Moonshine, a high-proof illegal liquor, was once the drink of choice for many — especially during Prohibition.
It’s commonly known that even before that in the Deep South, formerly enslaved men and women often worked in distilleries and created many of the techniques involved in production. Jack Daniel’s, for example — the top-selling American whiskey brand in the world — now acknowledges that a former slave, Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green, was responsible for teaching his methods of making “hooch” to an orphan by the name of Jack Daniel.
After the Civil War, many African Americans were sharecroppers and created the secret concoction in large vats outdoors — often at night so that it was undetectable. It was something often done out of necessity and involved the whole family, and profits helped sustain the family income.
My grandparents, for example, used to make moonshine in North Texas. As the family story goes, Herbert used his family recipe to keep the local sheriff on his good side. My grandmother played a pivotal role in preparing the alcohol, and my mother and aunts would sometimes stand in as “tasters” to test the strong corn whiskey.
Although spirits are now dominated by “craft culture,” which often consists of denim apron-wearing hipsters with freshly shaped beards and plaid button-down shirts, there is a resurgence in the Black community, and entrepreneurs are stepping into the spirits industry with fervor. North Texas is now home to many Black-owned liquors and wines. The following are either made in Dallas-Fort Worth or created by locals.
Frenchie Bualé
This unique vodka is more than just a pretty bottle. “Frenchie Bualé brings a minority-owned liquor company to the forefront of an industry that has always catered to mainstream media,” the company website states. The catchphrase of this 5-year-old company — “what’s the tea” — was popularized in the LGBTQ community, which is also a group the owners are striving to represent.
The Southern charm-inspired flavor is unexpected yet distinct enough to put a twist on such classics as sangria, mojitos and Moscow mules. Frenchie Bualé's sweet tea vodka is infused with juicy pineapple. Drink it neat or over ice or mix up one of the cocktail recipes on the website. Available at Spec’s, Total Wine and Goody Goody. frenchiebuale.com.
Berkshire Farms Winery
If these winemakers sound familiar, you may recognize them from the Dallas Farmers Market. Jonathan and Jason Jackson are the brothers behind Berkshire Farms Winery in Ferris, Texas. The butcher shop owned by the duo transitioned from pristine cuts of beef to sumptuous wines and the complex pairing of the two. facebook.com/Berkshirefarmswine.
Sociologie Wine
Amy Hampton is the founder of Sociologie Wine, and she describes herself as a “mad scientist who loves to party.” This former executive in health education soon realized her passion for crafting drinks to fit personalities was something she wanted to pursue full time. Hampton has been able to successfully combine her love of wine with a socially conscious effort by creating Raise Your Glass Dallas, a community wine-tasting event that pours back into the community by assisting nonprofits and outreach programs. She serves up two flavors: blushing rosé and red berry. sociologiewine.com.
Ego Tequila
Rikki Kelly is challenging your thoughts about tequila entrepreneurship. This young accountant-turned-spirits maker resides in Fort Worth and created a 100% agave tequila — both a blanco and a reposado — that sources natural spring water directly from an inactive volcano in Jalisco, Mexico. Visit egotequila.com to locate vendors near you.
MVP Vodka
Rounding out the list is MVP Vodka, an all-American wheat vodka crafted by two All-American pro athletes and football stars. Roy Williams, former Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys receiver, and BJ Johnson, former Denver Bronco, met in 2000 at the University of Texas, where they were recognized as two of the most talented athletes in the country. After a vodka company investment deal went sour, the pair decided to step out and create their own craft-distilled vodkas. MVP’s owners also recently announced their newest flavor, a bold lemon berry. Purchase the brand locally at Total Wine and Spec’s. mvpvodka.com.
