Surviving the year is reason enough to toast to a festive holiday. In light of a year where outdated systems of oppression were confronted, it’s only right that REVOLT provides this directory of Black-owned spirits brands to make your seasons lit… and woke.
Whether you’re sending a little holiday “spirit” to a loved one via Instacart or looking to get lit on the office Zoom party, this list of assorted liquors and wines will showcase your sense of style and sophistication. Take a look below.
1. Ciroc
Now available in 10 fly flavors, Ciroc has matured over the years to become a staple celebration vodka in every season. Rich flavors like Amaretto and French Vanilla can set a semblance of sensual sips while more playful flavors like Mango, Pineapple, Peach or Red Berry provide the perfect assortment for exuberant elixirs. Diddy became the face of Ciroc in 2007 under a joint marketing and profit-sharing deal, which has brought a near 40-fold rise in annual sales volumes for the brand’s products.
2. DeLeon Tequila
As a sequel to the success of Ciroc, business mogul Diddy partnered with Diageo spirits company to buy luxury U.S. tequila brand DeLeon. The smooth taste of 100% Highland Blue Weber agave from Jalisco is twice-distilled. Every detail speaks to opulence such as the bottle’s highest quality fragrance-grade glass to its bold tattoo of the signature DeLeon “D.” Show off your pinky ring while holding the intricate bottle stopper in your holiday picks.
3. Ace of Spades
Make a bold statement with the gilded gold bottle known as Ace of Spades. JAY-Z increased his ownership stake in Armand de Brignac Champagne in 2014 after buying out Sovereign Brands. As one of the most expensive champagne brands on the market, Ace is the ultimate status symbol in luxury spirits.
4. Dussé
When it comes to cognac, Dussé has secured its place among the greats. Available in two very distinct flavors, Dussé VSOP reveals a powerful flavor pallet of woody notes and hints of cinnamon. Meanwhile, Dussé XO delivers a blackberry and apricot flavor paired with dark chocolate and walnut. There’s something for everyone with this cognac brand.
5. Indoggo Gin
When Snoop Dogg penned the song “Gin and Juice” in 1994, we bet he had no idea that 20 years later, he would be the owner of his old gin brand. In his opinion, the “World’s Best Tasting Gin” is a remix of seven botanicals and infused natural fruit flavors to mute the sometimes aggressive juniper taste in gin. Indoggo is also gluten-free, sugar-free and five times distilled for the health conscious consumer.
6. Luc Belaire
In 2013 when Rick Ross became the brand ambassador, Luc Belaire became the new drink of choice in Hip Hop. The sparkling wine line includes Belaire Gold, made in Burgundy from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir along with a cane sugar dosage, alongside Belaire’s top-selling cuvée Belaire Rosé, a unique sparkling Rosé wine from the south of France crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes — the three favorite Rosé grapes of the region — and Belaire Luxe, an elegant “blanc de blancs” made exclusively from Chardonnay with a special dosage made from prized Chablis grapes in Burgundy.
The newest addition to the range is Belaire Luxe Rosé, which is made at Belaire’s estate in Provence from a classic blend of rosé varietals and a unique addition of oak-aged Syrah. Finally, Belaire’s Fantôme (French for phantom) range houses each of its cuvées in a luminescent bottle, which lights up at the touch of the button.
7. Wade Cellars
As NBA champion Dwayne Wade neared the end of his career on the court, he launched a wine collection to embrace his passion for the industry and diversify his personal brand. Wade Cellars is currently offering a socially conscious initiative, The Social Change Bundle, where the wine cellar will donate $10 to the Social Change Fund with every purchase.
8. McBride Sisters Collection
Imagine reconnecting with your sister who was raised on the other side of the world only to learn that you both share a similar passion for wine! Robin and Andréa McBride developed an affinity for wine while growing up in two of the world’s most iconic wine-growing regions.
On a bonding trip in 2005, the sisters decided to shake up the industry with a blend of old-world elegance and new-world finesse with their own collection. Every bottle reads in big bold lettering: Black Girl Magic. There is nothing Black women can’t conquer!
9. FOU-DRÉ Vodka
FOU-DRÈ is French for lightening and if the bolt shaped bottle isn’t enough, the electrifying flavor captures this in a bottle. The infused vodka contains 100% fruit flavors of pomegranate and ginger notes! FOU-DRÈ is produced in South Carolina, and will be perfect for smooth and light cocktails or enjoyed straight.
10. Uncle Nearest whiskey
Named for the first known African-American master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Uncle Nearest brand is an all-minority led Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon distiller. It’s available in two premium aged whiskey blends including an 11-year-old minimum age single barrel, and a 7-year-old small batch offering. Urban legend says it’s unique filtering of bourbon through sugar maple charcoal creates a distinct flavor indigenous to Tennessee slaves who were taught by Nearest Green.
11. Domaine Curry
The two-year-old wine company was founded by two women in NBA star Steph Curry’s life: His wife and celebrity chef Ayesha Curry, and his little sister Sydell. Domaine Curry is available in two offerings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The wine has been described by experts as full bodied, racy, serious with it’s sliced dried lemon, stones, mineral and lemon rind notes.