Black men and women across our nation have played integral roles in shaping almost every industry within our country, yet their names and contributions are often lost in time or erased completely. The Spirit industry is no exception, from mastery in the craft of distilling down to concocting the delicious cocktails we drink today, we see the impact of their contributions. Though that might be true, many within their community have worked hard to keep their stories alive so that we may sing their praises today. Without further adieu, allow us to explore the hidden figures within the spirit industry.
The Master Distiller who taught Jack Daniel everything he knew, Nathan “Nearest” Green, was one of those names almost lost to history. He perfected the Lincoln County Process as an enslaved man in Lynchburg, a charcoal filtration method that defines Tennessee whiskey today. His exceptional distillation skills led to his role as Jack Daniel’s mentor and first master distiller. Nearest Green worked the Dan Call farm, where a young, orphaned Jack Daniel started as a labourer, and was able to eventually learn the craft of whiskey directly from Nearest.
Even after the civil war, Green and Daniel continued to do business together. Green became the first known Black master distiller in the U.S., and his descendants continued working at the distillery for generations preserving Green’s knowledge and craftsmanship. For over a century, his name faded from public recognition, despite his pivotal role in Tennessee whiskey’s legacy. Today, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors his legacy, becoming one of the most awarded whiskey brands in the world. Nearest’s great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, carries his influence as the master blender for the company. Partnered with Fawn Weaver, the brand’s founder, they will ensure that his contributions remain central to the history of the whiskey industry.
Then we have Cato Alexander who will forever be remembered as the bartender to set the standard for all bartenders. Hailing from New York in the 1700s, Mr. Alexander would be the talk of Manhattan when he gained his freedom and opened Cato’s Tavern. Newspapers of the time remarked “Not to know Cato’s is not to know the world.”
Elite guests sought him out for his expertise in cocktails like the mint julep and gin toddy. He was a pioneer in the craft cocktail movement, mastering the art of hospitality and developing recipes that continue to influence generations of bartenders today. His ability to create inviting, lively atmospheres set the tone for modern bar cutlery. His bar was eventually closed due to financial hardships and discrimination, but his contributions laid the foundation for mixology today.
After Cato came Tom Bullock, a bartender with such unmatched skill, that President Theodore Roosevelt would have to testify in court about the strength of his mint juleps. From the elite clubs of St. Louis of the late 19th century, Bullock was well known for his meticulous approach to his craft. His reputation for his ability to balance flavors in cocktails and excellence made him a favorite among the wealthy and influential. He reinforced the idea that bartending was not only mixology, but an art form.
He would become the first African American to publish a cocktail book in 1917, The Ideal Bartender, which hosted over 170 classic cocktail recipes. His work ensured that the craft of pre-Prohibition cocktail culture would live on with elegance and precision. To this day, his book remains a vital piece of the puzzle for cocktail heritage, and continues to influence bartenders who look to the past for inspiration.
He wouldn’t be nearly the last of his community to bring influence to the spirit industry, though. In 1817, born in Missouri, Bertie “Birdie” Brown, would become a fearless pioneer who would build a life as one of the first black women to homestead in Montana. She would file for a homestead claim in 1907, and finally, in 1912 have proved it up.
Brown engaged in various enterprises, including raising chickens, cultivating fruits and vegetables on her land, but most famously, crafting moonshine. She quickly became very well known for her homemade moonshine during Prohibition, due to her remarkable ability to balance the potency of a moonshine, with a smooth, bearable flavor. While many other Prohibition-era moonshines were poorly made, and even sometimes dangerous, her brew was highly sought after by locals and travelers alike because of her pristine attention to detail.
Birdie’s reputation would reach far and wide, turning her little homestead into a social hub for folks from all around. Tragically, just months before Prohibition would end in 1933, she would suffer fatal injuries from an explosion that happened while dry cleaning garments and tending her still. Though others may have tried to remove her from history, others made it their mission to keep her story alive.
Today, she is honored with Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon, from Saint Liberty Whiskey. They use Rocky Mountain water from Montana, possibly the very same waters that Bertie would have used nearly a century ago. They are dedicated to honoring the pioneering women of the time and their untold stories, ensuring that they are never forgotten. She’s also honored by Birdie Brown from Henderson Spirits Group with their Plain Hooch and Straight Wheat Whiskey, which are crafted based on the research of ingredients and processes that Birdie herself would have used at the time. Their aim was to authentically recreate her original recipes, winning many awards for their whiskeys.
In the 1930s we would receive another revolutionary woman in the spirit industry, Iris Rideau. Born and raised in the 7th Ward of New Orleans as a Creole girl in a man’s world, she would come to understand the challenges of her heritage through her grandmother. She would move to California with her mother at the age of 12, and eventually build a successful career in finance and investment banking. Come 1997, she would make history as the first Creole-American woman to own and operate a winery in the United States.
Her vineyard became renowned for its award winning wines and its celebration of Creole culture. Often infusing aspects of her heritage into the winery’s offerings, featuring authentic cuisine and jazz events. However, after two decades of success, in 2016 Iris would sell the vineyard and turn her sights onto telling her story. She would author the memoir “From WHITE to BLACK: One Life Between Two Worlds”, published on June 19th, 2022, in honor of Juneteenth. The book delves into her experiences to navigate her own racial identities, her successes, and her commitment to civil rights and community. Her stories and legacies continue to inspire future generations who find her resilience, innovation, and dedication to breaking barriers are inspirational.
Lastly, but no less important, we have Joy Spence. A Jamaican born barrier breaker, who discovered her passion for chemistry at the age of 13, eventually earning a degree in analytical chemistry. She joined Appleton Estate as Chief Chemist in 1981, quickly rising through the ranks, due to her expertise in blending and sensory evaluation. Her deep understanding of flavor chemistry allowed her to refine their aging and blending techniques.
In 1997, she would become the first woman to hold the title of Master Blender in the spirit industry. She has crafted some of the finest Appleton Estate rums over her years with them, including Rare Blend 50 Year Old and the Joy Anniversary Blend, a special blend released to celebrate her 20th anniversary in her role. Her groundbreaking work has been recognized with multiple awards, including Jamaica's Order of Distinction. Today, her influences are celebrated at the Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience, a visitor center dedicated to preserving and sharing her contributions to the spirits realm.
This list doesn’t even include half of the folks who have come through to have lasting effects on the spirit industry as a whole. We wouldn’t leave their contributions in the past, or our industry likely wouldn’t be what it is today, so we won’t leave their names there either. They have altered the way we experience wine, whiskey, rum, and cocktails today, allowing their legacies to live on throughout history.
For too long, these stories have been left untold beyond the communities that these folks have impacted. It is important to tell their stories.To ensure that their stories live on, even after us, so that we may join their ranks in legendary positions with pivotal impacts on the communities, brands, and industries that we touch. Lets raise a glass to the many unnamed legends of our spirited history and those yet to make their history! Hidden figures of our spirited past
Check out these other black owned brands blazing trails in the industry today:
Brough Brothers Distillery - The first African American-owned distillery in the state, founded by three brothers who turned their love for bourbon into history-making craftsmanship. Their small-batch whiskey is smooth, flavorful, and rooted in tradition.
Duke & Dame Whiskey - Redefines the whiskey experience with a rich, salted caramel twist. Smooth enough for sipping, yet bold enough to stand out in cocktails, this is the kind of whiskey that turns skeptics into believers.
Col Bleu Vodka - The definition of top-shelf. Distilled to perfection, it’s the go-to choice for those who appreciate a crisp, refined vodka that doesn’t need anything extra to shine.
Spearhead Spirits - All about crafting premium, culture-infused beverages. From the citrusy kick of Bayab Gin to the velvety smoothness of Vusa Vodka, they’re on a mission to showcase African excellence in every pour.
Delta Dirt Distillery - This family-run distillery is all about farming and fermenting with heart. They grow their own sweet potatoes to make their signature vodka, proving that great spirits start with great soil and a whole lot of passion.
Bender’s Whiskey Co. - If you like whiskey with a little rebellion, Bender’s is your brand. Known for their innovative blends, they mix various whiskey styles to create something totally unique, bold, unexpected, and always delicious.
Rising Sun Distillery - Colorado’s rising star in the spirits game, this distillery prides itself on organic ingredients and sustainability. Whether it’s gin, vodka, or whiskey, they craft each bottle with a deep respect for the land and a love for bold flavors.
Plush Vodka - Sleek. Luxurious. Unapologetically smooth. They’re all about high-end vibes, offering a premium drinking experience that turns any night into an occasion.
Rivente Cognac - Takes tradition and gives it a fresh twist. Perfect for sipping neat or mixing into an elegant cocktail, it’s a brand that makes cognac approachable, not intimidating.
Victor George - Leading the charge, they deliver smooth, clean vodka designed for those who appreciate top-tier quality with a modern edge. Whether you’re sipping neat or mixing up a cocktail, this one’s got style and substance.
Bomade Vodka - Bold, refreshing, and unapologetically smooth. Perfect for summer vibes or anytime you want your cocktail to hit just right.
Original Irving Whiskey - Brings big city energy to classic whiskey craftsmanship. Their small-batch approach ensures every sip is full of character, whether you’re savoring it neat or shaking things up in a cocktail.
Exclave Spirits - Celebrating the rich history of the African diaspora, this whiskey blends bold flavors with deep cultural roots. Every bottle tells a story, and every sip is a toast to heritage and excellence.
River Basin Distillery - All about bringing that Louisiana spirit to your glass. Their rye whiskey is bold, spicy, and smooth, just like the city itself. If you love a whiskey with depth and character, this one’s for you.
Anteel Tequila - Making waves with its ultra-smooth expressions, including a Coconut Lime Blanco that’s a total game-changer. Co-founded by trailblazer Nayana Ferguson, this brand proves that tequila can be as innovative as it is delicious.
Du Nord Social Spirits - Here to shake up the industry. As the first Black-owned distillery in the U.S., they’re crafting high-quality gin, vodka, and whiskey with purpose—and every bottle supports a bigger mission.
Devils Reef - Dark, mysterious, and packed with rich island flavors, it was made for adventurers. Whether you’re a rum purist or a cocktail enthusiast, this one brings the deep, complex character you crave.
Sire Spirits - Founded by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, this one is home to Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne, two ultra-premium spirits that embody elegance, power, and success. It’s top-shelf quality with undeniable swagger.
Balt Vodka - Proof that simple is sometimes best. This clean, high-quality vodka is perfect for those who appreciate a classic spirit done right.
LS Cream Liqueur - Rich, velvety, and packed with flavors like coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Think of it as the perfect after-dinner indulgence, smooth, decadent, and unforgettable.
Mon Rey Rum - Caribbean heritage in every sip, they deliver smooth, tropical vibes with just the right amount of warmth. Whether you’re mixing it up or enjoying it straight, this rum brings the island spirit wherever you are.
Jubilee Spirits - A toast to history and heritage! Founded by HBCU alumni, they crafted GO3 Vodka, a smooth, rich blend of sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, and Texas corn. Inspired by Juneteenth, this ultra-premium vodka honors the past while giving back to HBCU scholarships.
Den of Thieves - Whiskey for rule-breakers. It’s about bold, unapologetic flavor. Their lineup delivers depth, complexity, and just the right amount of edge.
Harlem Haberdashery Bespoke Spirits - From the iconic Harlem fashion house comes a spirit line that’s just as stylish. They craft gin, rum, and vodka with the same attention to detail and flair that made them famous in the fashion world.
Sorel Liqueur - Inspired by the Caribbean favorite sorrel, this is a vibrant blend of hibiscus, cloves, cassia, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s spicy, floral, and endlessly mixable, perfect for adding a little island flair to any drink.
Disbelef Tequila - Here to shake things up. Smooth, flavorful, and ready for anything, this brand is all about challenging expectations and redefining what great tequila can be.
