The Black Bourbon Society mantra the last three years has been ‘dream big, make an impact’. What embodies that ethos more than releasing your own bourbon?

Samara Rivers founded Black Bourbon Society back in 2016. Three short years later they are the only crew in Maker’s Mark history to select a bourbon blend that scored Double Gold the at annual San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition.

Ms. Rivers is from the west coast and currently lives in Atlanta. When her crew scheduled this weeknight excursion to Hyde Park’s, Virtue Restaurant, it was all smiles down Lake Shore Drive to party with them. Virtue is on nearly every heatmap for Chicago restaurants. The New American Soul Food destination was recently named one of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants of 2019.

During our only trip to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, it was the Maker’s Mark stop that emerged as the favorite. The Welcome Center to the distillery is reminiscent of a romantic hillside chateau. The most recent evolution at Maker’s is their Barrel Select Program.

(Left) Samara Rivers founder of Black Bourbon Society

This private select of Maker’s Mark Black Bourbon Society can be found at Kimbark Liquors 1214 East 53rd Street (53rd & Woodlawn) Chicago, IL 60615

What better way to end a fabulous dinner with deserts and shots

There are 1001 available stave combinations, but this is the only blend to receive a Double Gold distinction. The source whisky is Maker 46 aged six years. BBS private select blend is the cask strength and finished 9 weeks on the following selected barrel staves. Baked American Pure (2) French Cuvée, (3) Maker’s 46 (3) and Toasted French Spice (2) .

Virtue Restaurant focuses on training and hiring young men of color…. after all, service is a virtue. Being from an underserved community himself, and not seeing many people in positions of authority in the industry, Chef Erik makes this a priority. He was born and raised on the westside in Lawndale. Artworks displaying the Austin, Lawndale and Englewood neighborhoods in the shape of Iraq are visible above communal tables in the restaurant. These images serve as a reminder that showing kids from these areas that they have potential is his mission.

There really is no other venue in Chicago that was a better fit for this celebration than Virtue in Hyde Park. President Barack Obama’s family home is just less than a mile away. Kimbark Beverage Shoppe, owner Jonathon Swain was in attendance. You can find this award winning bourbon at his store. This batch checks in at 110 proof.

Custom labels made at the venue for the Private Select Bottles

Maker’s Mark glasses dipped in their signature red wax

For a full breakdown of their collaboration experience check out the Bonded in Bourbon Podcast hosted by Samara Rivers and Armond Davis of the Black Bourbon Society.-Chalonda

Other Notes:

- Alexis Brown, Director Causing A Stir, curated Pre dinner cocktails

Black Bourbon Society 75 + Black Manhattan were the drinks.

- A local calligraphy artist recreated customized versions of the legendary Makers Mark labels for attendees.

This is a collaboration with Nkosi White, this is part 2 of the Black Bourbon Society dining experience at Virtue Restaurant. Please check out part 1 at www.nkosiwhite.com