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.
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.
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.
Discover more from Flights and Foods
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
5,048 Comments
lotto champ reviews
LottoChamp is a specialized lottery prediction software designed to give players a statistical edge. Instead of relying on luck or random numbers, the platform uses mathematical algorithms and historical draw data to help users make more strategic number selections.
maquina de edredon
A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Magnificent job!
一代工務店最悪欠陥住宅
Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
toto togel
I think this website holds some rattling good information for everyone. “It is easy enough to define what the Commonwealth is not. Indeed this is quite a popular pastime.” by Elizabeth II.
prostadine
PROSTADINE is truly unlike anything you’ve ever encountered in your life. It stands as the sole droplet solution that incorporates nine potent natural ingredients, working in perfect synergy to safeguard the health and mineral balance of your prostate well into your golden years.
maquina de overloque
Somebody essentially help to make severely posts I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular post amazing. Magnificent activity!
一代工務店最悪欠陥住宅
Thank you for another informative website. Where else may I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect means? I have a project that I’m simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info.
alexaslot138
Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my website something like that. Can I implement a part of your post to my blog?
7 second ice water hack
The ice water hack is a simple trick that involves using cold water to naturally activate your body’s thermogenic process. When you drink ice water, your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature, burning extra calories in the process.
alexaslot138
I simply couldn’t leave your site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the standard information an individual provide on your guests? Is gonna be again steadily in order to investigate cross-check new posts