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Table of Contents 02
Table of Contents
03
About The Guide
04
Vodka
11
Bourbon & Whiskey
16
Tequila
19
Rum
21
Gin
22
Cognac & Brandy
24
Liqueur/Other
27
Brands with Multiple Offerings
30
Shop Will Drink For Travel
ABOUT THE GUIDE You may not recognize a lot of these names, but these Black-owned spirits are making their mark on the spirits industry.
As a Black woman travel blogger, I have always highlighted my experiences traveling the world with my audience and supporting Black-owned businesses. In 2020, I was faced with the question of how I could better support our community and use my platform to amplify Black-owned businesses. I couldn't think of a better way than to build a guide to highlight Black-owned spirit brands. I started my initial list with about 65 brands, but it has since grown to over 160 Black-owned brands. It's been such an amazing journey to not only learn about these brands, but also chat with many of their founders and try some delicious spirits. Many of these spirits are available online via their websites (all headings are clickable), or in some cases, your local store. Check the map on Will Drink For Travel to see which spirits are closest to you. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a way of life for me. Our spending habits show what we think is important and have a way of speaking for us when we aren't being heard. Use this guide to let your spending habits speak for you.
About Ashlee Ashlee is the founder and editor-in-chief of Will Drink For Travel, a website dedicated to all things travel and mixology. Her goal is to show her audience that traveling the world through food and drink is a way to immerse themselves into cultures other than their own. Ashlee considers herself a cocktail enthusiast and self-taught mixologist with a heart for highlighting Black-owned spirits. On Will Drink For Travel TV, Ashlee interviews Black spirit owners about their journeys, what motivates them, and the future of their brands. Keep up with Ashlee and the latest WDFT news on Instagram (@willdrinkfortravel) or her website (www.willdrinkfortravel.com)
03
VODKA 01
44 Degrees North
02
500 Vodka
44 Degrees North utilizes Idaho’s great
500 Vodka offers ultra premium coconut
agricultural wealth to produce the purest vodka
pineapple vodka and strawberry lime vodka
possible. To achieve a smooth and distinctive taste [they] distill directly from 100% Idaho® potatoes or Brundage Winter Wheat blended with Rocky Mountain Spring Water. To naturally infuse [their] flavored varieties, [they] use only all-natural Idaho Mountain Huckleberries, Rainier Cherries and Sunnyslope Nectarines.
03
Adaka
Adaka offers two flavors. Adaka Vodka “incorporates peppers to represent the spicy flavours of the African taste while being crafted together by Top French distillers.” Adaka Savanna is a “toffee infused vodka liqueur that has a sweet, smooth, silky taste to quench your thirst.”
04
AsLegacy
AsLegacy is fashioned from the finest American grown grapes, distilled six times to craft a smooth, crisp taste with an elegant gluten free finish.
05
Balt
Balt is made of 100% corn vodka, six times distilled, and infused with fresh local strawberries.
06
Beveran
Beveran is made from a base of corn grain and wants to be a “reminder that the lifestyle you want is for you to take, an igniter of your inner passions, and an encourager to follow your dreams.”
Credit: 44 Degrees North
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
04
VODKA 07
Black Momma
Black Momma is distilled and filtered five times from corn for its signature smooth taste. It’s distilled through Crushed Diamond Lava Rocks and fused with Cascade Mountain Spring Water from Oregon.
08
Black Storm
Black Storm serves up a hand crafted, small batch product made from the finest American corn made purposely to take your celebration, evening, or simply that next sip to a completely higher level.
09
Blackleaf Organic
Blackleaf Organic is the first French organic vodka
Credit: Blackleaf Organic
on the market. It’s handcrafted in the heart of the acclaimed region of France and their 5-stage copper pot artisanal distillation produces a vodka that is not only smooth but full of character.
10
Bleu
12
Carbonadi
Carbonadi is distilled five times through activated charcoal, resulting in a pure, crystal clean, ultra-smooth vodka with an herbal and
Bleu Vodka is made from quality grain vodka and
crisp finish.
wild blueberries, making this wild blueberry vodka
13
liqueur a "vibrant, delectable flavor explosion which tantalizes the palate."
11
Bomade
Bomade is a fresh lemon-infused vodka that uses hand-squeezed organic lemons to flavor
Col Bleu
Col Bleu is gluten free, produced from corn, and distilled eight times.
14
Essence Spirits
Essence Spirits is a cherry lime flavored vodka
their vodka instead of simple syrups, creating a
that is made from grapes. They are looking to
refreshing spirit with all of the lemon taste, but
"give the taste of vodka a new definition and
none of the additional sugars
that's the Essence of flavor."
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
05
VODKA 15
E'thal 56
17
Fou-Dré
E’thal 56 is made from 100% corn and charcoal
Fou-Dré is infused with 100% fruit flavors and
filtered for smoothness. It is perfectly distilled
made with technology that “naturally” produces a
with an innovative crisp taste.
smooth, clean taste, removing harsh tasting
16
Floh
Floh serves up a hand crafted, small batch
congeners and leaving a smooth, crisp, clean, finish to the spirit.
and pure Oregon water. Their unique filtering
18
methods create a smooth, clean, gluten-free,
Frenchie Buale is "the first and only sweet tea
allergen-free, and Kosher Seal Certified vodka.
vodka infused with pineapple. So smooth you can
product made from the finest American corn
Frenchie Buale
sit back, relax and enjoy over ice.”
19
Hidden Gem
Hidden Gem is a six times distilled, ultra premium, extra smooth vodka born in the Great State of Texas.
20
Highway
Highway Vodka is a hemp vodka made of a “unique strain of hemp, locally sourced corn, and water from [their] artesian aquifer.”
21
IslandJon
IslandJon produces a guava infused vodka made with a fresh puree and appeals to a wide audience of palates, while introducing an exotic, peach-like flavor. IslandJon Vodka embodies individuality and the very essence of the Caribbean spirit. Credit: Fou-Dré Vodka
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
06
VODKA 22
Kas'tell
Kas'tell is distilled six times and "refined by a process which forces the completion of all incomplete chemical reactions left behind by the distillation process, leaving the smoothest vodka available. Less toxins equal zero burn and less chance of hangover."
23
Klasé
Klasé is ultra premium vodka, distilled and bottled in Cognac, France.
24
Lambda
Lambda Vodka is “the vodka for the LGBT community.”
25
Liquid Seduction
Liquid Seduction is a local spirit brand based out of Sacramento, California.
26
Loft and Bear
Loft and Bear is distilled from soft organic winter wheat and California sourced spring water, yielding tasting notes of vanilla and lemon. It is handcrafted in small batches with bottles and labels each signed by hand.
27
Look
Look is hand-crafted premium vodka made from corn and locally sourced natural ingredients.
28
Matador
Matador Vodka is Louisiana's first Black-owned sugarcane vodka. Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
Credit: Mishka Premium Vodka
29
Mishka
Mishka breaks the mold of the "flavored vodka" category, with all-natural flavor profiles, no added sugars, artificial flavors nor artificial coloring. Mishka Premium Vodka is also a gluten-free choice that your customers can enjoy on-the-rocks or as a foundation to a wide-range of cocktails.
30
Myles Select
Myles Select has a smooth taste that allows the consumer to enjoy the light, flavorful spirit made with grains.
07
VODKA 31
Noble Wolf
33
Quiet Storm
Noble Wolf is low-calorie, zero sugar, paleo, and
Quiet Storm “is created from a premium grain
gluten-free. Produced from grapefruit, it has a
blend which is continuously distilled to create the
really smooth/classic finish.
perfect balance of character and purity.”
32
34
One Vodka
Phoenix Spiritz
One Vodka "is crafted with the finest grains and
Phoenix Spiritz’s Phoenacolada is pineapple and
purest spring water from the Charente region of
coconut flavored vodka. According to its site,
France. It’s a fresh spin on classic premium
Phoenacolada is “Miami in a bottle” due to the
vodka."
influence of the city’s many tropical and Caribbean traditions. It’s corn based, distilled and filtered 6 times, and made in the USA.
35
Playpen
Playpen is “not only vacuum distilled but is also carbon filtered six times, creating exceptional smoothness and taste.”
36
PLUSH
PLUSH Premium Plum and PLUSH Premium Pure Spirit is distilled eight times to ensure uniqueness and sophistication.
37
Redd Rose
Redd Rose is a refreshing Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka hand crafted in the USA.
38
Seven 16
Seven 16 pays homage to Washington, D.C., the place the owners call home. Their vodka has a "solid base used for combining diverse Credit: Noble Wolf
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
ingredients to create something uniquely special."
08
VODKA 39
St. Royale Green Tea
St. Royale Green Tea is a refreshing blend of neutral grain spirits, green tea extract and natural honey. By using honey as our only natural sweetener we are able to provide our clients with one of the lowest calorie beverages on the market today that is gluten-free.
40
Stock Da Bar
Stock Da Bar is made with Michigan-grown red winter wheat. A portion of the proceeds of each purchase will go towards The Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
41
Success
Success is an Oklahoman-made luxury vodka.
42
Credit: Toast Vodkaa
Sukari
Sukari “combines the aromatic depth of the fruit versatility of the liquor to create the power and
45
energy of a health-conscious spirit.”
Timeless “represents sophistication,
43
agelessness and evenness. The crisp freshness,
flavors, vegetable juices for color and the
Sweetbeat
Sweetbeat “delicately blends the finest neutral spirit with a unique combination of an ultra premium distillate from a bouquet of citrus, ginger, cardamom, anise and fennel.”
44
Toast
Toast is made in the USA, distilled in Florida,
Timeless
purity, and all-natural ingredients combined make Timeless Vodka a perfect addition to any cocktail and blend.”
46
True
True is seven times distilled by legendary supplier of spirits, Caffo, originally from the Italian region, Calabria.
and developed in the heart of the trendsetting Miami nightlife.
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
09
VODKA 47
Victor George
Victor George is a clean smooth American made vodka promising no hangovers, no headaches, and no burn.
48
Vusa
Vusa is distilled in small batches by using their copper pot still “kaisgo,' as well as the purest water and homegrown sugar-cane from KwaZulu-Natal to ensure their vodka's exceptional quality.
Credit: Vusa Vodka
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
10
BOURBON & WHISKEY 01
Abisola Whiskey
Abisola Whiskey is a “blend of a 1-year-old Bourbon and 6-month malt whiskey…this whiskey has notes of vanilla and waffle cone to complement the caramel and spice in the blended base.”
02
Alexander James Whiskey
Aleander James Whiskey is "an American made, black owned, straight bourbon whiskey aged 3 years in charred oak barrels to give a premium taste for the whiskey enthusiast and cocktail connoisseur.
03
Bender's Whiskey
Bender’s Whiskey gathers "whiskey from the best barrels of the finest independent distillers in Canada and the US. Then [they] blend and taste and blend again." They offer corn and rye whiskeys.
04
Birdie Brown Plain Hooch
Birdie Brown Plain Hooch “an unaged whiskey gracefully distilled with care in small batches
Credit: Birdie Brown Plain Hooch
06 B r o w n
Sugar Bourbon
Brown Sugar Bourbon, owned by Jamie Foxx, is “smooth, sweet and balanced.”
07
Bull Young Bourbon
Bull Young Bourbon was launched by Danny
from oats, wheat and barley.” It is a tribute to
Bullock, the first African American chef to have
Birdie Brown, an African American woman from
his or her bourbon.
Missouri who lived in Montana. During prohibition, Birdie became known for her hooch’s smooth taste.
05
Brough Brothers Bourbon
08
Deception Honey-
Flavored Whiskey
Deception Honey-Flavored Whiskey has “smooth subtle notes of honey and smokey wooden undertones.” It is “undeniably the
Brough Brothers Bourbon is run by a trio of
choice of the novice and experienced whiskey
brothers, headquarter in Louisville, KY.
drinkers.”
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
11
BOURBON & WHISKEY 10
Diggs Boys Bourbon
Diggs Boys Bourbon is “inspired by legendary distillers with over 100 years of experience in creating craft whiskey. [They] use the best ingredients around to complete a unique blend of malt, corn, rye and wheat, along with limestone filtered water.”
09
Den of Thieves Whiskey
Duke and Dame
11
Whiskey
Den of Thieves Whiskey is a small batch,
Duke and Dame Whiskey wants to "redefine the
carefully crafted blended whiskey infused with
whiskey drinking experience by creating a
natural vanilla & ginger.
premium flavored whiskey that would stimulate the senses at each stage of the drinking process, with incredible aroma, remarkable taste, and an extremely smooth finish."
12
DuBlase Whiskey
DuBlase Whiskey “features a hint of vanilla, complemented with all natural spices, and refined for a smooth and robust finish. You can truly enjoy DuBlase neat, as a cocktail or on the rocks. It is perfect for Florida’s celebratory and festive lifestyle.”
13
Exclave Spirits
Exclave Spirits “pays homage to the lost stories and contributions of Black people who have advanced distilled spirits.” It is a "distinctive blend of 51% rye 49% corn mash aged in new American white oak barrels to produce a rich whiskey that gives notes of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel and clove."
14
Fresh Bourbon
Fresh Bourbon has begun producing its bourbon, Credit: Duke and Dame Whiskey
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
which will be available for purchase soon.
12
BOURBON & WHISKEY 15
Greenwood Whiskey
Greenwood Whiskey is a "unique rye blend, and at 42% ALC/VOL, leaves no doubt you're experiencing a premium whiskey, while also embodying the versatility used for your favorite handcrafted cocktail."
16
Guidance Whiskey
Guidance Whiskey is aged for two years and is a careful blend of corn and rye with a touch of malted barley, accomplishing a smooth intense finish
17
Ix Bourbon
Ix Bourbon’s 95-proof bourbon is a "very small batch that is carefully selected from nine barrels Credit: Guidance Whiskey
all possessing unique characteristics that are blended to perfection. The Charter Line, [their] first small batch, presents a sweet flavor of buttery caramel, with undertones of chocolate, and a hint of spice."
18
Kind of Blue Whisky
Kind of Blue Whisky is “prepared with love and respect in Scotland and is inspired by the legacy of Jazz great Miles Davis—the King of Cool. This exceptional blended Scotch whisky has been created by melding grain and mature malt Scotch whiskeys from Islay, the Highlands and Speyside."
19
Majesty Bourbon
Majesty Bourbon can be enjoyed in your favorite cocktail, on the rocks, or neat.
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
20
The Original
Irving Whiskey
The Original Irving Whiskey is “aged for a minimum of two years in newly charred American white oak barrels prior to filtration in patented finishing technology that uses lightly toasted American oak chips to place emphasis on [their] bourbon’s vanilla and caramel notes.”
21
Rams and Parrots
Rams and Parrots is a 100% Corn Whiskey. “With a sweet corn taste, it packs a punch but goes down smooth.”
13
BOURBON & WHISKEY 22
Red Hazel
24
Saint Cloud
Red Hazel is a rye whiskey with a hint of spice. It
Saint Cloud is a “Kentucky Straight Bourbon,
"aims to introduce novice whiskey drinkers,
crafted by Ray Walker, using his unique
whiskey fans, and whiskey connoisseurs to an
perspective and vision from making Grand Cru
improved way to enjoy rye whiskey."
wines in Burgundy, France."
23
25
Rex Rye Whiskey
Rex Rye Whiskey "is artfully aged in charred bordeaux and burgundy wine barrels from the Pacific Northwest. Its caramel color and vanilla essence will overload your tasting experience with a rich, smooth finish!"
Saint Liberty
Saint Liberty “celebrates America’s Women Pioneers in whiskey during Prohibition and those freedoms both given and taken away in 1920." They “source the finest craft whiskies from distilleries around the world and perfect them using same pure water sources in the states of each of our honored women bootleggers.”
26
ShinJu Whisky
ShinJu Whisky is “double distilled, with wafts of honey, orange and vanilla, accompanied by hints of herbaceous notes and light oak make ShinJu the perfect 'cocktail' Japanese whisky.”
27
Still Moon Moonshine
Still Moon Moonshine is a "smooth flavored corn whiskey matured and aged for five years in oak barrels, producing distinctive coloring and rich bold taste."
28
Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Whiskey has built its "brand on its knack for sourcing the best of Tennessee whiskies and bourbons, and using its own nontemperature-controlled aging process and unique post-aging double filtration method that Credit: Uncle Nearest Whiskey
significantly changes the characteristics and profile of the original whiskies."
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
14
BOURBON & WHISKEY 29
Virginia Black Whiskey
Virginia Black Whiskey, partially owned by Drake, is a "personally selected collection of two, three and four-year old bourbons finished with a decadent profile."
30
Whiskey Wright
Whiskey Wright uses cherrywood to smoke its whiskey, giving it a smooth finish.
31
Wild Creek Distillery
Wild Creek Distillery is "lighter than traditional whiskey and smoother than the illegal version. Georgia Country Moonshine is light on the palate, has sweet after tones, easy to drink and warms the body." They also offer a peach flavor.
32
Credit: Whiskey Wright
Ziyad Rye
Ziyad Rye is “produced in a cave in the backwoods of Iowa.” It’s a small batch white rye whiskey.
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
15
TEQUILA 01
Anteel
02
Armero
Anteel is a “unique blend of both the Highland
Armero Tequila was “born from the passion to
and Lowland Agave, that are grown between 6
produce not only the best ultra premium 100%
and 7 years before harvesting to begin the
agave tequilas, but also tequilas for every taste,
cooking process. All Anteel Tequila expressions
preference, personality, and lifestyle of the most
are twice distilled, using natural spring water
exclusive consumers, who are always looking for
during the process as well as an oxygenation /
products with which they identify.”
cold filtered process to create one of the smoothest tequilas in the world.”
03
Bleu Royal
Bleu Royal is an award-winning tequila blended with rum.
04
Cincoro
Cincoro, partially owned by Michael Jordan and four NBA rivals, “captures the essence of both terroirs, uniquely using 100% Weber blue agave harvested from the Highland and Lowland appellations of Jalisco, Mexico.”
05
Dauntless
Dauntless is bottled by hand in small batches and naturally infused with fresh, locally sourced fruits and spices.
06
DeLeòn
DeLeòn is "made from the finest 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the rich earth of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Hand-selected at harvest for high quality and peak ripeness, [their] plants yield the sweetest piñas, giving the tequila Credit: Anteel
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
its abundant character and balance."
16
TEQUILA 07
Disbelef
Disbelef is double distilled and ages for no less than 60 days in premium oak barrels to add character and complexity to its refined taste.
08
E. Cuarenta
E. Cuarenta is a tequila produced by rapper and entrepreneur E40. Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo varieties are available.
09
Grand Leyenda
Grand Leyenda offers blanco, silver, reposado, and añejo expressions.
10
Jon Basíl
Jon Basíl’s “unexplainably smooth finish provides a uniquely premium experience suitable to enhance every occasion.”
11
La Boca
Credit: Los Hermanos
13
Los Hermanos
Los Hermanos is made with “100% blue agave that is slowly steam-roasted in centuries-old
"La Boca is made from the finest agave plant.
traditional thick stone walled brick ovens
Rich, vanilla, smooth taste - there will be no
(hornos) which retain the sweet natural mellow
graining bite after your first shot/ drink, a tequila
flavors of the carefully grown agave.”
you can actually enjoy. "
14
12
Lobos
Mascota
Mascota is a “very unique brand that
Lobos “liquids are finished in Pedro Ximénez
incorporates a one-of-a-kind ceramic dog
(PX) wine barrels from Spain...The process
bottle, filled with our oxygenated ultra-premium
allows time to diffuse and evolve each liquid,
100% weber blue agave tequila. A portion of
elevating their profiles with notes of wood
every purchase will go directly to supporting
transformed over time, presences of cocoa,
non-profit animal shelters that provide a better
deep roasted coffee, and an extraordinarily
quality of life through in-home foster care,
smooth finish."
adoption and medical needs, for all animals.”
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
17
TEQUILA 15
Monita
17
Serpiente
Monita is “for the happy hour hunter or the
Serpiente is “bottled in mouth blown, crystal glass
CEO celebrating a new deal and everyone in
works of art handmade by skilled glass artisans.
between. This brand champions those who
Due to [their] unique manufacturing process, no
haven’t traditionally felt seen or supported.”
two bottles are exactly alike.”
16
Revel Spirits
Revel Spirits is “cultivated from the ground up, grown in rich soil with no additives or sugars. While having the same foundation as Tequila, Avila products are made from 100% pure Agave in the Morelos region of México."
18
Talero Luxury Organic
Talero Luxury Organic is an ultra premium organic tequila, sourced from organically grown agave, leaving a tequila that is soft and elegant with a velvety smooth texture.
19
TCapri
TCapri is a small batch, 100% agave tequila blanco crafted in San Julián, Jalisco, Mexico.
20 T e q u i l a
with Friends
Tequila with Friends was created by three friends from Dallas, TX. They decided (after years of creating great memories around the world with tequila close by) it was time to create a tequila that was perfect to sip on and share with friends. Thus Tequila with Friends was born, a premium sipping tequila meant to be enjoyed amongst friends.
21
Teremana
Teremana is created in a small town in the highlands of Jalisco by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. It is crafted "with a love for great tequila made the right way, in small batches, by hand." Credit: Revel Spirits
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
18
RUM 01
Devil's Reef
Devil’s Reef is a rum expression of the island of Bermuda. At the bottom of every bottle looks like sand, but it's actually natural cinnamon and sugar.
02
Durante
Durante is a Caribbean inspired rum made and sold in Washington D.C. and Maryland.
03
Equiano
Equiano, the world’s first African and Caribbean rum, is 100% natural with no added sugar, flavor or color. Each year, 5% of company profits and £2 of every bottle purchased on their site goes to ground-level freedom and equality projects.
04
HERA Tropical Rum
Credit: Equiano Rum
HERA Tropical Rum is ultra premium fruity and
07
creamy white rum, with notes of banana and
Matugga Rum offers golden and spice rums.
coconut.
"Using finest ingredients from the easterly
05
region of Africa, [their] artisan spirits are
Legendaire Spirits
Legendaire Peach Tea “combines two unique aromas creating a very smooth rum with natural flavor. The blend of peach, tea, and rum has created an amazing flavor alcoholic beverage consumer will enjoy.”
06
Matugga Rum
Liv
carefully crafted in Scotland through smallbatch copper pot distillation. [Their] proud heritage, combined with playful innovation, allows [them] to capture the most adventurous and unique flavors of Africa."
08
Monrey
Monrey is an apple pie 60-proof rum distilled in Florida. “It’s dark, smooth, and tastes like the
Liv is a ‘slowly-fermented and triple pot-
juiciest part of the pie. It has a subtle kick to it
distilled to create a crazily complex flavor
which makes it mix well in blended drinks and of
explosion with a long, sweet finish.
course it is amazingly delicious simply over ice.”
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
19
RUM 09
Striped Lion Distilling
Striped Lion Distilling is a “small-batch, rumcentric craft distillery in Woodbury, New Jersey.” They offer pot still, citrus, and cocoa rums along with their Rum Collectors’ Reserve 2020 rum.
10
Ten to One
Ten to One offers dark and white rums. The dark rum 'is “a masterful blend of 8-year old aged Barbados and Dominican column still rums, combined with high ester Jamaican pot still rum, and Trinidadian rum. Aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks. 100% rum with no added sugar, color, or flavoring.” The white rum “An enticing blend of column still rum from the Dominican Republic and high ester pot still rum from Jamaica, combined to yield a beautiful extra-proof expression. 100% rum with no added sugar, color, or flavoring.”
Credit: Ten To One Rum
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
20
GIN 01
Bayab
Bayab is “distilled using locally grown sugarcane, bountiful African botanicals of Juniper berries, Coriander, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Coarse Salt, Lemon Peel, Baobab and Orange Peel, it’s then blended with the purest water from the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal.”
02
Iconic
Iconic is a smooth, purified gin distilled from grain with orange botanicals.
03
Indoggo
Indoggo “is the ultimate remix of seven premium botanicals infused with all-natural strawberry flavor." It is developed by Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus.
04
Credit: Bayab Gin
Ingenious
07
Ode to Babel
Ingenious is “intelligently infused with ingredients
Ode to Babel is a “small batch New York
that would be known today as the celebration of
distilled gin. [Their] house blend is citrus
the renaissance of an American-made Old Tom
forward with notes of makrut limes, ylang ylang,
Gin.”
jasmine, a wonderful melange of botanicals
05
ending with a touch of juniper.”
Ledi Craft
Ledi Craft is a small batch berry-infused gin and
08
is "distilled perfectly with natural strawberries
S.A.J. is a representation of luxury, leisure and
and raspberries for gin-lovers and strawberry
genuine enjoyment of life.
enthusiasts."
09
06
Mayine Premium
S.A.J.
Sankofa Citrus Berry
Sankofa Citrus Berry is “made with the finest
Mayine Premium is the first black owned gin
distilled gin, infused with fresh Citrus and ripe
brand in Africa and has two flavors: Grape
berries. the smooth taste will remind you of
Based and Rooibos Infused.
days of old...but with a twist!”
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
21
COGNAC & BRANDY 01
Billionaires Row
03
Conjure
Billionaires Row’s BR Cuvée XO cognac is
Conjure "implements the traditional distillation
“elaborated in France with the best methods,
process using small copper stills where the wine
incorporating oak barrel ageing to extract the
is distilled with its lees to capture all of its rich,
best flavours, creating the most seductive and
fruity and complex aromas. A second 12-hour
elegant finish and roundness.”
distillation called Broullis is performed to retain
02
only the most essential and exceptional flavors.
Branson
Branson, owned by 50 Cent, “represents a bespoke, exclusive and unique Cognac that showcases the highest quality of Cognac being made from the best vineyards in every bottle.”
Naturally aged in [their] cellars in the Cognac region, Conjure Cognac emerges as a bold, fullbodied blend that arouses the palate."
04
D'ussé
D'ussé produces D'ussé VSOP (“powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes that are layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes”) and D'ussé XO ("rich flavor notes of ripe blackberry and apricot, layered with hints of dark chocolate and walnut, culminating in an exceptionally balanced finish.”)
05
Ma'Hees Brandy
Ma’Hees Brandy is “aged in French Oak, with flavors of vanilla, caramel with a touch cherry.”
06
Noir King Cognac VSOP
Noir King Cognac VSOP is the first independent Cognac to launch in the USA.
07
Nyak Cognac
Nyak “selected the best Eau de Vie/Cognac in the VS category, looking for an easy Cognac to drink Credit: Nyak Cognac
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
with an elegant, long finish.”
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COGNAC & BRANDY 08
Rayon Cognac
Rayon Cognac is “derived from the Godet Reserve in France. It has a unique blend of unique cellaring environment with the humid and salty air of the Atlantic Ocean, the Godet House nurtures its barrels with the ocean as the secret ingredient that gives birth to [their] refined and singular cognac; Rayon Cognac XO.”
09
Riventé
Riventé is a “small-batch cognac blends artisan value and innovation to create a refined taste that mixes well with any occasion.”
10
Sephina Spirits
Sephina Spirits “imported from France, is a craft spirit blend of V.S.O.P. Cognac and fortified wine.
Credit: Sephina Spirits
The combination delivers both warmth and richness for a luxurious taste conceived around the inspirational life of the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker.
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
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LIQUEUR & READY-T0-DRINK 01
Araceli Liqueur
03
Conjugal Rum Liqueur
Araceli Liqueur is the “world’s very first marigold
Conjugal Rum Liqueur is “made from exotic
liqueur and pays tribute to the centuries old
blends which provides a very distinctive light rum
Hispanic holiday tradition Día de Los Muertos, a
flavor from start to finish.”
celebration of love, life, joy and remembrance.”
02
Coco Sky Coconut Creme Liqueur
Coco Sky‘s goal is to “become a top spirit choice by consistently crafting a cream liqueur based on natural ingredients, healthier science, ethical sourcing and exceptional taste.”
04
Courage and Stone
Courage and Stone, created by Aisha Tyler, “is a "line of 80-proof ready-to-drink craft cocktails of the highest quality, carefully mixed with premium American-made ingredients in Brooklyn, NY. No mixing, no measuring, no recipes, no mess – just a perfectly balanced cocktail you can enjoy anywhere, anytime."
05
Cremas Absalon Haitian Cream Liqueur
Cremas Absalon Haitian Cream Liqueur "infuses the richness of the Haitian culture with contemporary American customs to create a distinctive take on the authentic product."
06
Cremas Creole
Cremas Creole is made from distilled sugarcane rum from Haiti and "aims to embody the richness of Haitian culture."
07
Dizzle Liqueur
Dizzle Liqueur consists of “island flavors of ripe mango margarita mix, tangy orange liqueur, hints of crisp lemon, formulating an exquisite union with the opulence and intensity of French cognac and agave tequila to create a superior delicacy.” Credit: Courage and Stone
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
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LIQUEUR & READY-T0-DRINK 08
Empower Cocktails
Empower Cocktails is made with sweet potato vodka and has only 80 calories per 3 oz. Their first cocktail is the delicious and refreshing Empower Cosmopolitan Martini, which contains sweet potato vodka, triple sec, white cranberry and lime.
09
Hidden Spirits Cocktails
Hidden Spirits Cocktails “intrigue women because it lacks the strong taste of alcohol that allows them to sip the silky-smooth taste for hours; while male consumers cannot get enough of its addictive flavor that quickly gives them the same buzz as scotch on the rocks. It’s a perfect combination with the dominant flavors of sweet lemonade, strawberries or apple cider, yet submissive, but powerful kick of your favorite spirits.”
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Lasserie Cognac Honey Liqueur
Lasserie Cognac Honey Liqueur “mixes honey, ginger, spices and secret ingredients from South America. All the ingredients have been chosen for their natural benefits as well as their delicate taste and are worked to attain the perfect balance. It is the first honey liqueur on the market.”
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LS Cream Liqueur
LS Cream Liqueur “is a rich blend of fresh cream and island spices that exudes style and luxury while staying true to its exotic heritage.” It’s inspired by one of the most iconic beverage from Haiti known as Kremas. Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
Credit: LS Cream Liqueur
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Ou Oui Rum Liqueur
Ou Oui Rum Liqueur is an "innovative and smooth tropical liqueur that reflects the exciting lifestyle of the Caribbean."
13
Reine d'Or
Reine d’Or is a “cream liqueur inspired by the famous beverage in Haiti named “Cremas”. Reine D’Or will make you meet the Pearl of the Caribbean with its sweet, creamy and spicy exotic taste.”
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LIQUEUR & READY-T0-DRINK 14
Rivulet Pecan Liqueur
Rivulet Pecan Liqueur is the “consummate luxury liqueur, carefully crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate the combination of contemporary American luxury with the timehonored traditions of fine artisan distilling and craftsmanship."
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Savile Drinks
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Somrus Cream Liqueur
Somrus Cream Liqueurs are “driven by flavor and [they] believe that beverages should be as flavorforward as our food.” They’re available in coffee, chai, and mango flavors.
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Sorel
Sorel is a hibiscus liqueur made by Jackie Summers.
Savîle Drinks is an all-natural, clean, gluten free, and vegan ready-made rum tropical cocktail.
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Twelv 31
Twelv 31 is the "world's first white rum and vodka blended spirit."
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Ty Ku Citrus Liqueur
Ty Ku Citrus Liqueur is a "blend of Yuzu and other Asian Superfruits with TY KU Soju, a low calorie Asian Spirit. With its smooth, light and refreshing taste, TY KU Citrus Liqueur is delicious chilled straight, on the rocks or combined with your favorite spirit.
Credit: Somrus Cream Liqueurs
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
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BRANDS WITH MULTIPLE OFFERINGS 01
18th Street Distilling
18th Street Distilling “produces "high quality spirits using the best ingredients possible." They offer bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, vodka and rum.
02
Delta Dirt Distillery
Delta Dirt Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery located in the Arkansas Delta. [Their] goal is to produce the finest handmade and locally inspired vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs.”
03
Du Nord Craft Spirits
Du Nord Craft Spirits is an urban distillery
Credit: HH Bespoke Spirits
producing gin, vodka, whiskies, and flavored liqueurs.
04
Earl Stevens Selections
Earl Stevens, aka Rapper E-40, offers Kuiper Belt Bourbon, an ultra premium Bourbon Whiskey aged for 8 years, and Tycoon Cognac, rich with flavors of butterscotch, vanilla, hints of peach, flowers, and citrus with a long, concentrated finish.
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06
Painted Stave Distilling
Painted Stave Distilling “crafts premium spirits in small batches by utilizing only the best ingredients sourced from regional farms, and by blending traditions of the past with today’s creativity and state-of-the-art technology.” They offer vodka, rye, pot still and bourbon whiskies, and gin.
Harlem Haberdashery Bespoke Spirits
Harlem Haberdashery (HH) Bespoke Spirits offers vodka, rum, and gin.
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
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BRANDS WITH MULTIPLE OFFERINGS 07
Redmont Distilling
Redmont Distilling, majority-owned by Charles
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Rising Sun Distillery
Rising Sun Distillery believes in small batches,
Barkley, offers a vodka and gin. Their vodka is
buying local, and creating new flavors. They offer
distilled 8 times and "flows through advanced
rye, bourbon, white and dark angel whiskies, gin,
carbon filtration systems, removing any off
and various liqueur flavors.
flavors and achieving a much smoother finish.” Redmont’s gin is vapor infused with four botanicals. Free of the traditional pine tree flavor often associated with other gins, Vulcan
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River Basin Distillery
River Basin Distillery offers a "distinctive blend of
Gin the perfect option for new and experienced
95% rye mash aged in new American white oak
gin drinkers alike.”
barrels to produce a rich whiskey that embodies the fiery spirit of the French Quarter with a Big Easy finish of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel and clove." They also offer a coffee cordial where "River Basin American whiskey is blended with French Truck's renowned cold brew coffee, natural oat milk and a hint of pure cocoa."
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Royal Spirits
Royal Spirits offers Miru vodka, a pear-flavored “sipper vodka,” as well as CBD mixers.
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Shadow Ridge Spirits Company
Shadow Ridge Spirits Company “specializes in small batch grain to glass hand crafted spirits.” They offer Bourbon, Rye, and Single Malt Whiskey, as well as Dark and Light Rum.
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Tom Bullock
Tom Bullock offers a smooth, 4-year old Burnt Orange Bourbon, and an Old Tom Gin imported Credit: River Basin Distillery
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
from a two-centuries-old London distiller.
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BRANDS WITH MULTIPLE OFFERINGS 13
Tusk Spirits
Tusk Spirits are Virginia’s first hemp-infused vodka and rum. “Tusk Vodka is the distinct combination of savory and sweet flavors infused from the Hemp seed and 100% corn mash bill.”
Credit: Tusk Spirits
Will Drink For Travel's Guide to Black-Owned Spirit Brands
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