Two Black entrepreneurs are transforming the vodka industry with a commitment to organic ingredients, sustainability, and uncompromising quality

In an industry where diversity is scarce and barriers to entry are high, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow have created something extraordinary. As the founders of Blackleaf Organic Vodka, the first French organic vodka in the U.S., they’re challenging industry norms while setting new standards for both luxury and sustainability. Their journey reveals not just the obstacles faced by underrepresented founders in premium spirits, but also a masterclass in turning challenges into opportunities for innovation.

The Birth of a Vision

For Larkai, the spark came during a vacation in Cognac, France. With a background in finance and an entrepreneurial spirit, he encountered a master craftsman who would help shape what would become Blackleaf Organic Vodka. “We wanted to get into the spirit space, but if we’re going to do it, we wanted to leave our mark and create something unlike anything on the market,” explains Larkai.

Their timing was prescient. Before sustainability became a buzzword and organic products gained mainstream attention, they recognized these values would define the future of consumer goods. But they also identified a gap in the market: organic products weren’t typically associated with luxury.

“When you think of organic, it’s devoid of anything luxurious, anything sleek, anything sexy,” Larkai notes. “One of our things was how can we make organic and eco-conscious sexy? That’s what we decided to embark on with Blackleaf.”

Navigating an Industry’s Diversity Problem

The spirits industry presents formidable challenges for Black entrepreneurs. As Larkai points out, while Black Americans make up approximately 13 percent of the population, Black ownership in the spirits industry is less than 1 percent. Even more telling is the fact that there has only been one exit from a Black-owned company in the industry’s history.

“What started for us as something that was just putting our magic into the world and making sure we have a fantastic product, it’s become a lot more mission-driven,” says Larkai. “It’s important for us to show that we, as Black founders, can not only create but can steward the operations of businesses that can grow to be the next leading brands.”

Like other diverse-owned businesses, capital remains the most significant barrier to growth and business sustainability. Monté Burrow elaborates on the current state of affairs for Black entrepreneurs. “We’re at a point, now, where we have a good product, we have a superior focus and superior story. We have enough mentorship. Now, where’s this access to capital? We’ve proven who we are, we’re proving what we have.”

This reality transforms their business from simply a commercial venture into something more significant – a platform to demonstrate excellence and change perceptions. “We, as Black founders, can not only create, but we can steward the operations of businesses that can grow to be the next leading brands,” Larkai emphasizes.

Pioneering Sustainable Luxury

Long before it became trendy, sustainability was embedded in Blackleaf’s DNA. Larkai compares their early commitment to eco-consciousness to the inevitable rise of AI. “I have no doubts that AI will be part and parcel of every aspect of our life in the future. And in a similar way, we had that same conviction early on that sustainability, organic, eco-consciousness, that was the future.”

This commitment extends beyond marketing rhetoric into tangible practices. The brand utilizes the mash from the distillation process as animal feed rather than discarding it. They’ve designed their bottles with less glass to reduce environmental impact during global transportation. When their supplier developed a more sustainable cork option, they adopted it despite the higher cost.

“It’s really a core ethos of the brand, and we’re constantly seeking ways that we can live that and not just talk about it,” Larkai says.

The Partnership That Powers Blackleaf

The partnership between Larkai and Burrow represents a perfect symmetry of skills and experience. Burrow brings deep industry knowledge, having worked his way up from interning at Anheuser Busch to experiential marketing to a position at Diageo, one of the largest spirits companies in the world.

“I’ve been in and around the alcohol business for a long time. I hate to say I’ve seen it all, but I’ve seen it all,” Burrow reflects.

When he first encountered Larkai’s product, Burrow describes it as “lightning in a bottle” — something compelling from liquid to packaging to presentation. Larkai’s financial expertise combined with Burrow’s industry knowledge created a partnership that exemplifies the idiom Larkai cites: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Quality That Speaks for Itself

In a category sometimes associated with college regrets and hangovers, Blackleaf stands out for its exceptional quality. “Our product is literally one of, if not the smoothest vodkas you’ll taste,” Burrow asserts.

This quality has earned them impressive accolades, including double gold awards and recognition from the Reserve Bar Spirit of Change Initiative. These honors provide valuable credibility and affirmation.

“It’d be one thing if we came and we sat and we talked to you until we’re blue in the face about our quality,” Larkai says, “But there are certain things that are just undeniable. There’s certain competitions that are very well regarded and prestigious.”

These achievements serve to validate what they’ve always believed: “We’re not just good for a local brand. Or we’re not just good for a vodka. Or we’re not just good for a Black-owned brand. We’re good—we’re great—period.”

Creating Moments, Not Just Vodka

For Blackleaf’s founders, their product transcends the category of merely being a beverage. As Burrow eloquently puts it, “We don’t create vodka; we create moments.”

This philosophy recognizes the role their product plays in life’s celebrations and milestones. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a career achievement, or a personal victory, Blackleaf aims to complement these significant moments with an exceptional product.

“When you want to compliment a moment, you want to be able to do it in a way that’s compelling,” Burrow explains. “The only way to really be compelling is to have a high quality of life with a high-quality drink.”

Breaking Stigmas Through Excellence

The founders are acutely aware of the stereotypes and stigmas that can surround Black-owned businesses. Their approach to addressing these misconceptions is straightforward: deliver unquestionable quality.

“There’s a stigma, especially when it comes to Black services, Black-owned products, that you’re not going to get that level of quality,” Burrow says candidly. “We already defeat that from the jump. We crushed any thoughts of that from the very beginning.”

Their strategy is to lead with excellence, allowing the product to speak for itself. “We’re giving you the highest quality product that’s possible. And it happens to be Black-owned. It’s a win-win.”

Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For other underrepresented founders looking to break into high-barrier industries like luxury goods or spirits, Larkai offers both encouragement and caution.

“Dream big, believe in the power of your dreams, and work extremely hard. Take up space and don’t play with this,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional, understanding the sacrifices involved, and taking the venture seriously.

“Make sure you’re serious about it. Make sure that you seek out the necessary mentorship. Make sure you fully understand what it takes to succeed,” Larkai stresses, adding that it’s crucial to offer a well-differentiated product that captivates you before you move forward.

Given the challenges that underrepresented founders face, including the ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Larkai emphasizes, “We need to be great at everything we do.”

Building a Global Brand Through Consistency

When asked about their boldest moves for the future, both founders emphasize consistency and quality as the foundation for growth.

Larkai describes their ambition clearly: “We’re at the foundational stage of building what we believe will be the next leading brand, a global powerhouse.” The path to achieving this involves improving every day and maintaining meticulous attention to detail.

“It’s a very simple thing,” he explains. “But it’s just making sure that we’re showing up every single day and we’re incrementally getting better. And that’s how we get from where we are, which is greatness at a small scale, to greatness at a large scale.”

Burrow reinforces this approach with their focus on winning in their “backyard” and gradually expanding that territory. “I believe we have the best organic spirit on the market,” he says. “So, it’s about taking those small wins and scaling those small wins until everyone sees what we know.”

For consumers eager to experience Blackleaf Organic Vodka, it’s available in retail locations throughout the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), Georgia, North Carolina, and Delaware. It can also be purchased online through their website (blackleafvodka.co) or through Reserve Bar, with shipping available to over 30 states.

As Burrow aptly puts it, “Small brands don’t become big brands without support.” With their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and authentic representation, Blackleaf Organic Vodka isn’t just creating a premium product—they’re crafting a legacy that has the potential to transform an entire industry.