February is Black History Month, and, while our nation’s beautiful conglomeration of races and skin tones should always be important, this month is a time set aside for spreading awareness and discussing what it means to be Black and American. Here at Distillery Nearby, we stand with our fellow Black Americans, acknowledging and respectfully celebrating the rich, emotional history that has brought us to today.

In today’s post, we’re going to take a brief look at the history of distilling in America and how Black history has played a role in the spirits we know and love today. Then, we’ll take a peek at some Black-owned distilleries and Black-owned spirits that you can try this month. Support your local Black-owned distilleries by trying something new this month – you might just find your new favorite rum, bourbon, or vodka!

Black History Month: Distilling & Alcohol in Black America

Distilling in America is a bright, vibrant, and highly active scene; one that has created its own sphere of enthusiasts and tour-goers. However, what many distillery aficionados don’t know is how much we owe to our nation’s Black heritage for the drinks we have today. While distilling isn’t necessarily for one culture or another, the impact that “moonshiners” and the late slave & rum trade have had on our nation’s spirits can’t be denied.

“Nearest Green, a formerly enslaved man, first taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, setting the foundation for the iconic brand. But for decades, his story remained hidden.” – USA TODAY

Furthermore, in the 1690s, Black Americans were prevented from drinking alcohol – and, honestly, it only got worse from there. However, even through all of this persecution and oppression, Black distilling, brewing, and wineries persevered – and that’s something we here at Distillery Nearby want to celebrate. This month, we want to highlight some of the nation’s best – not only the spirits they make but also the overwhelmingly positive impact they’re having on the craft distilling scene.

From all of us here at Distillery Nearby, 

Thank You!

Black-Owned Distilleries & Black-Owned Spirits Spotlight

Listing every single one of our nation’s Black-owned distilleries would be a difficult task, and there are new, passionate, Black distillers popping up all the time. However, if you’re looking for great, passionate Black-owned distilleries and Black-owned spirits to support, here are several that would be more than well-worth your time!

Exclave Spirits – Dedicated to Paying Homage to Black Contributions to the Distillery Scene

Located in New Orleans, LA, Exclave Spirits is run by Andrew Albert and he is dedicated to three pillars: “Authenticity, Freedom, and Self-Determination.” 

“Exclave is a celebration of where we’ve come from and where we’re going.” – Exclave Spirits

Nearest Green Distillery – Black Distilling History That Goes Back to the Mid 1800s

Shelbyville, Tennessee is home to some of the oldest traditions in whiskey anywhere in the United States – and where Tennessee whiskey was born!

You can learn more about Uncle Nearest on their website.

Anteel Tequila – The First Black Woman to Own a Tequila Brand

Founded in 2018 in Michigan, Anteel Tequila is an empowering brand designed to uplift and empower owner Nayana Ferguson’s local community. She’s also a mom and cancer survivor, continually adding to and building up the Black distilling scene.

“… if you truly want something in life, you should go after it and not let anything stop you.” – Nayana Ferguson

Ten To One Rum – Reimagining Rum and Challenging Expectations About What Rum Should Be

Rum certainly has held stereotypes for a long time, and that narrative needs to change – that’s what Marc Farrell, Ten To One’s founder, is all about. He creates elevated, high-quality rum spirits at his New York, NY distillery to challenge and broaden the expectations we have of this unique beverage.

“…we’re here to bring you something Different.” – Marc Farrell

Learn more about Ten To One Rum here: Our Story – Ten To One Rum

Black Momma Vodka – “First African American Woman Master Distiller & Master Blender in the United States”

Black Momma Vodka boasts high-quality, uniquely-flavored vodkas – all 80 proof, distilled five times, and filtered five times for the smoothest taste and flavor. Vanessa Braxton has created a truly unique line of vodkas for you to enjoy in cocktails.

“Handcrafted with care just like a moonshiner…” – Vanessa Braxton

Other Black-Owned Distilleries in the USA:

Highway Distillery | Houston, Texas

Painted Stave Distilling | Smyrna, Delaware

Du Nord Social Spirits | Minneapolis, Minnesota

Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. | Lexington, Kentucky

Majesty Bourbon | Grovetown, Georgia

Brough Brothers | Louisville, Kentucky

Carbonadi Vodka | Tustin, California

Shadow Ridge Spirits Co. | Oceanside, California

Rising Sun Distillery | Denver, Colorado

Loft + Bear | Los Angeles, CA

Revel Spirits | Los Angeles, CA

And Many, Many More!

Do You Craft Black-Owned Spirits?

Are you one of America’s Black-owned distilleries? Get in touch with us to claim your page and get it added to this list today!