Celebrating and supporting the next generation of:
“Black-Owned Spirits Companies”
Ethnic Online had the opportunity to meet the owners of three of the hottest
“Black-Owned Spirits Companies” in the industry! Not only were we honored to
meet these humble entrepreneurs, but we also had a chance to sample their
craft and were blown away!
Introducing:
About Branford Distillery
We are two childhood friends from Connecticut, who have been more like brothers for over 30 years. Two years ago, we had the opportunity to purchase Branford Distillery, and we took it as a chance to combine our passion for craftsmanship with entrepreneurship.
Co-owners: Rupert Dennard & June
We’ve always appreciated quality spirits and saw this as a way to honor the tradition of small-batch distilling while making our mark in an industry where Black ownership is still growing.
Top Shelf Excellence
Vodka – Gluten-free small-batch vodka. Made from 100% corn, it was distilled six times by a hand-operated pot still. Only the heart of the distillate was collected during each distillation. The finished product is a crystal clear, smooth, gluten-free vodka for people to enjoy.
Super Vodka – Made from Japanese rice and distilled six times by a hand-operated pot still. Only the heart of the distillate was collected during each distillation. The finished product is a crystal clear, smooth, gluten-free vodka for people to enjoy.
CT Vodka – Made from Asian rice and distilled six times by a hand-operated pot still. Only the heart of the distillate was collected during each distillation. The finished product is a crystal clear, smooth, gluten-free vodka for people to enjoy.
Super Bourbon – Connecticut’s best super bourbon whiskey is made from the fermentation and distillation of 51% corn mash. The distillate was re-distilled several times to get the absolute purest spirit, which was stored in new oak barrels for over three years before being bottled.
Since taking over the distillery, we’ve been committed to producing ultra-pure, handcrafted spirits using the finest ingredients. We are actively involved in local small-business networks, Black-owned business alliances, and Connecticut’s craft spirits community.
*All products are handmade in small batches at the distillery. No artificial flavors or colors are used in the manufacturing process.
Beyond distilling, we enjoy traveling to learn from other distilleries, experimenting with new flavors, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. In the next five years, we hope to see Branford Distillery become a well-known name, not just in Connecticut but beyond, recognized for both the quality of our spirits and our dedication to uplifting Black entrepreneurship.
While we’re still building our legacy, the greatest honor so far has been seeing our spirits enjoyed by people who appreciate the craft.
*All products are handmade in small batches at the distillery. No artificial flavors or colors are used in the manufacturing process.While we’re still building our legacy, the greatest honor so far has been seeing our spirits enjoyed by people who appreciate the craft.
*All products are handmade in small batches at the distillery. No artificial flavors or colors are used in the manufacturing processes.
For more information on Branford Distillery and Tasting visit their website:
https://www.branford-distillery.com/
Founder and CEO: Alisa Bowens-Mercado
About Rhythm Brewing Company
Alisa Bowens-Mercado is the founder, CEO, and brewmaster of Rhythm Brewing Co. Affectionately known as "Lady Lager," Alisa made history by becoming the first African-American, woman-owned beer brand in the state of Connecticut (fourth in the country).
Rhythm products:
Rhythm Blue Unfiltered Light Lager 4.8% ABV
Rhythm Unfiltered Lager 5.5% ABV
Rhythm BGM Vanilla Porter 5.2% ABV
Alisa is also the owner and dance director of Alisa’s House of Salsa. In 2018, she glided onto the beer scene. Recognizing a significant gap in the $114 billion beer industry, she has made it her mission to tap into an “untapped” demographic in the country.
Five years and 350+ accounts later, Rhythm Products can be found in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Her story has been featured both nationally and locally in 75-plus news publications, including Martha Stewart, the Associated Press, Brewbound, and Thrillist. Just recently, Rhythm Brewing Co. was named one of the “Top 10 Breweries/Brands Around the World Owned by Women.” Alisa has partnered with the Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) to brew four collaboration beers. She was a finalist in Boston Beer’s “Brewing the American Dream” program.
An ongoing partnership with the global beer division at Whole Foods has allowed the brand to explore additional distribution footprints in the country. Alisa is currently engaged in conversation with potential acquisition and merger partners (Diageo, Constellation Brands, and Tilray), aligning the brand for national distribution opportunities.
Both of Alisa’s businesses were recently inducted into the New Haven Museum’s archived collection. She has received over a dozen awards and 150 recognitions. Visit https://rhythmbrewingco.com/a/press-kit to read more.
Alisa is dedicated to mentoring and paying it forward to entrepreneurs. Her motto is to build more tables to pull up more seats.
About TSV Spirits
TSV Spirits emerged from a deep-rooted passion for fostering community ties and promoting sustainability. This venture is the culmination of a journey that began with the celebrated Social Vegan Restaurant, initially launched in Lexington, Kentucky, and subsequently expanded to Tallahassee, Florida.
CEO: Frank Hall
President: Eugene Green
The core mission was to craft an environment where veganism and vibrant social engagement converge. TSV Spirits represents the next chapter in this endeavor, blending a commitment to the vegan lifestyle with an appreciation for premium spirits. It stands as a testament to the founder’s dedication to blending ethical values with the artistry of spirit production.
Try their delicious recipes, including:
SV’S VODKA MARTINI, LEMON DROP, THE SOCIAL SCREWDRIVER, WATERMELON SUNDAY, & PINEAPPLE TWIST!
https://tsvspirits.com/our-cocktails/
Future Spirits to Come!
The journey doesn’t end with vodka. TSV Spirits is constantly experimenting and innovating, with plans to expand our portfolio. In the pipeline are unique creations like vegan tequila, gin, and specialty liqueurs—all crafted with the same dedication to quality and vegan principles.
Our future spirits will continue to push the boundaries, offering a diverse range of options for the vegan community and spirits enthusiasts alike.
Join us as we continue to redefine the spirits industry, one vegan bottle at a time.
Welcome to TSV Spirits—where quality, community, and veganism converge.
For more information on TSV Spirits, visit their website: