The landscape of American craft spirits continues to evolve, with Black-owned distilleries at the forefront of innovation and excellence. Recent months have seen exciting new releases and prestigious awards for brands that are not only crafting exceptional spirits but also enriching the industry with diverse voices and unique approaches. Among these trailblazers, Kentucky's B.H. James Distillers has unveiled a patriotic new line, while Funk Harbor Rum has secured significant accolades, further highlighting the dynamic growth within the Black-owned spirits community.
In a festive nod to America’s upcoming 250th birthday, B.H. James Distillers, founded by Shawn McCormick in Adairville, Kentucky, proudly launched its “Spirit 76” line of flavored Kentucky Bourbons on June 30, 2026. This new collection features Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey infused with all-natural ingredients, available in four enticing flavors: All American Cherry, Blackberry Bramble, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, and Just Peachy. Each 750ml bottle, at 35% Alc./Vol. (70 Proof), was introduced with a special distillery-exclusive price of $17.76 through July 4, 2026, marking a timely celebration of the nation’s enduring spirit.
Shawn McCormick’s journey into distilling began with an inspiration from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 2012. As a food scientist, McCormick brought his expertise to develop the distinct flavor profiles for the “Spirit 76” line, demonstrating a dedication to quality and innovation. The launch not only offers a unique product but also embodies a decade-long dream for McCormick, culminating in a distillery that also produces the award-winning Burton James® Uniquely American® Whiskey & Bourbon, James Lake® Vodkas, and Kentucky Grit® Whiskeys.
Across the country, another Black-owned brand is making waves with significant industry recognition. Funk Harbor Rum, founded by UFC fighter and MMA champion Aljamain Sterling, continued its impressive winning streak by earning a Double Gold Medal for its Silver Rum and a Gold Medal for its Aged Dark Rum at the prestigious Black Owned Spirit Awards on January 7, 2026. These honors follow the brand's earlier success in 2025, where its Aged Dark Rum won a Gold Medal and “Best Dark/Gold Rum” at the WSWA Tasting Competition. Funk Harbor Rum's consistent performance underscores the quality and craftsmanship emerging from Black-owned rum producers, cementing its place among the industry's best.
These recent developments are part of a broader trend of excellence within Black-owned distilleries. Just as we recently reported, New Dawn Distilling, a pioneering Black-woman-owned distillery in New York, also received significant recognition in late 2025 and early 2026 for its bourbon and wheat whiskey, including a Platinum award at the 2025 L.A. Spirits Awards for its New Dawn Bourbon and being named an Editor's Top Pick by R&B Magazine. Their success highlights a commitment to innovative distilling practices and unique flavor profiles that are captivating critics and consumers alike. You can read more about their achievements in our previous post, “New Dawn Distilling Shines with Top Honors and Innovation in Craft Whiskey.”
The achievements of B.H. James Distillers, Funk Harbor Rum, and New Dawn Distilling reflect the vibrant and growing impact of Black entrepreneurs in the spirits industry. From crafting unique flavored bourbons to earning top awards for premium rums and whiskies, these brands are not only expanding their market presence but also inspiring future generations of distillers. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and cultural celebration is steadily reshaping the American craft spirits landscape, proving that diverse voices are indeed key to its continued evolution and success.
Sources
- New Dawn Distilling's Award-Winning Whiskeys & Innovations - Indulge Black History
- News Archives | Funk Harbor Rum & Spirits
- B.H. James Distillers Launches Spirit 76 in Time to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday
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