Trailblazers to Toast: Celebrating Black Excellence in the Spirits Industry
- Greene Olives Premier Beverage Caterer
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
In an industry rich with tradition — and often clouded by overlooked contributions — it’s important to recognize the legacy and innovation of Black pioneers in the world of spirits and cocktails. From passed-down family recipes to award-winning distilleries, these trailblazers have not only shaken up the liquor industry but also poured love, resilience, and history into every bottle.
As we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth, it’s only right that we lift our glasses to these game-changers whose stories continue to inspire.
Nathan “Nearest” Green
The Teacher Behind the Icon
Nathan “Nearest” Green was a formerly enslaved man who taught none other than Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. He was the first known African American master distiller — his techniques and skill laid the foundation for what would become a world-famous Tennessee whiskey brand. Though his name went unrecognized for generations, his legacy now stands tall in the spirits world thanks to those who made sure history remembered the truth.
Fawn Weaver
Founder of Uncle Nearest
Entrepreneur and storyteller Fawn Weaver is the powerhouse behind Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. She founded the brand to honor Nearest Green’s legacy, making it the fastest-growing Black-owned spirit company in American history. More than just whiskey, Uncle Nearest is a movement — blending heritage, transparency, and empowerment. Weaver has also launched initiatives to support women and BIPOC entrepreneurs in the industry.
Chris Montana
Founder of Du Nord
Chris Montana made history as the first African American to own and operate a microdistillery in the United States: Du Nord Social Spirits in Minneapolis. His distillery is more than a producer of craft spirits — it's a social enterprise that actively supports local communities and advocates for equity in the beverage space. Chris is also a former president of the American Craft Spirits Association, where he pushed for inclusivity across the industry.
Jackie Summers
Founder of Sorel
A native New Yorker with Caribbean roots, Jackie Summers created Sorel, a unique hibiscus-based liqueur inspired by his grandmother’s traditional recipe. He became the first Black person in America to receive a license to make liquor post-Prohibition. His mission? To challenge the status quo with a product that tells cultural stories, while promoting inclusion and creativity within the spirits world. His voice continues to inspire and uplift others in the beverage space.
Robin McBride & Andréa McBride John
Founders of McBride Sisters Wine Company
The McBride Sisters are the dynamic duo behind the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. Raised on opposite sides of the world (California and New Zealand), they didn’t meet until adulthood — but once they did, wine magic happened. Their brand, McBride Sisters Collection, is all about breaking down barriers in the wine industry with approachable, sustainably produced wines, all while celebrating diversity and sisterhood. Their mission? “Wines that reflect our backgrounds, our heritages, and our values.”
Victor George
Founder of Victor George Spirits (VG Vodka)
Victor George launched VG Vodka with a vision for community and ownership. He’s also spearheading the African American-owned Fort Lauderdale vodka distillery and tasting room project, making it one of the first of its kind in the country. His brand is about more than just clean, smooth vodka — it’s a legacy move, aiming to create opportunities and expand Black presence in the spirits market.
André Hueston Mack
Founder of Maison Noir Wines
André Hueston Mack left a high-profile sommelier gig at Per Se to shake up the wine world with Maison Noir Wines — a brand that fuses punk rock energy, hip-hop edge, and high-quality Oregon-grown wine. His labels are bold, his blends are complex, and his story is legendary. Mack’s mission: break wine out of the box and make it feel personal, flavorful, and inclusive for everyone — not just the elite.
Nicole Young
Founder of Frisky Whiskey
Nicole Young is serving up flavor and flair with Frisky Whiskey, a smooth, peach-vanilla infused whiskey that’s as fun as it is fierce. As one of the few Black women leading a flavored whiskey brand, Nicole is challenging traditional whiskey norms with bold branding, inclusive marketing, and an unapologetic sense of fun. She’s redefining who whiskey is for — and doing it her way.
Tiffany Capri Hainesworth
Founder of TCapri® Tequila
TCapri® Tequila is the brainchild of Tiffany Capri Hainesworth, who made history as the first Black woman to solely own a tequila brand. She immersed herself in the craft by traveling to Jalisco, Mexico, learning directly from agave farmers and distillers. Her dedication led to the creation of an ultra-premium tequila made from 100% Blue Weber agave, natural yeast, and volcanic-filtered well water, with absolutely no additives. TCapri® Tequila is hand-crafted in small batches and bottled at the source in the Highlands of Jalisco. The brand has gained acclaim for its smooth, sippable profile and is available in stores across Maryland.
Vernon, Adanna, & Samantha
Founder of Vascano Tequila
Vascano Tequila is a Black-, LGBTQ-, and women-owned brand founded in 2020 by three friends, Vernon, Adanna, & Samantha, from the DC area. The co-founders established Vascano with a mission to create a tequila brand that not only delivers exceptional quality but also uplifts and represents marginalized communities. Their commitment goes beyond crafting premium tequila; they actively support other Black-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Vascano Tequila has been featured in local media for its dedication to diversity and inclusion in the spirits industry.
Why It Matters
At Greene Olives, we believe cocktails are more than drinks — they’re cultural expressions, layered with legacy and identity. The contributions of Black innovators are foundational to the stories we sip, the flavors we love, and the bar culture we celebrate.
This month — and every month — we honor those who’ve stirred change and poured purpose into the glass. Cheers to building bars that are more inclusive, more representative, and more rooted in truth.
Stay hydrated. Drink Responsibly.
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