Dr. Dawn O’Neal, the visionary founder and owner of New Dawn Distilling, is redefining the whiskey landscape from her vibrant base in New Orleans.

A comment popped up recently, “It doesn’t matter who owns the brand…” To which I REALLY wanted to reply, “Bless your heart.” 

Instead we’re going to revisit, in a significantly more blatant manner, why it matters that New Dawn is Black-woman owned. 

New Dawn’s 6-Year-Old Bourbon has been awarded a Silver Medal at the 2024 USA Spirits Ratings, just ten months after its market debut. This prestigious recognition highlights the care and craftsmanship that went into creating our first whiskey. The USA Spirits Ratings competition values spirits based on Quality, Value, and Packaging—criteria that resonate with consumer preferences. Our bourbon was praised for its deep, complex flavors of oaked cherry and spicy ginger, reflecting our commitment to excellence. This accolade marks an exciting start to Black Business Month and sets the stage for future successes.