Pour With Purpose
Whiskey has always been about more than the pour. It’s about patience, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Black hands have been shaping America’s Whiskey story from the beginning, though they may have not gotten the proper credit. Today, a growing wave of Black-owned whiskey and bourbon brands is redefining the category, blending heritage, innovation, and bold flavor profiles that deserve a permanent spot on your home bar. From small-batch bourbons rooted in legacy to modern expressions that challenge tradition, these brands are raising the standard while reclaiming space in an industry that hasn’t always reflected their contributions. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or just beginning to explore brown spirits, this guide highlights 14 Black Owned whiskeys and bourbons worth knowing, supporting, and savoring, one pour at a time.
Greenwood Whiskey is a brand that draws its inspiration from the famous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This premium whiskey embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence and a way to celebrate the history of the trailblazers that came before. The whiskey itself gets good reviews for its flavor, so try it for yourself and add it to your home bar.
Victor Young is the owner and founder of Dunamis Interstellar Bourbon. This bourbon begins with high quality clean and crisp water in addition to premium grains. The bourbon is aged five years in a number 4 char’d American White Oak Barrel to give it its flavor. The process is dedicated to help craft a premium drink of the highest quality. Look for it near you or online at a store like
Guidance Whiskey was founded in 2018 by Jason Ridgel. Made in Tennessee, Guidance is inspired by family and friends. A young whiskey, it is considered a good entrance into whiskey for novice drinkers and aficionados alike. For those who would like to get into whiskey and bourbon, Guidance is a black owned brand that serves that purpose.
Frisky Whiskey is a small batch brand whose roots are in Charleston, South Carolina. Frisky takes its own spin on flavored whiskey by leaning into the vanilla and caramel notes that naturally occur. The brand, founded by Nicole Young and James Landis, aims to bring some fun to the space with their product. If you want something that isn’t as plain as your average whiskey experience, than Frisky makes a great option for your home bar.
Jackson McCrea Whiskey is a woman owned brand, that is for everyone. It starts with 5 year old Tennessee Rye and then aged in French Oak Syrah barrels to create its own unique flavor. This ultra premium whiskey is designed to be savored on its own, or mixed in the best cocktails.
Like everything that she does, Beyonce was very intentional with her brand Sir Davis. A long-time whiskey fan and drinker, the Houston superstar sought out Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden to craft the flavor profile for Sir Davis. She would also find that the legacy of distilling and moonshine was in her bloodline. Sir Davis is her tribute to history and legacy, and an entry into the field that will leave an even greater mark on the spirits industry.
This spirits company is taking a unique path to the creation of their products. This Maryland based brand is taking its time to present the best and most luxury tastes as they can. The 1932 Bourbon Whiskey is full bodied and considered great for mixing. They also have three other whiskey’s available for you to add to your collection.
Whiskey wasn’t the first foray into the world of alcoholic beverages for founder Jason Armstrong. The wine importer was inspired to start Den Of Thieves by his friends while on a tour of the “Bourbon Trail” in 2017. After choosing the name for his Whiskey, he would find that it was even more relevant, learning that his maternal grandfather was a bootlegger in Georgia. Den of Thieves comes in four varieties, original, chocolate, ginger-vanilla, and a straight 8 year-old for connoisseurs.
The Best Man is an important cinematic series in Black Culture. The movies and follow up series are all about friendship, overcoming adversity, and the bonds between people who are friends that end up being family. Sable Bourbon, from stars Harold Perrineau, Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, and director Malcolm D. Lee, brings that spirit of camaraderie to your sipping experience. Savor life’s moments with Sable Bourbon today.
Chef Danny Bullock launched Bull Young Bourbon in August of 2020, one of the worst times to release a new spirit. That should be a statement for the brand and its owner, which is built to withstand and grow through adversity. The bourbon itself is aged 5 years in brand new charred oak barrels. The meticulously crafted mash helps to give the bourbon a symphony of flavors that dance along the palate.
Damm Whiskey was born in Dallas, Texas by four men who came together over a shared love of the spirit. They soon found that their shared appreciation was deep and set out on their goal to craft an exquisite blend to celebrate every day moments. Damm (Distinguished and Modern Men) is a testament to craftsmanship, tradition, and a celebration of the city that brought them together.
Fort Mosé Bourbon Whiskey celebrates the free Black Town in Florida for which it is named. Created by Victor G. Harvey Sr., the spirit is bottled at his very own Palm Beach Distillery. It is a light whiskey, with spiced honey notes among its flavor profile.
Shinju Japanese Whiskey is born from the pristine alpine waters of Mt. Fuji. It is double distilled and features a light taste with wafts of honey, orange, and vanilla and notes of light oak. It is perfectly blended for mixing, though it can be enjoyed just as much alone.
Charles Woodson’s name is synonymous with excellence. From his Heisman trophy, to his hall of fame career, his name is iconic. He is also making his name in the world of spirits and his namesake Bourbon Whiskey looks to continue that legacy. One of the nicer things about Woodson Whiskey is that they produce several limited editions and special bottles for your collection.
