9 Black-Owned Whiskey Brands You Need to Try
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Finding a new liquor brand can bring about a lot of emotions. There's fear—which comes about due to you hoping it's as good as people say it is—excitement for what's to come; and, if it's a successful purchase, satisfaction for what you've found. Though tequila or vodka are usually the first choice of alcohol that people reach for when they're searching for a libation, whiskey and bourbon have steadily climbed the chart for sips to pick up for modern-day drinkers. And if you're part of the group who loves to try new sips, Black-owned whiskey brands are some of the options that are taking over the market.
Of course, Black History Month is the perfect time to discover new brands helmed by Black creators, but isn't it a great feeling when you find something that you can enjoy all year-round? If you're on the hunt for a new whiskey brand to gift to a friend or add to your at-home bar cart, these nine Black-owned whiskey brands are perfect for you to consider.
Related: I'm a Food Editor and These Are the Black-Owned Food & Beverage Brands I Swear By
Best Black-Owned Whiskey Brands
Abisola Whiskey
Created to celebrate the modern whiskey drinker, Absiola Whiskey is one that "drinks well above its age." Featuring a blend of Malt and Bourbon whiskey, each sip of this 40-percent ABV drink will bring about notes of vanilla and waffle cone as well as a rich aroma of apricot and almond cream.
Den of Thieves
Available in straight bourbon whiskey, ginger-vanilla flavored whiskey and chocolate flavored whiskey, Den of Thieves promises to erase the guilt of ultimate pleasure with every sip.
Old Hillside Bourbon Company
Offering up a variety of non-chilled, filtered bourbon whiskey products, Old Hillside is a veteran-owned company that infuses history, heritage and homage all in one. Its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey option offers up 48.5-percent ABV, both cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose and brown sugar, oak, vanilla and caramel on the palate.
Related: How to Celebrate Black History Month, According to Black Chefs
Greenwood Whiskey
This premium, handcrafted whiskey was named after the Historic Greenwood District neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While there are three options in their brand, the flagship flavor—Greenwood Whiskey—has rich smokey caramel and vanilla aromas with hints of butterscotch, sweet cherry wood and a touch of citrus bolster in its taste. And with a 42-percent ABV, this is one bold whiskey you'll want to add to your collection.
Duke & Dame
Perhaps one of the most talked about Black-owned whiskey brands, Duke & Dame is a hot topic for many reasons. Featuring 100-percent natural salted caramel and only 1-gram of sugar per serving, this guiltless 35-percent ABV sip is tasty enough to be had neat or in a cocktail.
Uncle Nearest
When the topic of Black-owned whiskey brands come up, Uncle Nearest is the brand at the top of the list. So, if you haven't had the chance to give it a try, this is your sign. Touted as the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey brand, there are plenty of options to choose from when you're perusing this brand.
Related: All About James Hemings, One of America's First Celebrity Chefs
Red Hazel Whiskey
Fans of spiced whiskey, rejoice. Red Hazel has the sip that you've been yearning for. Founded by a brother-sister duo, this 35-percent ABV rye whiskey delivers an experience worth reliving time and time again.
Frisky Whiskey
If you needed a reason to give flavored whiskey a try, Frisky Whiskey might be just that. Crafted in small batches in Charleston, South Carolina, this award-winning 35-percent ABV sip uses pure caramel and natural vanilla to complement the natural and unforgettable notes of whiskey.
Eric LeGrand Bourbon
Looking for a bourbon whiskey with an incredible story? Eric LeGrand is it. Created by and named after former Rutgers University football star Eric LeGrand, this whiskey was brought to life after LeGrand sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Now, the 44-percent ABV sip is the poster child for dispelling the misconception that those living with paralysis can't enjoy the finer things in life.
