A wave of innovation and diversity is reshaping the traditionally-impenetrable world of whiskey, and we couldn’t be happier.
Over the last decade in particular, black-owned whisky businesses have become some of the most exciting ones-to-watch; many small-scale, some large-scale, and all with brilliant stories and spirits.
Want to explore and support the best of the best? The five black-owned whiskey brands we’ve highlighted in the list of must-trys, below, are a supremely-worthy starting point.
5 Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
Uncle Nearest
Founder: Fawn Weaver
Uncle Nearest, founded by Fawn Weaver, pays homage to Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved African-American who taught a young Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. This not only made Weaver the first African-American woman to head a major spirits brand, but the creator of the most award-winning bourbon and American whiskies every year since 2019. Long story short, you’ve gotta try ‘em all.
18th Street Distillery
Founder: Drew Fox
When Drew Fox opened his home brewery in 2010, he didn’t expect it would become the first award-winning artisan distillery in Northwest Indiana. Let alone a distillery trading in vodka, rum, gin, rye and bourbon. The latter two are the real stars, in my opinion, with a bold, cereal-sweet bourbon and cherry-forward rye. A vacation in the brand’s on-site Fermatorium apartments are a great excuse to indulge in a little whiskey staycationing, too.
Kind of Blue
Founder: Riviera Imports
Drawing inspiration from the smooth and soulful musical stylings of Miles Davis (and the his best-selling jazz record of all time), Kind of Blue is a whisky worth a spot on your bar cart. A deep amber, the blended Islay/Speyside/Highland Scotch boasts an exceptional blend of rich fruits, smoky-sweet spice, and a touch of soft Madagascan vanilla. A medley in its own right.
Mercer + Prince
Founder: Rakim Mayers (a.k.a A$AP Rocky)
Rapper A$AP Rocky’s Canadian blend is one of the more unusual whiskies on the list, employing both American white oak (ex-bourbon) and Japanese Mizunara Oak to develop a deliciously spicy-sweet flavor profile. Richer than the average blend, the whiskey is twice-distilled and aged for a minimum of four years, making for an ultra-quaffable sipper.
Frisky Whiskey
Founder: Nicole Young
Nicole Young’s Frisky Whiskey is not your average sipper. Breaking away from convention, Frisky’s breakthrough formula uses pure caramel and natural vanilla to accentuate and enhance its liquid, making them a great choice for those who love their whiskies on the sweeter side (without artificial enhancers). Winning the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, earning 95 out of 100 points for taste, it’s also the competition’s highest rated flavored whiskey ever.