July 3rd, 2019, Atlanta, GA / Giselle Ave. Media – When we think of “black-owned” liquor companies, what are the first brands that come to mind? Jay-Z’s Dusse, Diddy’s Ciroc, Quavo’s Martell Cognac, or Rick Ross’ Belaire Rose? Well, technically, neither of these brands are fully black-owned. They are “endorsed” by the aforementioned hip-hop moguls, and the liquor companies continue to successfully infiltrate highly-sought after urban markets — worldwide. Honestly, once upon a time I wanted to party with Diddy thanks to the commercialization of the Ciroc Brand. Although these companies are using black faces to promote their brands, they are not exclusively owned by their “influencer marketers.”
This is why The Black-Owned Spirts Expo was created; to shed light on exclusively, black-owned beer, spirits, and wine companies right here in the South. They may not have the global backing of hip-hop moguls…. yet; but they have the passion, drive, and ambition needed to create something that never existed before. And for that, a virtual toast is in order!
The Black-Owned Spirts Expo took place on Saturday, June 22nd at Area 351, in Downtown Atlanta. Our team was invited as VIP Media guests to cover this exclusive exposition of black-owned wine, spirits, and beer companies across the Southeastern Region. The afternoon included an array of food vendors and liquor, beer, and wine companies that were all black-owned and operated.
We caught up with the owners of Ou-Oui Rum, and the Eubanks Collection — two companies that truly embody what it means to create a product that you’re proud of. Additionally, we spoke with Kirby Carroll in the media lounge, to get the insider on her upcoming indie TV series on millennial dating coming next month — “Checking Off the List!”
Ou-Oui! Caribbean Rum ..Oooooh Weee!
Ou-Oui Caribbean Rum (pronounced oooh-weee!) is a black-owned premium rum liqueur made in America, bringing the cultural roots of the Caribbean to your living room. This smooth authentic, tropical rum gives the popular rum, Malibu, a rummm (I had to) for its money and can be prepared by the glass, or as a specialty cocktail. The first thing I noticed about the flavor was how natural the fruit juices were! There are no artificial flavorings used to create the tropical flavor. It’s forty-proof alcohol and after one sip, I was mentally in Negril, Jamaica, on a white sandy beach, watching the sunset.
Ou-Oui Caribbean Rum is especially a favorite to the ladies, looking to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, without the hard taste of traditional liquor brands. If you like fruity drinks, this one is for you. This product is currently available in Alabama and Georgia, or you can visit the official website to learn more about purchase options. I was delighted to learn from the company owner that he is an alumni of Alabama A&M University and currently resides in my hometown, Huntsville, AL! So the next time your at your local spirits store, checkout Ou-Oui Caribbean Rum to add the island vibes to your next occasion!
Talero Taquelia
Once upon a time, I traveled to Cancun Mexico and had a blast with a few of my gal pals! We drank margaritas all day and night, and the first thing I noticed was the fact that we didn’t have any hangovers during our trip. Not even once. But, while here in the states, I almost always have some type of hangover or side effect after drinking even ONE margarita, even with top shelf tequila — and it just doesn’t make sense. That’s until I did my research and learned its all in the agave. Most agave here in the United States is NOT raw, pure, organically grown agave. It’s filled with… other substances… and that’s why I, personally, would always feel horrible the day after drinking — even one margarita.
Talero Tequila is an ultra premium organic tequila, sourced from organically grown agave. This black-owned tequila company featured tastings of their signature cocktail, Tequila Tea, that featured sweet tea, lemonade, and Talero. If you enjoy Tequila, give Talero Tequila a try! This product is sold in Georgia. For more information, please visit the official company website.
Dwight Eubanks presents The Eubanks Collection Gin
Image and presentation is everything. When I say Dwight Eubanks presents, I mean exactly that: Dwight Eubanks PRESENTS The Eubanks Collection Gin! The category is: Fashion, Style, Excellence! As we entered the rear of the exhibition floor, I stopped and stared when I noticed the tall, elegant ladies, dressed in the finest petals, lace, silk, and accessories. I didn’t know who, what, or when– but I knew I had to speak with the visionary behind this presentation.
To my surprise, I was happy to greet Dwight Eubanks, former start of Real Housewives of Atlanta and current business mogul and Creator of The Eubanks Collection Gin. Eubanks rolled out the red carpet and stole the show, thanks to his style, flare, and presentation of his latest business venture. 
“It’s more than a spirit, it’s a lifestyle!” – D. Eubanks
Dwight Eubanks is a fashion and beauty icon, all about embracing the fabulous life. He is the owner of the Purple Door Salon here in Atlanta, he owns a mens suit company, the Eubanks Collection. In 2016, he introduced the Eubanks Collection Gin to his portfolio of creative business ventures. It’s gluten-free, culture, and organic and is based out of Kentucky and South Carolina. The product ships to 32 states across the United States through a company called Local Choice Spirits.
Giselle:
“Tell me about your inspiration for your presentation.”
Dwight:
“I do models, not modelletes. In the 1800s women were not allowed to wear pearls, only the Emperor. But the laws changes and allowed women to wear pearls. It’s about legacy, status, and royalty. The African tribes wore a lot of broaches and pearls as well. Fashion has come full circle and men are more fashionable than women.
My message to the women: don’t let your man, look better than you. The natural thing is great, but you have to do something more than that. If I was a woman, I wouldn’t have my man looking, smelling, or tasting better than me! Good evening, and good night!”
Good Evening, and Good Night! – Dwight Eubanks
Meet Kirby Carroll, Creator of “Checking Off the List”
After a 5-minute long series of Yaaaaasssssss black girl magic, I loveeeeee it — I had a chance to interview Writer and Producer, Kirby Carroll, and learned more about her new indie TV web series, “Checking Off the List,” coming August 2019.
Kirby Carroll is a Clark Atlanta University Alumnae and has a background in Media, Advertising, and Public Relations. Kirby was accompanied by the cast of her new indie TV web series, “Checking Off the List,” — a scripted series about millennial dating. The show is a scripted web series that focuses on the culture of dating in Atlanta, especially among millennials. Kirby was inspired to start the web series after dating in Atlanta, and it was very important for her to share that story with her audience with a goal of spreading love. Although the show isn’t based on Kirby’s personal story, she was inspired to create the series from her own journey through the dating world here in Atlanta. “Checking Off the List,” will be on YouTube and Amazon in August 2019. 
The series sounds like a hit and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing her vision come to life on the big screen. It takes a lot of courage and discipline to sit down and write out an entire script for a web series, so kudos to Kirby for taking that first step! To subscribe and learn more about Kirby Carroll, visit the official website.
See You Next Year
The Black-Owned Wine & Spirits Expo was an insightful event and raised awareness of the many black-owned wine & spirits companies here in the South. The event was created by husband and wife team Scott and Tiffany Richardson and I commend the dynamic duo for creating a space for fellow black-owned business owners to share their products and services under one roof. Be sure to listen to the full audio version of the interviews shared, it was one of those you just HAD to be there. Also, be sure to shop one of the truly black-owned liquor companies shared above. I was humbled to cover this exclusive exhibit of black-owned businesses, and I’m looking forward to attending this event next year!
Thank you to our media and photography partners, Yell-Air Films, for capturing this amazing event! A special thanks to Ms. Shala, of the Epiphany Suite for the invitation.
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Giselle Avenue 