JACK DANIEL’S AND UNCLE NEAREST CELEBRATE DU NORD SOCIAL SPIRITS AS THE FIRST GRADUATE OF THE BUSINESS INCUBATION PROGRAM
Du Nord Social Spirits transforms brand and trajectory through the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative; applications open for the 2022 Business Incubation Program
LYNCHBURG, TN – The Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery celebrate Du Nord Social Spirits – a small batch distillery based in Minneapolis, Minnesota producing gin, vodka, liqueurs and whiskeys – as the first graduate of the Business Incubation Program, one of the core pillars of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative.
Launched by the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Nearest Green Distillery in 2020, The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative aims to advance diversity within the American whiskey industry with a Business Incubation Program, Leadership Acceleration Program, and the creation of the Nearest Green School of Distilling. The Business Incubation Program offers BIPOC entrepreneurs mentorship in all areas of the distilling business including access to marketing, branding, expanded distribution networks, and other assets and opportunities for growth.
Du Nord Social Spirits was the first business selected for the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative Business Incubation Program in 2020. As part of the program, Du Nord worked with industry experts to transform its branding identity and packaging while receiving mentoring from leaders at both Uncle Nearest and Brown-Forman. Through distributor networking opportunities, the distillery increased its sales footprint and is now available in 10 states across the country. Additionally, Du Nord recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to have its Foundation Vodka available on all domestic Delta flights.
“Our experience in the Business Incubation Program has been a game-changer while providing the foundational elements of strong branding and helping us develop a path of growth. Without this program, we would not be in the position we are now,” said Du Nord CEO and Head Distiller, Chris Montana. “Our partnership with Delta Air Lines is only possible thanks to the support from Jack Daniel’s. The Nearest & Jack initiative and Brown-Forman literally made the impossible happen.”
The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative will soon begin accepting applications for the 2022 Business Incubation Program. For more information, visit NearestandJack.com.
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About Du Nord Social Spirits
Du Nord Social Spirits is a Black-owned distillery in the heart of Minneapolis. Our award-winning spirits—Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Apple liqueur, and Coffee liqueur—are made with a commitment to quality, taste and craft. A cause brand that doesn’t want to preach, we make real good booze, that does real good. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020, we founded the Du Nord Foundation. Its purpose, to create economic wealth for historically excluded communities.
About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 380 awards and accolades since the brands 2017 launch, including 46 Best in Class honors. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.
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