Mecklenburg County ABC Board Celebrates Juneteenth, Black-Owned Spirits

Several initiatives and businesses across the U.S. and Ireland are celebrating and preserving unique cultural and culinary traditions through spirits and community engagement. In Charleston, South Carolina, High Wire Distilling founders Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell are reviving the rare Jimmy Red Corn bourbon, a nearly lost grain, to create a bourbon with distinctive flavors that reflect the local land and history. Meanwhile, Blacks Brewing and Distilling in Kinsale, Ireland offers diverse tours of their co-located brewery and distillery, showcasing award-winning gins, rums, whiskeys, and beers set against stunning coastal views. In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the ABC Board is honoring Juneteenth with the Spirit Experience initiative, featuring Black-owned beverage brands, cocktail demonstrations, and community events to celebrate culture and progress. Additionally, Long Island's Sid Jacobson JCC Community Needs Bank hosts its annual Cocktails for a Cause networking event to raise awareness and funds for food security efforts. These stories highlight the intersection of heritage, community, and the evolving craft beverage scene.