Blackleaf Organic Vodka Is Shaking Up the Spirits Industry — And It’s Black-Owned, Bold, and Built to Last

In a world full of shelves lined with the same old spirits, one brand is boldly redefining what luxury vodka can be — sustainable, elegant, and unapologetically Black. Meet Blackleaf Organic Vodka: the first French organic vodka on the market, and the product of vision, grit, and creative genius from co-founders Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow.

Crafted from 100% organic winter wheat and distilled five times for exceptional smoothness, Blackleaf isn’t just a drink — it’s a movement. In 2024 alone, the brand scooped up both Platinum and Double Gold awards, placing it among the most elite vodkas on the market. But awards only scratch the surface. This bottle carries a story.

Luxury Without Compromise

The ethos of Blackleaf is crystal clear: premium doesn’t have to come at the cost of purpose.

“We wanted to make organic sexy,” says Kevin Larkai, Blackleaf’s Founder and CEO. “For a long time, organic products didn’t feel premium — they looked plain, they felt bland. We flipped that on its head.”

The brand’s sleek black bottle turns heads immediately, standing out in a sea of clear glass and predictable designs. But it’s more than a pretty face. With a matte-gloss dual finish and a unique fade that reveals the spirit inside, the packaging alone tells a story of sophistication and intentionality.

“You shouldn’t have to choose between what looks good and what is good,” Larkai adds.

The name itself — Blackleaf — captures the brand’s duality. Black symbolizes elegance and opulence, while Leaf speaks to its organic integrity. Together, they represent a bold new direction in spirits: one where flavor, ethics, and style coexist without compromise.

From Cognac to Culture

Blackleaf’s origin story is just as refined as its flavor profile. While vacationing in Cognac, France, Larkai met a fifth-generation master distiller. What began as a conversation quickly turned into collaboration — and eventually, the birth of Blackleaf.

“At the time, I was deeply inspired by what was happening in the consumer product space,” Larkai shares. “I kept asking myself, why not us? Why can’t we build the next great global brand?”

To bring the vision to scale, Larkai brought on longtime colleague and spirits expert Monté Burrow, a former Diageo executive who had previously moonlighted as a brand marketer while working as an engineer.

“I was always drawn to products that told a story,” Burrow says. “And Blackleaf had it all — visual appeal, a unique formula, and a mission I believed in.”

Their collaboration was organic in every sense of the word. The synergy between the two founders mirrors the balance they’ve struck within the product — tradition meets innovation, boldness meets refinement.

“When I saw that bottle for the first time,” Burrow recalls, “I said to myself, this is special. And then I tasted it — and I knew it had to be part of something bigger.”

More Than a Brand — It’s a Brotherhood

Blackleaf isn’t just a business venture; it’s a bond between two Black men committed to building generational wealth and redefining representation in a historically exclusive industry.

“A lot of times, partnerships fall apart because of ego,” Larkai says. “But we have mutual respect. We both bring something different to the table, and that’s our strength.”

Burrow agrees.

“At the end of the day, it’s vodka. It’s not life or death. So why complicate it? We stay focused on the goal, we lean into our roles, and we treat each other like family.”

Their teamwork is more than operational — it’s foundational. And it shows in every business decision, every brand touchpoint, and every bottle on the shelf.

A Conscious Path Forward

While many brands chase trends, Blackleaf is crafting legacy. The company recently expanded into North Carolina, with solid placements across DC, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and Delaware, and shipping available in over 30 states. But don’t expect them to rush the next move.

“We’re ambitious,” Larkai says. “But we’re also intentional. We don’t just throw out flavors or gimmicks for the sake of it. Everything we do has to mean something.”

And if you’re waiting for a flavor drop, don’t hold your breath — or do, because what they’re planning next is rooted in experience rather than excess.

“It’s not always about adding more SKUs,” Burrow explains. “Sometimes it’s about creating spaces for people to experience our vodka in new ways — curated pop-ups, mixology moments, even consumer-led collaborations. That’s what real innovation looks like.”

They’re also launching a new initiative called Proof Theory, aimed at mentoring aspiring spirits entrepreneurs and demystifying the alcohol business for people of color.

“Representation matters,” says Larkai. “We’re here to open doors. If we can show one young Black entrepreneur that they can create a luxury product, then we’ve done our job.”

How to Experience Blackleaf

Blackleaf Organic Vodka is available at select retailers, restaurants, and lounges throughout the DMV, Georgia, North Carolina, and beyond. Consumers can also purchase bottles online via blackleafvodka.co or through ReserveBar.

“If you walk into a spot and don’t see us, ask for us,” says Burrow. “That’s how movements grow.”

As for the future? The Blackleaf team isn’t just thinking local — they’re going global. And with a product this refined and a purpose this rooted, it’s only a matter of time.