Another interesting brand with an interesting backstory that I discovered at the recent WSWA (Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America) conference was Fort Mosé 1738. I took home both their rye and bourbon to sample at home. This is some of the story about the distillery I wanted to share with readers, I got it from their website:
In 1726, thirty-eight African born slaves would escape from the Carolinas, head south and seek refuge amongst the Spanish just two miles north of St. Augustine, Florida. Known for being skilled workers and farmers, these brave men and women also fought alongside the Spanish and their Indian allies against their former masters. In 1738, the governor would declare Fort Mosé the first free Black town in the United States. Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey was created by African American spirits maker Victor G. Harvey Sr. and is bottled at his very own Palm Beach Distillery that has recently relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL.
“When I first got into the industry in 2007 there were very few, if any, Black people with their own brands. I knew I didn’t just want to put a name on something as a private label, but wanted to create, make and bottle our own products. Our goal is to be the largest Black-Owned spirits company in the world. To make history, and be part of American history which is why we choose the names we do for our brands.” -Victor G. Harvey, Founder & CEO Victor George Spirits.
Tasting
Fort Mosé 1738 Straight American Rye Whiskey
110 proof, 55% alcohol, aged four years.
Toffee candy colored, with aromas of butterscotch candy, popcorn, cinnamon stick, tree bark, and torched orange peel. The taste was rich, with both heat and spice and notes of orange, tasty, butter, vanilla, and a lengthy finish.
Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey
84 Proof, 42% alcohol, Gold in 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, aged four years.
Gold hue color, followed by notes of mint, menthol, baked apple, clove, toasted oak, pineapple, sweet cream, and wet earth on the nose. On the mouth, I got nice welcoming memories of dark chocolate, espresso, citrus, sourdough toast, and a hint of olive brine.
https://www.fortmosewhiskey.com
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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
