BROWN LIQUOR MUSIC

Written By: Jewels Alexandria

(4 Minute Read)

Brown Liquor has such a bad rep these days. And it’s such a shame, because when done right and in the right setting, it is the most sophisticated drink of them all. Even displaying a bit of maturity. The gentle twisting of the orange peel in an Old Fashioned emits a citrus aroma that excites the largest of men. While the smoking of an old aged bourbon pairs beautifully with an Ashton VSG. A delectable Dominican cigar. But there is one major factor that pairs even better with your favorite neat whiskey; and that is music. But not just any music, brown liquor music

Many are unaware of Black American contribution to whiskey. Nathan Green, born into slavery, is the mastermind behind Jack Daniels Whiskey. Teaching him the process of charcoal mellowing. A key element in distilling whiskey. Simply put, it’s in our blood to gravitate to the smooth brown alcohol.

Now, brown liquor music is the cuts your granddaddy played riding around in his 69 Cutlass. Or the tunes played in the background of your grandmother’s spades party. Or a lonely man yearning for the return of his woman, brown liquor compliments the mood. Casting a spell on your emotions. Now, this music may give the impression of somber, but this is not always the case. It can expel a sexual energy that’s so irresistible, you’ll think the idea is yours. Isaac Hayes velvety voice seducing your ears and gently massaging you in all the right places. While Curtis Mayfield sends you out for a weed run. Or the funky sounds of James Brown as he pleads with the world to understand, “it would be nothing without a woman or a girl.” Some of it may even be drug induced. From cocaine hits, to acid trips, this music brought on an array of emotions but got the job done.

It is the 60’s and 70’s when black soul music was at its height. It’s the music we only hear in movies today when the director is trying to emulate the times and emotions just explained. Does this music exist today? Not really. But I don’t think it is needed. We can hear it with artist like October London or Thee Sacred Souls, but for the most part, when tired, it feels a bit forced. Besides, black folks we’re experiencing a different lifestyle and hardship back then that we just don’t understand today. And that was felt through the music. Our black men valued the black woman. War crippled the black communities more than the whites but at the same time a change was coming. And the music reflected the change.

Today, brown liquor gets associated with a bad reputation of aggressive behavior. In fact, it is very uncommon to find a cognac, like Hennessy or D’usse inside a white bar. But like mentioned before, it’s for the mature and presents a level of maturity. Now, I am not limiting brown liquor to just soul music and everything I’m saying isn’t law. It can be paired with just about any genre, but Soulful music is the best.

March 31, 2025