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The Inaugural Black Owned Spirit Awards

Presented by BOWSFest | Curated by Clyde Davis | In Partnership with UrFriendCharles

UrFriend Charles logo
The inaugural Black Owned Spirits Awards celebrate the creativity, excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned alcohol brands. Created by industry leader Clyde Davis, founder of 75 Proof Beverage Solutions and presented in partnership with UrFriendCharles, Black Owned Spirits influencer and founder of the largest E-Commerce marketplace for Black Owned Spirits  the Awards offer an unmatched opportunity for recognition, exposure, and growth.
 
This is not just a celebration of spirits—it’s a platform to elevate visibility, expand distribution, and create lasting impact.

Award Categories

This year’s awards will honor standout brands across the following categories:
  • Best Vodka
  • Best Whiskey or Bourbon
  • Best Tequila or Mezcal
  • Best Rum
  • Best Cognac or Brandy
  • Best Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktail
  • Best New Brand
  • Best in Packaging and Design
  • People’s Choice Award (fan-voted)

What Winners Receive

Selected winners will benefit from a high-visibility package designed to drive sales, strengthen brand equity, and open doors to new opportunities:
  • Official award bottle stickers to use on packaging and in retail
  • Premier product placement on UrFriendCharles.com, a leading online spirits retailer
  • Spotlight features on BOWSFest and UrFriendCharles social media and digital platforms
  • Media coverage tied to the festival, including press outreach and content partnerships
  • On-site recognition at BOWSFest and through post-event promotions
  • A custom award plaque and access to media-ready branding assets
  • Direct exposure to distributors, buyers, influencers, and media
  • A promotional toolkit to help share your win with customers and retail partners

Announced at the Exclusive Media Preview

Winners will be revealed at a private media preview on Friday, October 3, 2025—the day before BOWSFest opens to the public. This invite-only event will be attended by top-tier media, industry influencers, and key stakeholders.

Call for Entries

If you are a Black-owned spirits brand with a story worth sharing and a product that deserves the spotlight, this is your moment.

  • Entry Deadline: September 10, 2025

  • Winners Announced: October 3, 2025

  • Location: Washington, D.C.

Submit your brand

Celebrate your craft. Elevate your visibility. Join the movement.

Introducing BOSA

Black Owned Spirit Awards

Celebrate excellence in Black-owned spirits! The inagural BOSA Awards honor the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of exceptional brands across the industry.

Winners will be announced at our exclusive media preview on October 3, 2025!

Learn More