Samara Davis BBS
All Things BLACK,  Bartender Interviews,  Drinks

Black Bourbon Enthusiasts Find Community in the Black Bourbon Society

Samara Davis is Creating Change in the Spirit Space

Black bourbon enthusiasts are claiming their space and bringing their own chairs to the table. As a whiskey lover myself I have to tell you, if you aren’t familiar with the Black Bourbon Society you should be. The Black Bourbon Society, or BBS, fills a gap where there is a lack of engagement with bourbon consumers of color.  

Samara Davis started out running her own event planning company. As she gradually began adding bourbon to her wine rotation, she became more and more intrigued about the nuances of bourbon. After many collaborations in the event space Samara recognized that many brands were missing out on a key demographic. Those in the Black community who are well established in their careers, and many with disposable income, are not always considered in the spirit space. I have to say that I have noticed the image in an ad of a person pouring a neat glass of whiskey often does not look like me, though I am whiskey fan, and I prefer a neat pour.  This is not exclusive to the spirits industry, the lack of diverse decision makers has been an ongoing conversation.

The Official Open

Door High Ball

Inspired by the refreshing taste of summer and the welcoming cool of watermelon. Cheers!

As an industry consumer and facilitator, Samara started BBS, hosting educational excursions, building brand partnerships, and curating events centered around bourbon. The foundation of BBS is supported by a Facebook group of over 23k members, myself and my husband are two of those members.

Jim Beam Black Bourbon Society Watermelon Highball

The key to connecting with BBS members in a meaningful way is to actively engage the community. One of the largest events for the BBS members is the annual Bourbon Boule, BBS holds in-person and virtual events throughout the year. The most recent event, the Open Door Tour, is a partnership between BBS and Jim Beam to visit five cities across the country, highlighting Black owned bars and restaurants. This celebration of “Black excellence through culture, cocktails and cuisine” has been highly successful, as evidenced by all of the sold out event dates. 

This year BBS is celebrating a 5 year anniversary and will continue to celebrate for the entire year. A part of that celebration is the creation of a Private Selection with Maker’s Mark. Though this anniversary pick marks a special occasion, it is not the first bottle with the BBS touch. The first BBS Maker’s Mark Private Select bottle won Double Gold Custom-Finished Bourbon at the 19th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Samara has built a relationship with the brand over the years and collaborated on several events. That relationship is what brought about the opportunities for BBS to create  Private Selections.

“Pursue your purpose confidently. Don’t be afraid to go after it.” 

Samara Davis

With the success and impact of BBS, Samara and her husband Armond Davis founded Diversity Distilled. They noticed an obvious need for more diversity and inclusion in the spirit space and committed to focus on supporting the increase of diverse talent in leadership. Diversity Distilled is a bottom-up and top-down approach to “advise, advocate and craft unique strategies to address the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of brands — with a focus on the world of distilled spirits, packaged beverages and the alcohol and service industries.”

According to Neilsen Black Americans spend over 1 trillion dollars a year. Being a part of a neglected target market, I can attest that many Black Americans like nice things, can afford nice things, and buy nice things. Though we cannot buy things we do not know exist. The Black community are not only consumers, but also influencers. Brands must recognize the smart move, the best, and the only move for growth is to include those customers who have traditionally been ignored in marketing plans going forward. In 2019, Adobe conducted a research report of more than 2,000 consumers. Their results showed that 66% of African-Americans feel their ethnicity is portrayed stereotypically in advertisements. With groups like BBS I am hopeful that brands and the Black community will continue to form bonds, build relationships, and create authentic content that speaks to the community.

Celebrate 30 days of Bourbon in September with BBS. If you’re a bourbon or whiskey enthusiast join the Facebook group, and with the premium membership you receive a wide variety of perks, including first notice about the next BBS Private Selection. BBS has ambassadors across the country. The Black Bourbon Society has let the world in on the not so secret secret that the Black community appreciates fine whiskeys and bourbons just like everyone else. Be a part of building the community and changing the narrative.

137 Comments

  • Soulmate Sketch

    Great article and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks 🙂

  • Prime Biome

    Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content!

  • hawkrown

    Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your web site in web explorer, could test thisK IE nonetheless is the market chief and a huge element of folks will miss your great writing due to this problem.

  • Gluco 6

    Hello, i feel that i noticed you visited my web site so i got here to “go back the want”.I am attempting to find issues to enhance my web site!I assume its adequate to make use of a few of your ideas!!

  • Tonic Greens

    Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  • Beast Force

    Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  • Prodentim

    Hola! I’ve been reading your site for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!

  • Serena Flow

    My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different website and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.

  • Leanbiome

    I’m typically to blogging and i actually recognize your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and maintain checking for new information.

  • Prostazen

    Hi there, You have done a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.

  • raja slot

    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  • curso ufrn nutricionista estrategia

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  • Nerve Freedom

    Thanks for another informative blog. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.

  • rateio

    I will right away grab your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  • BeastForce

    Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.

  • SciatiSoothe

    I actually wanted to compose a brief word in order to thank you for all of the amazing pointers you are showing here. My time consuming internet look up has now been compensated with sensible content to write about with my relatives. I would repeat that most of us visitors are extremely fortunate to exist in a notable site with many perfect individuals with very helpful tricks. I feel really happy to have encountered the website page and look forward to many more fabulous times reading here. Thank you once again for a lot of things.

  • Prodentim

    You could certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart. “A simple fact that is hard to learn is that the time to save money is when you have some.” by Joe Moore.

  • mjs skin booster

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So good to search out any person with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this web site is something that’s wanted on the internet, someone with slightly originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!

  • vorbelutrioperbir

    This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

  • 云顶按摩

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks

  • api validar cpf

    Hiya very cool site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionallyKI’m happy to seek out a lot of helpful info right here in the submit, we need work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  • pg slot

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “Man is the measure of all things.” by Protagoras.

  • ligong motor

    Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  • toys

    Good write-up, I?¦m regular visitor of one?¦s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.

  • curso oab direito constitucional cers

    This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  • film completo

    What i don’t realize is in truth how you are not really a lot more well-liked than you might be now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly on the subject of this topic, made me personally believe it from so many various angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it¦s one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. At all times handle it up!

  • Stratos Alpha Reviews

    I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website :).

  • pbn blog

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  • janda semok

    hello!,I love your writing very so much! percentage we be in contact more about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this house to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  • Harga Honda WRV Semarang

    That is the suitable blog for anyone who needs to find out about this topic. You realize a lot its almost laborious to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, just great!

  • Appa Nail

    Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Thanks for your time!

  • cabe88

    Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  • fakta menarik

    Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  • PrimeBiome

    This web page is known as a stroll-by means of for all of the data you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll positively uncover it.

  • best water filter malaysia

    I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  • ice water hack recipe

    I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  • TC 24 Prostate

    I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re working with? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest blog and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?

  • prime biome review

    Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!

  • Neuroquiet Reviews

    I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A handful of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?

  • bag delivery from airport

    Great goods from you, man. I have be mindful your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you have received right here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which by which you assert it. You are making it entertaining and you still care for to stay it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is actually a terrific web site.

  • Mitolyn

    Thank you a lot for giving everyone remarkably brilliant chance to read from this web site. It can be very awesome plus full of amusement for me and my office co-workers to visit your website at minimum 3 times weekly to read through the fresh guides you will have. And definitely, I am just certainly contented with all the breathtaking strategies served by you. Certain two tips in this posting are undeniably the very best we have all ever had.

  • Leanbiome

    I discovered your weblog site on google and examine a couple of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I simply further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Seeking ahead to reading extra from you in a while!…

  • พับเหล็ก

    I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  • Nerve Freedom

    Hi there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  • Worm Reducer

    An attention-grabbing discussion is value comment. I feel that you must write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally persons are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  • brazilian mounjaro

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognise what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my web site =). We will have a link alternate arrangement among us!

  • url

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.

  • Viril Wood

    Great beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent concept

  • toronto black car service

    An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  • Hotmart

    Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers

  • golf cart lithium battery

    Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  • furniture

    Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  • situs idn

    Hey very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds alsoKI’m satisfied to find numerous helpful information right here within the post, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  • Ethical hacking courses

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!

  • skincare untuk remaja

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!

  • Ethical hackers for business

    Thank you for any other informative website. Where else may just I am getting that type of information written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am just now running on, and I have been on the look out for such info.

  • situs judi slot terpercaya

    I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  • 1xbet yeni giriş

    What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other customers like its aided me. Great job.

  • Free golf live stream

    Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a perfect web-site.

  • Football streams free

    Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity on your submit is just nice and that i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your feed to stay up to date with drawing close post. Thank you one million and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  • ثبت نام مگاپاری

    Good ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  • sohu xxx

    5 stars
    Hmmm iis anyone else encountering probhlems with the images onn
    tgis blo loading? I’m trying too determine iff itts a problem on my ennd or iff it’s thhe blog.
    Anny respoknses wouldd bee greatlpy appreciated.

  • xnxxx.page

    3 stars
    Hello, i think thst i saw yyou viusited mmy blog sso i came too “return the favor”.I’m trying too fund things to enhance myy webb site!I suppoxe its
    ok too uuse somee of your ideas!!

  • new-bokep.com

    2 stars
    hhey there and thank yyou for your information – I have certainly pickd uup soething
    nnew from rigght here. I diid however expedtise some tehnical issuees using thiss web site, since I experiened too reload thhe wweb site lkts of timers previous
    to I cojld gett it tto load correctly. I had been wondeering if yourr web hoost is OK?
    Not thnat I am complaining, but sluggish loading intances times wll verry frequenly adfect your placement in google
    and could damage yoir quality scire iif ads and
    marketing with Adwords. Anywayy I’m aadding this RSS too my e-mail and ccan look ouut ffor a lot
    more of your respective fascinating content. Ensue that you updte tgis again soon.

  • lululu

    3 stars
    I absolutely love your website.. Pleasat colors & theme.
    Diid you deveoop this ssite yourself? Please reply back
    aas I’m aattempting too create myy own personal websitee and wouild like to finnd
    oout where yoou ggot this frm or just wwhat the them is called.
    Cheers!

  • car rental singapore

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am glad to express that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I such a lot no doubt will make sure to do not put out of your mind this site and give it a glance regularly.

  • zoritoler imol

    I used to be more than happy to search out this net-site.I wished to thanks to your time for this wonderful learn!! I undoubtedly having fun with each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  • Salome Wilmes

    Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  • tlovertonet

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a perfect web site.

  • Leana Grabhorn

    I genuinely enjoy looking at on this web site, it holds superb articles. “One should die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly.” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.

  • Takera

    Yes it does! We are not a monolith, we like expensive stuff too. After being a part of the group I see how people find comfort their with other like minded folks. I really can’t wait to see what BBS does in the future.

  • Anela

    Love this! The Black community has such buying power and interest in spirits. I love that the BBS is making waves, making their mark on bottles, and increasing community education!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!