The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias – Jackie Summers of Sorel Liqueur – 2022Ep8

This time around on The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, we welcome back friend of the show, Jackie Summers, aka Jack from Brooklyn! Jackie is an educator, activist, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and creator of Sorel Liqueur, a terrific spirit with deep roots in Jackie’s family’s Caribbean history. We discuss his journey with starting Sorel, having to cease production, and its subsequent rebirth with a little help from Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey!

Pictured above – Jackie Summers aka “Jack from Brooklyn” and Sorel Liqueur.

The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias – Jackie Summers of Sorel Liqueur – 2022Ep8

We’re always happy to chat with our friend, Jackie Summers of Sorel Liqueur! Jackie, aka Jack from Brooklyn, has been on the show several times. Most of which we talked about some of his educational and activist work looking to build equity and inclusivity in the liquor and hospitality worlds.

This time, we have the chance to focus on his creation, Sorel Liqueur. It’s an inspired spirit that has its roots in his family’s history in the Caribbean, namely Barbados. We talk about what Sorel is and how it came to be.

It has been a journey to bring Soral to the market including getting the brand off the ground where Jackie was the first black man in America to have a distiller’s license post-Prohibition. From making scores and scores of batches to get it right, to launching the product, to having to shut down for a period due to lack of resources and support, it’s a story of enduring passion and effort.

Jackie lets us know about how assistance from Fawn Weaver, a dynamic and talented African American businesswoman and whiskey producer, owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, helped Sorel be reborn. We discuss getting it back into the market and where it’s coming. Of course, we also talk about some great drink ideas and sip on some during our conversation!

Cheers and Be Well, You All!

~ Bryan