder Abisola Abidemi. This award-winning blend of Bourbon and Malt whiskey offers a smooth, young taste that impresses beyond its age. With tasting notes of vanilla, waffle cone, apricot, and almond cream, it captivates both novices and connoisseurs. Abisola Whiskey is more than just a drink; it's a celebration of contemporary whiskey appreciation, embodying the spirit of the modern whiskey drinker.
Guidance Whiskey
Inspired by culture and motivated by the concept of family, Jason Ridgel founded Guidance Whiskey in October of 2018. He made a promise to his family back home in Alabama to always pursue greatness. Aged for 2 years, this premium adult beverage was introduced, distilled in Iowa in a small batch and housed in Nashville, TN. As an American whiskey, Guidance is a careful blend of corn and rye with a touch of malted barley which accomplishes a smooth intense finish.
You can’t miss the burnt caramel from smoked barrels that lead to the maraschino cherry and vanilla base on your palate.
Frisky Whiskey
Frisky Whiskey is a flavored whiskey made in North Charleston, South Carolina, notable for enhancing caramel and vanilla notes with natural ingredients. It's crafted by CEO Nicole Young, one of the few black female CEOs in the industry, alongside co-founders James Landis and Ken Donarski. Aged at 35% ABV (70 Proof), its profile includes butter, vanilla, caramel, and spice. Frisky Whiskey has been recognized in competitions like the Ultimate Spirit Challenge and San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It's particularly recommended for those new to whiskey, due to its prominent, approachable flavors.
Diggs Boys Bourbon
Diggs Boys Bourbon, created by three friends bonded through fraternity, embodies the spirit, class, and sophistication of their community. This bourbon continues a legacy of excellence and achievement, reflecting their ancestors' successes. Made with a unique blend of malt, corn, rye, and wheat, along with limestone-filtered water, Diggs Boys Bourbon is a product of over 100 years of distilling experience. This careful crafting results in a bold yet smooth bourbon that is pleasing to the palate.
Den of Thieves Whiskey, a black-owned brand from Brooklyn, NY, offers a unique experience with its smoky, sweet, and nutty bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes. The brand features variants like Vanilla Ginger and Chocolate Whiskey, adding versatility to its range. Founded by Jason in Nashville, Tennessee, Den of Thieves stands out for its bold aroma, complex flavors, and innovative use of rye, wheat, and double-barreling. It has been recognized with the Best Spirit award at The Black-Owned Wine & Spirits Festival. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like an Old-Fashioned or Manhattan for an elevated drinking experience.
Den of Thieves Ginger Vanilla Whiskey
Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey is produced by Victor George Spirits, inspired by the first free black town in the US, Fort Mosé, established in 1738 near St. Augustine, Florida. This 84 proof bourbon is aged for about 4.5 years in new charred American Oak barrels, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. It features tasting notes of vanilla, burnt wood, cornmeal, sugar, and baked apple, with a smooth palate of honey, wood, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey
Tom Bullock, a pioneering African American bartender, authored the influential cocktail book "The Ideal Bartender" in 1917. Renowned for popularizing cocktails like the Old Fashioned, he served at prestigious clubs and even mixed drinks for President Teddy Roosevelt. This bourbon, with notes of burnt oranges, vanilla, and soft spice, celebrates the art of mixology, the camaraderie of sharing unforgettable drinks, and the legacy of a trailblazer. Henderson Spirits Group, a 100% Black-owned business, is dedicated to diversifying the bar.
Tom Bullock's Burnt Orange Bourbon Whiskey
Fior Scotch
Fior Blended Scotch Whisky, created by retired US Marine Corps Major Eric Dominijanni, combines whiskies from the Highlands and Speyside regions, with a 40% malt and 60% grain blend. It's characterized by light peat, red apple skins, honey buttered biscuit, and savory beef jerky aromas, with a palate of raspberry orange cream, black tea, and smoky notes. Fior supports the Wounded Warrior Project with each sale, aligning with the founder's military background. Awarded 93 points and a Gold Medal, Fior stands out for its crisp and lively style, suitable for sipping neat or in cocktails like Rusty Nail and Rob Roy
THOUGHTS® Bourbon, a black-owned spirit by designer Hardy, offers a unique flavor from smaller barrels, with rich oak and caramel notes and a smooth finish. It has an 87 score from USA Spirits and a Double Gold at SIP AWARDS 2021. Available in a 750 ml bottle at 90 Proof/45% alc by vol, it's a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and heritage.
Thoughts - Straight Bourbon
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a tribute to Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African American master distiller in the US. It's known for its smooth, rich profile with caramel and vanilla notes, and has won numerous awards. The brand, led by founder Fawn Weaver, emphasizes authenticity, quality, and diversity in the whiskey industry. Uncle Nearest is perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, offering a blend of history and flavor for whiskey enthusiasts and those who appreciate spirits with a meaningful backstory.
Discover the allure of Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey, a creation birthed in 2018 by innovative co-founders aiming to offer a unique whiskey experience. This Black-owned brand blends 100% corn whiskeys with natural caramel flavoring, unveiling a rich palate of caramel, toffee, and subtle oak and spice notes. With its inviting aromas and a satisfyingly warm finish, Duke & Dame presents a whiskey that's sophisticated yet playful, ideal for sipping neat or enjoying in a cocktail. This whiskey not only tantalizes the palate but also celebrates modern-day entrepreneurship in the whiskey realm
Duke & Dame Salted Caramel Whiskey
Alexander James Whiskey
Alexander James Straight Bourbon Whiskey, founded by Jesse Steward Jr. in 2021, is a unique addition to the whiskey world. Named after Steward Jr.'s son, Alexander James, the brand embodies a family tradition of storytelling over a glass of whiskey, a tradition inspired by Steward Jr.'s two grandfathers who were best friends.
The bourbon is aged for three years in charred oak barrels and has an ABV of 45%. Its tasting notes include cinnamon, dried fruit, nutty, oak, smoky, smooth, and vanilla. The base ingredients are barley, corn, and rye.
Shinju Whiskey
Shinju Whiskey, a Japanese whisky distinguished by its artisanal craftsmanship, offers a unique tasting experience. Crafted with a blend of malted barley and other grains, its distinct flavors are enhanced by alpine water from Mt. Fuji and aged in a variety of barrels, including sherry casks and bourbon barrels. This process results in a whiskey with a complex flavor profile, featuring notes of honey, vanilla, orange, and oak. Shinju's maturation in a temperate coastal climate adds to its smoothness and exquisite flavor. Notable for its versatility, Shinju can be enjoyed neat, in cocktails, or paired with foods like charred ribeye steak or caramel-spiced apple pie. It stands out in the whiskey world for its quality, richness, and craftsmanship, appealing to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Red Hazel Whiskey
Red Hazel Spiced Whiskey is an amazing whiskey experience. It is created by the passionate sibling pair Tk Burtin-Johnson and Ty Burtin. This 70 proof blend of 2-year aged rye whiskey and natural cinnamon is sure to delight whiskey lovers of all generations. Its subtle cinnamon taste and smooth finish make it the perfect drink for any occasion either neat or in a crafted cocktail. If you’re looking for something special and delicious, Red Hazel is definitely worth a try!
Saint Cloud Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Saint Cloud Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, crafted by Ray Walker. Drawing from his experience in making Grand Cru wines in Burgundy, France, Ray brings a distinct vision to this bourbon. With a focus on quality, this 100 Proof expression boasts layers of stone fruit, chocolate, vanilla, and spice. Ideal for cocktails, neat, or with a cube, Saint Cloud Small Batch is a labor of love that connects Ray's Kentucky heritage with the modern whiskey connoisseur's palate.