Black-owned vodka business is changing the spirits game

May 1, 2026 - 18:22

Kevin Larkai and Monte Burrow are not just selling vodka. They are trying to change how the spirits business works. As the co-founders of Blackleaf Organic Vodka, the two entrepreneurs are building a premium brand from the ground up, aiming to compete with established giants in a crowded global market.

Their journey started with inspiration found in France. Larkai and Burrow spent time studying the craft of distillation there, learning how to make a product that stands out for its purity and flavor. But bringing that vision back home came with serious obstacles. They say the biggest challenges are distribution and capital. Getting shelf space in major retailers and securing the funding needed to scale production are hurdles that many small brands face, but for Black founders, those barriers can be even higher.

The duo also has a strong opinion on business culture. They argue that small business owners need to stop glorifying the constant hustle and instead focus on building strong systems. According to them, long-term success comes from structure, not just grinding through every workday. By prioritizing organization and planning, they believe Blackleaf can grow steadily without burning out. Their approach is a clear signal that they are playing the long game, one sip at a time.