The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative Welcomes Blackleaf Organic Vodka to the Business Incubation Program

Kevin Larkai (left) and Monté Burrow (right) of Blackleaf Organic Vodka

By Brandon Sills

The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative declared today that Blackleaf Organic Vodka has been chosen for inclusion in its Business Incubation Program—a segment of the initiative dedicated to providing mentorship and business support for BIPOC and underrepresented entrepreneurs in the spirits industry. Launched in June 2020 by the Jack Daniel Distillery and Nearest Green Distillery, the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative seeks to enhance diversity within the American spirits industry through its Leadership Acceleration Program, Business Incubation Program, and Nearest Green School of Distilling.

The Business Incubation Program extends mentorship across all aspects of the distilling business, offering access to marketing firms, branding executives, expanded distribution networks, and various assets for growth opportunities. Blackleaf Organic Vodka and Mission Craft Cocktails have joined the ranks of brands selected for the Business Incubation Program, following in the footsteps of Du Nord Social Spirits, the program’s inaugural graduate in 2022.

Blackleaf Organic Vodka, a sustainable, USDA-certified organic vodka meticulously crafted in the Cognac region of France using a 5-stage copper pot artisanal distillation process, takes pride in its environmentally-conscious approach. Utilizing packaging printed with organic ink and minimal glass, the result is a sophisticated and eco-friendly libation with notes of peppercorn, nut, and spiced pear—smooth yet rich in character. Leading the charge at Blackleaf are Kevin Larkai, who founded the brand during a moment of inspiration in Cognac, and Monté Burrow.

Kevin Larkai expressed his excitement, stating, “Being selected for the Business Incubation program is a great honor that truly excites us. It’s humbling to have such iconic brands and their leaders acknowledge our dedication to making Blackleaf Organic Vodka a world-class brand.”

Monté Burrow, a former operations and marketing leader for Diageo, highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative in addressing inequities and barriers faced by BIPOC spirit founders. He said, “We are honored they have chosen Blackleaf Organic Vodka and humbled to have gained more than a few powerful relationships that will help us show the world how special we know we are.”