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ABS is proud to celebrate Black history throughout 2021 and we are highlighting Black-owned wine and spirits brands as well as prominent Black voices within mainstream brands. Join us in celebrating the makers, industry leaders and brands that are breaking barriers and whose stories continue to inspire us all.
Together we can AMPLIFY. BLACK. VOICES.
Marc Farrell, Ten to One
Elevated but not exclusive and grounded in authentic elements of Caribbean culture and heritage, that is the story of Ten to One. Founded by Marc Farrell, Ten to One is taking rum beyond its complicated history and creating products that continue to raise the bar.
Robin and Andréa, McBride Sisters
The largest Black-owned wine company in the world, the McBride sisters are an incredible force to reckon with. Newly found sisters raised across the world from one another, Robin and Andréa’s love affair with wine began in the most iconic wine regions.
Keenan Towns, Trusted Spirits
Trusted Spirits, co-founded by Keenan Towns, is one of the only beverage suppliers that focuses on solely developing celebrity and influencer wine and spirits brands.
Their debut brand, INDOGGO Gin, was created by entertainment icon and hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg.
Torrence Swain, Silencio Mezcal
Torrence Swain originally came to DC to join the hospitality industry with a focus on cocktails. Now he leads a powerhouse team that is responsible for the nation's #1 mezcal brand.
They've revived the ancient art of artisanal mezcal and delivered it to the masses.
Carmelita Hilliard, Look Vodka
After noticing so few alcohol brands created with African American women in mind, Carmelita Hilliard’s entrepreneurial spirit was unleashed.
In 2018, she partnered with a local Maryland distillery to create her inaugural brand, Look Vodka.
Kevin Larkai, Blackleaf Vodka
A chance meeting with a fifth-generation cognac maker changed Kevin Larkai’s life forever. The result? The birth of Blackleaf Vodka.
Made in the heart of France with organic winter wheat, This is the first French organic vodka on the market.
Phil Long, Longevity Wines
Phil Long began his journey making wine in his garage with his (late) wife, Debra Green. Now this winemaker, founder of Longevity Wines and President of the Association of African American Vintners continues to share their love story through the label on each bottle that he designed himself.
Brenae Royal, Louis M. Martini
The vineyard manager for Sonoma’s historic Monte Rosso vineyard, Brenae Royal knows subplots like the back of her hand. And it’s her hands that help make Louis M. Martini what it is today. What started as a love of farming, crops, and horticulture turned into an amazing career in wine.
Victoria Butler, Uncle Nearest
Victoria Butler, Uncle Nearest's master blender, is the great-great-granddaughter of the brand's namesake, Nathan Green, the first African-American master distiller.
Green, a.k.a. “Uncle Nearest”, was the former slave who taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey.
Duane Sylvestre, The Campari Group
D.C. celebrity bartender, Duane Sylvestre, is armed with over 20 years of hospitality experience and is a brand ambassador for The Campari Group. His creative concoctions have been recognized in The Washington Post, Washingtonian, Wine Enthusiast, GQ, Garden & Gun, Ebony Magazine & Oprah.com.