Jackie Summers stands as a monumental figure in the American beverage industry, celebrated as the first Black person to receive a distiller's license in the United States following the Repeal of Prohibition. His journey, marked by personal resilience and a deep connection to cultural heritage, led to the creation of Sorel Liqueur and the founding of Jack from Brooklyn. Summers' trailblazing efforts have not only introduced an award-winning spirit to the global market but have also significantly impacted conversations around diversity, equity, and representation within the historically exclusive spirits industry.
Born on October 22, 1967, and raised in Queens, New York, Jackie Summers is of Caribbean descent; his grandparents immigrated to the United States from Barbados and Nevis in the 1920s. This rich cultural background deeply influenced his eventual foray into the spirits world. Growing up, a pitcher of sorrel, a traditional hibiscus tea, was a constant presence in his family's kitchen. After the children were asleep, the adults would often add a splash of rum to this beverage, a practice that underscored the social and cultural significance of sorrel within his heritage. Summers' father was a talented pianist who played with legends like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, while his mother pursued a career as a research scientist, instilling in him a blend of artistic appreciation and scientific curiosity.
From Corporate America to Craft Distilling
For 25 years, Summers built a successful career in corporate America, working in sectors such as Wall Street, advertising, and publishing. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 2010 when he received a devastating cancer diagnosis, requiring the removal of a spinal tumor. Faced with a 95% chance of death and a 50% chance of paralysis if he survived, Summers miraculously recovered. This life-altering experience profoundly shifted his perspective, leading him to resign from his corporate role with a newfound determination to pursue a life filled with passion and purpose, centered around good food and drink.
Unable to secure funding for his new lifestyle, Summers looked to his roots for inspiration. He turned to a homemade sorrel drink recipe that had been passed down through generations in his family. Recognizing an opportunity to transform this beloved cultural staple into a commercially viable product, he embarked on an ambitious journey to create the first-ever shelf-stable version of sorrel. This endeavor required extensive experimentation, with Summers recounting 623 failed attempts before perfecting the recipe that would become Sorel Liqueur.
The Birth of Sorel Liqueur and a Historic License
In 2012, Jackie Summers achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Black person in the United States to be granted a license to manufacture liquor post-Prohibition. This significant accomplishment marked the official launch of his company, Jack from Brooklyn (named after a nickname he held), and its flagship product, Sorel Liqueur. Sorel Liqueur is a vibrant, deep garnet-colored spirit, blending hibiscus with warming spices such as Brazilian clove, Indonesian cassia, nutmeg, and Nigerian ginger.
The early days of Jack from Brooklyn and Sorel Liqueur were fraught with challenges. Just six months after its initial launch in 2012, Summers' distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn, was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy, sustaining significant structural damage and the destruction of equipment and commodities. Despite lacking insurance and FEMA assistance, Summers managed to rebuild and relaunched the brand in 2013. However, soaring demand and the immense personal effort required to manage all aspects of the business led to a temporary halt in production in 2015.
Relaunch and Lasting Impact
The story of Sorel Liqueur took another positive turn in October 2021 when the brand relaunched, notably with investment from the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund. This revival allowed Sorel Liqueur to expand its reach significantly. Today, it is available in over 37 states across the U.S. and six countries, garnering numerous accolades. It has been recognized as the most awarded American-made liqueur, with over 40 gold (or better) awards.
Jackie Summers' impact extends far beyond the success of Sorel Liqueur. As the first licensed Black distiller post-Prohibition, he has become a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the spirits industry. He frequently shares his story and insights through writing for publications like Esquire and Wine Enthusiast, and by speaking at industry events. Summers has highlighted the systemic barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs, including the disparity in funding and the challenge of gaining recognition and respect in an industry where Black brand owners are still a rarity.
He actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and supports other Black-owned businesses through partnerships and initiatives, aiming to ease the path for those who follow. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive industry is further demonstrated by his past role as co-chair of the Education Committee for Tales of the Cocktail and his current service on various industry boards. Summers' influence has been recognized by many, earning him distinctions such as being named among Drinks International's "100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures" multiple times and a "Drink Innovator of the Year" by Food & Wine Magazine.
Jackie Summers' journey is a testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and a commitment to opening doors for future generations. Through Sorel Liqueur, he has not only brought a piece of Caribbean heritage to the global stage but has also fundamentally challenged and reshaped perceptions within the American beverage industry, paving the way for greater representation and opportunity.