Bertie “Birdie” Brown (circa 1871–1933) stands as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Black women in the American West, particularly during the challenging era of Prohibition. Operating an illicit yet celebrated distillery from her Montana homestead, Brown carved a unique place in history as a purveyor of exceptionally smooth and safe moonshine, earning her the moniker ‘Queen of the Bootleggers’ among her community. Her story, long obscured by racial and gender biases prevalent in historical record-keeping, highlights the vital, albeit often hidden, contributions of African Americans to the nation’s beverage industry.
Early Life and Homesteading in the American West
Born in Missouri around 1871, Bertie Brown ventured westward, ultimately settling in Fergus County, Montana. By 1898, she had arrived in the Lewistown area, and in 1907, she filed a claim for 160 acres along Brickyard Creek, proving up on her homestead in 1912. As one of the few African American female homesteaders in the country, Brown exemplified remarkable independence and self-sufficiency in a largely untamed frontier. She often described herself as an abandoned woman or a widow, a common designation for single women navigating the economic hardships of the time, and like many, she supplemented her income through various means.
A Prohibition-Era Entrepreneur
The advent of Prohibition in 1920, which outlawed the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages across the United States, inadvertently created a unique economic opportunity for individuals like Brown. While many Americans engaged in illegal distilling, the quality of homemade spirits, often referred to as ‘bathtub gin’ or ‘moonshine,’ varied wildly, with poorly distilled batches posing severe health risks, including blindness or even death. In this unregulated environment, Bertie Brown distinguished herself by producing moonshine that was not only potent but, crucially, reliably safe and exceptionally smooth.
Her reputation for crafting superior “white lightning” quickly spread throughout Fergus County and beyond. Brown's homestead, where she lived alone with her beloved cat, transformed into a popular parlor and a hub of warm hospitality. This establishment was more than just a place to acquire illegal liquor; it served as a vital social center, a refuge where people gathered to drink, converse, and connect, blending seamlessly into the rhythms of frontier life. For a Black woman in rural Montana, this act of community-building through hospitality was particularly significant, fostering a sense of belonging in a world that offered few welcoming spaces.
Brown’s operation, though illicit, demonstrated discretion, strong community ties, and considerable technical skill in distilling. Her ability to produce consistent quality earned her unofficial recognition as one of the era’s “Queen of the Bootleggers.” This period underscored how Prohibition, while intended to curb alcohol consumption, inadvertently created new avenues for entrepreneurship, particularly for marginalized groups like women and Black Americans, who had historically been excluded from mainstream economic opportunities in the spirits industry.
Tragic End and Historical Obscurity
Bertie Brown’s life and remarkable career as an independent distiller met a tragic end in May 1933. While multitasking, using gasoline for dry cleaning garments and tending to what would be her final batch of hooch, her still exploded. She succumbed to her injuries hours later. Her death occurred just months before the repeal of Prohibition in December 1933, which would have brought an end to her primary livelihood.
Following her passing, Brown’s homestead was abandoned, though her cabin and legacy physically endure in Montana. However, her significant contributions to American distilling largely faded from mainstream historical accounts. Historians and advocates suggest that this historical obscurity is largely attributable to the dual challenges of her race and gender, as the stories of Black women, especially those operating outside conventional societal norms, were frequently overlooked or deliberately erased from written records.
Modern Recognition and Lasting Impact
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to unearth and celebrate these previously untold stories, with a growing recognition of the foundational role Black Americans have played in the distilling industry. Bertie Brown’s legacy is now being honored by modern Black-owned spirit brands, who are dedicated to illuminating the history of marginalized individuals in the beverage world.
One such company is Henderson Spirits Group, founded in 2019 by former NBA player Alan Henderson, with the mission of diversifying the spirits landscape and promoting African American representation. Henderson's research led him to Brown's inspiring story, prompting the creation of Birdie Brown Plain Hooch and Birdie Brown Straight Wheat Whiskey. These products, distilled in Montana from wheat, oats, and barley, pay direct homage to Brown’s original methods and reputation for quality. Another brand, Saint Liberty Whiskey, which is partially owned by Black women Erin Harris and Dia Simms, has also created a bourbon called “Bertie’s Bear Gulch” in her honor, further cementing her place in contemporary spirits discourse.
Bertie Brown’s life as a successful, independent distiller during Prohibition serves as a powerful reminder of the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that thrived among Black Americans despite immense systemic barriers. Her story enriches the broader narrative of American distilling, emphasizing that the industry’s roots are deeply entwined with the contributions of diverse individuals. By bringing her legacy to light, modern initiatives ensure that Brown is recognized not merely as a historical footnote, but as a pioneering Black woman whose influence helped shape the American beverage industry. Her continued recognition fosters a more inclusive understanding of American history and inspires new generations of Black entrepreneurs in spirits. Black Women in the American Wine and Spirits Industry: Pioneers and Innovators. Prohibition and the Erasure of Black-Owned Distilling in America.