Black Bourbon Society Running Month-Long Cocktail Event In February

Black Bourbon Society presents, #TheBlackManhattanProject – a month-long hashtag campaign raising awareness around the need for diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry. Rallying around the theme of the Black Manhattan Cocktail during the month of February, our partners Michter’s and Branca USA have dedicated $20,000 to support our nonprofit organization, DiversityDistilled, Inc.

Founded by Samara Davis, Black Bourbon Society is a tiered membership that bridges the gap between the spirits industry and African American bourbon enthusiasts through our social media platforms, brand-partnered events and exclusive excursions. We challenge traditional direct consumer marketing standards by curating experiences that genuinely engage our unique demographic, and advocate for diversity and inclusion through speaking engagements and consulting within the spirits industry. DiversityDistilled, also founded by Samara Davis and her husband, Armond Davis, advocates and crafts 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. The donation from this campaign with go towards establishing a recruitment and job placement program for the organization.

“We are thrilled to have such fantastic partners in Michter’s and Branca USA to support our vision for growing our recruitment efforts through DiversityDistilled! We know that like the variety of spirits in this industry, diversity (and inclusion) is what makes it dynamic. With this funding, we will be able to increase that level of inclusion our industry has never seen before. Together, we are reshaping what this industry looks like – in an amazing way!” – Samara B. Davis

“The work that Samara Davis, Armond Davis and the members of Black Bourbon Society have been doing to broaden engagement and inclusion in our industry is both necessary and impressive. Michter’s is honored to join with them and Branca USA in this innovative DiversityDistilled initiative,” said Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco.

The Black Manhattan Project will feature two virtual masterclasses, where participants will learn about the history and benefits of each product. Michter’s virtual distillery tour will be held on February 4, 2021; a Master Distiller Masterclass featuring Michter’s Master Distiller, Dan McKee and Manager of Maturation, Andrea Wilson will be held live on February 5th during BBS’ weekly happy hour, BYOB (Bring Your Own Bourbon). Branca will also host a virtual mixology masterclass featuring their Global Brand Ambasador, Nicola Olianas on February 6, 2021.

In addition, the event will highlight the debut of the BBS Black Manhattan competition, where eight bartenders will compete in a battle for the best cocktail. The competition finale will be held on February 28, 2021. Members of Black Bourbon Society will also have the opportunity to submit their very own cocktail recipes featuring Micher’s and Branca USA products. 5 members will be chosen to share their cocktails in a Showcase also held on February 28, 2021.

Black Bourbon Society is crafting a movement that showcases the value of the niche lifestyle and sophisticated palates within the African American Community and beyond. As advocates for diversity for people of color within the spirits industry, BBS hopes this hashtag movement, #TheBlackManhattanProject goes viral and continues to spark much needed conversation around diversity and inclusion within the spirits space.