Today we’d like to introduce you to Samara Rivers.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Samara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Black Bourbon Society 2 1/2 years ago when I realized there were very little direct consumer marketing efforts being made towards the African American demographic. I have worked passionately with a number of brands to produce educational whiskey events across the country and to push the notion of diversity and inclusion in the spirits industry. In 2017, we launched our private Facebook Group for members to continue the conversation about bourbon and inclusion when we are not producing events. This group has since grown to a membership of over 4500 members communicating daily about the subject. Our involvement in this industry has also led to cool projects like creating a private labeled barrel pick with Makers Mark, and now taking groups of members to Louisville for Exclusive Excursions with several bourbon distilleries. I also use my voice and role in the industry to write a monthly column on subjects important to me in the industry and speaking at conferences on implicit bias and the need for a more inclusive spirits industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been struggles along the way. Gaining the trust of the brands to work with BBS while also cultivating the audience often leaves us stuck in the middle of trying to push our mission in two different directions. After two years of hard work and determination, we are finally able to see a real difference — revenue wise and within the industry. We still have so far to go through.
Please tell us about Black Bourbon Society.
I am the Chief Bourbon Enthusiast and Founder of the Black Bourbon Society (BBS). My love for bourbon began on a family trip to New Orleans after taking the suggestion of a salesman who introduced me to his favorite spirit. After that, I spent every Friday for an entire year creating and mixing new cocktails with bourbon.
I created BBS after realizing that there was a lack of direct consumer marketing geared towards people of color in the spirits industry and that most bourbon brands had no idea how much their popularity has grown among affluent African Americans.
Black Bourbon Society is a tiered membership organization open to everyone who enjoys premium spirits. We are crafting a movement that showcases the value of the niche lifestyle and sophisticated palates within the African American Community and beyond.
With over 4500 members, we’ve partnered with and featured several brands including Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses. Through exclusive events, curated dinner pairings and private whiskey tastings in markets such as ATL, LA, and Chicago. We encourage our members to enjoy good bourbon, network with like-minded bourbon lovers and gain a deeper appreciation for America’s Native Spirit.
I am most proud of the impact we are making on the spirits industry. There is no bourbon society or marketing agency that is doing what BBS is doing and that’s what sets us apart. BBS is confidently carving a new lane in the spirits industry. Every campaign and every event we produce is brand new and innovative.
Pricing:
- BBS Platinum Society Membership 100.00 The ultimate Black Bourbon Society membership of them all – become a BBS Platinum Member! Your membership includes all of the benefits of being a Gold Society Member plus your choice of: 1 complimentary admission to select BBS events (does not include Exclusive Excursions and certain events held during Bourbon Boule or The BBS Experience) or an exclusive BBS branded gift item selected by the BBS Founder Gold Society Membership Benefits Include: Black Bourbon Society ‘Black Card’ BBS Membership Lapel Pin 10% off BBS Merchandise Advanced Ticket Sales for BBS Events and Exclusive Excursions Discounted Ticket Pricing for all BBS Events (Except Exclusive Excursions) BBS branded Glenclairn Nosing Glass Invitation to a private members-only reception during Bourbon Boule Weekend (Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans)
- BBS Gold Society Membership $75.00 Elevate your Black Bourbon Society Experience by becoming a Gold Society Member! Your membership includes all of the benefits of being a Silver Society Member plus: BBS branded Glenclairn Nosing Glass Invitation to a private members-only reception during Bourbon Boule Weekend (Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans) Silver Society Membership Benefits Include: Black Bourbon Society ‘Black Card’ BBS Membership Lapel Pin 10% off BBS Merchandise Advanced Ticket Sales for BBS Events and Exclusive Excursions Discounted Ticket Pricing for all BBS Events (Except Exclusive Excursions)
- BBS Silver Society Membership 50.00 Elevate your Black Bourbon Society Experience by becoming a Silver Society Member! Your membership includes: Black Bourbon Society ‘Black Card’ BBS Membership Lapel Pin 10% off BBS Merchandise Advanced Ticket Sales for BBS Events and Exclusive Excursions Discounted Ticket Pricing for all BBS Events (Except Exclusive Excursions)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackbourbonsociety.com
- Phone: 770-750-4311
- Email: lindsey@walkerassocmediagroup.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackbourbonsociety
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackbourbonsociety
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/blackbourbonsoc
Image Credit:
Nick Klein
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