Black-Owned Spirits Company Uncle Nearest Acquires Square One Organic Spirits

Uncle Nearest, the world’s leading Black-owned spirit company, has announced its acquisition of Square One Organic Spirits, a pioneering brand in the organic spirits industry. This acquisition coincides with Square One’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of the company’s commitment to producing exclusively USDA certified organic spirits, starting with the first organic rye vodka brand.

Founded in 2004, Square One has made significant strides in the spirits industry, achieving lifetime sales exceeding $22 million with nearly 200,000 cases sold. This success can be attributed to the remarkable efforts of Founder and CEO Allison Evanow, who has been the primary, and often sole, salesperson for most of the brand’s history.

This strategic move follows Uncle Nearest’s bold expansion last year with the acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin, a historic estate in Cognac, France. This acquisition made Uncle Nearest the largest owner of Grande Champagne vineyards in the prestigious Cognac production region, marking their ambitious entry into the Cognac market. Now, Uncle Nearest is adding another significant category to their portfolio: vodka.

“In 2020, I expressed our vision for Uncle Nearest to not just be a brand, but to become the first spirits conglomerate in America founded by a woman or person of color,” stated Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. “Many saw this as wishful thinking since we were only three years into our journey at the time.”

Under the new partnership, Square One will maintain its commitment to farm-to-glass production and introduce a new line of organic, gluten-free options designed to appeal to a broader consumer base. Allison Evanow will continue to play a pivotal leadership role, ensuring the brand’s founding principles remain at the forefront of its expanded operations. A rebranding of Square One Organic Vodka, led by The Formulation Group, will be unveiled before expanding into all 50 states this summer.

“While we have really loved being an independent brand so that we could focus on quality organic ingredients and unique flavor profiles, the intense demands of handling nearly all sales personally underscored the need for stronger backing,” says Evanow. “Uncle Nearest will not only preserve our independent spirit and world-class quality but also bring the robust sales and distribution capabilities we need to reach our full potential.”

Fawn Weaver adds, “There is a clear demand for brands that are authentically owned and culturally resonant. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that not only deliver high quality but also maintain genuine ties to the communities they represent. This shift towards authenticity has created a pivotal opportunity for a company like ours. With Uncle Nearest’s extensive national distribution network and our deep commitment to heritage and authenticity, we are perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand. By entering the vodka market, we’re not just expanding our portfolio, we’re responding to a consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands.”

With this acquisition, Uncle Nearest not only enhances its portfolio but also strengthens its position in the spirits industry.