World’s First Black Woman-Owned Tequila Brand Debuts Tennessee Whiskey-Finished Añejo

(Photo: Anteel Tequila)

The world’s first black woman-owned and led tequila brand is expanding its catalog to the tune of Tennesse whiskey.

Headed up by Michigan’s Nayana Ferguson, Anteel Añejo is distilled from a mix of highland and lowland agave aged between 15-17 months in charred oak ex-whiskey casks. While highland agave leans naturally sweet and floral, lowland agave is oft noted for its earthy, terroir-driven flavor.

The resulting spirit is said to balance aromas of caramel and sweet pepper alongside a palate chock full of brown butter, hazelnut and vanilla. The new expression will be hitting liquor store shelves in Michigan, New York, Georgia, Oklahoma, Maryland and Washington D.C. at a yet-announced price.

(Photo: Anteel Tequila)

Anteel was founded in 2018 as a joint venture between Nayana and her husband Don Ferguson. Don, a former Detroit indie record label owner and Nayana, a pancreatic cancer survivor and National Advocate for PanCAN, were first inspired to create the brand after a vacation to the Dominican Republic.

Each bottle is stamped with an Antillean crested hummingbird — “known to symbolize positive energy, strength, and courage” — that they witnessed firsthand during their vacation.

Anteel Añejo joins a growing catalog alongside a Blanco, Reposado, Coconut Lime Blanco and Blood Orange Blanco. From the looks of it, the brand isn’t afraid to experiment.

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