Nicole Young, founder of Frisky Whiskey.

A wave of innovation and diversity is reshaping the traditionally-impenetrable world of whiskey, and we couldn’t be happier.

Over the last decade in particular, black-owned whisky businesses have become some of the most exciting ones-to-watch; many small-scale, some large-scale, and all with brilliant stories and spirits.

Want to explore and support the best of the best? The five black-owned whiskey brands we’ve highlighted in the list of must-trys, below, are a supremely-worthy starting point.

Founder: Fawn Weaver

Uncle Nearest, brought to life by Fawn Weaver, is a fond tribute to Nathan “Nearest” Green. Green, once a bondman of African-American origin, imparted the fine skills of whiskey-making to a young Jack Daniel. Weaver not only sets a record as the first African-American woman to lead a high-profile spirits brand, but also as the creator of the most awarded bourbon and American whiskies each year since 2019. In short, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried them all.

Founder: Drew Fox

Drew Fox started his in-home brewery in 2010 without predicting that it would evolve into the premier award-winning artisan distillery in Northwest Indiana. Besides, it specializes in vodka, rum, gin, rye and bourbon. The latter two are the real celebrities, in my opinion, showcasing a strong, grain-derived sweetness in the bourbon and cherry overtones in the rye. A vacation in the brand’s Fermatorium apartments provide a perfect reason to revel in whiskey appreciation tours.

Founder: Riviera Imports

Drawing inspiration from the smooth and soulful musical stylings of Miles Davis (and his best-selling jazz record of all time), Kind of Blue is a whisky worth a spot on your bar cart. A deep amber, the blended Islay/Speyside/Highland Scotch boasts an exceptional blend of rich fruits, smoky-sweet spice, and a touch of soft Madagascan vanilla. A medley in its own right.

Founder: Rakim Mayers (a.k.a A$AP Rocky)

Rapper A$AP Rocky’s Canadian blend is one of the more unusual whiskies on the list, employing both American white oak (ex-bourbon) and Japanese Mizunara Oak to develop a deliciously spicy-sweet flavor profile. Richer than the average blend, the whiskey is twice-distilled and aged for a minimum of four years, making for an ultra-quaffable sipper.

Founder: Nicole Young

Nicole Young’s Frisky Whiskey is not your average sipper. Unlike the norm, Frisky’s novel formula leverages pure caramel and natural vanilla to highlight and amplify its liquid, making them a great choice for those who prefer their whiskies a little sweeter (sans artificial enhancers). Being victorious in obtaining the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, securing 95 out of 100 points for flavor, it’s also the competition’s highest rated flavored whiskey to date.