6 Black-Owned Spirits Brands You Need To Know
These top-shelf brands are worth adding to your at-home bar.
Black-owned spirits brands seem to get a ton of attention twice a year–Black History Month and Juneteenth, but they're worth your attention all year long.
“Witnessing the growth of Black-owned spirits over the last few years has been remarkable to watch,” said Camille Wilson, Author and Creator of The Cocktail Snob. “I think the growth can be tied to an overall shift in attention to Black brands in general since the racial reckoning of 2020. As a result, there's been an increase in awareness of Black-owned spirits and consumers are being more thoughtful and intentional about where they spend their money.”
That increased attention has only been amplified by Pronghorn, a business dedicated to cultivating Black-owned businesses in the spirits industry. “Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences and connections to brands that resonate with their values, and many Americans are looking to support Black-owned brands and businesses within the space, but you can't support what you can't see,” said Pronghorn CEO Jomaree Pinkard. “Pronghorn is investing in Black-owned spirits brands and providing capital, knowledge and resources so that more consumers can discover and enjoy these brands.”
Here are just a few of these great brands that should be poured any time you want to celebrate.
Imagine a gin made with ingredients from the Motherland. Bayab Gin is African from grain to glass as it uses African-sourced botanicals plucked from the baobab tree (also known as the “Tree of Life”) and is distilled and bottled in South Africa. The brand's portfolio includes African Classic Dry, Burnt Orange & Marula, and African Rose Water. Bayab’s parent brand, Spearhead Spirits, also makes a vodka, Vusa.
Whiskey isn’t for everyone but this brand is trying to change that. Duke & Dame founders Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey wanted to create a spirit that broke down whiskey’s stigma. Inspired by their love of butterscotch, the whiskey showcases the sweeter side of what many think of as an “old man drink.”
The brainchild of Paul Ryan Elliott, Loft & Bear was founded in 2014 and works toward long-term sustainable success, inclusivity and diversity in the alcohol industry. Its commitment to social awareness is seen in its Distill.Drink.Donate program in which 5% of its profits are donated to PATH, a charity aimed at ending homelessness and providing support for families, veterans affairs, and human services throughout Southern California, and Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world.
If you’re Carribean, you know sorrel. Valued for its medicinal properties, Jackie Summer’s grandparents carried this culinary tradition made with hibiscus with them when they emigrated from Barbados to New York in the 1920s. Inspired by them, Summers left a career as a corporate executive to launch his micro-distillery, Jack from Brooklyn. His first release is the spirited ready-to-drink version of the concoction.
TCapri began with Tiffany Capri Hainesworth’s desire to find the ultimate tequila. When she couldn’t find one that met her needs, her path led to artisan tequila distillers, Tequila el Tepozan SA de CV, and Master Tequilero Carlos Padilla. Via their partnership, she learned the process from farm to glass. The result is her signature blanco expression.
Launched by Marc-Kwesi Farrell, Ten To One offers a range of Caribbean rums designed to challenge expectations and change the way people experience rum. The company’s early success got the attention R&B superstar Ciara, who joined the brand as an investor, co-owner, and director in 2021.
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