Michelle Dukes, Founder of Papi’s Bourbon, is adding a new drink to your lineup. Papi’s is a Black-owned bourbon brand created to honor her father, Lloyd Dukes, and grandfather, Pratt Dukes, legacy.
“It’s a family legacy. A family heritage and it’s my way of giving back to them. I am bringing back what they were trying to do. Bring it to a different level. My goal is to create generational wealth,” Michelle said about her motivations. “I’m so excited. Named it Papi’s because…my daughter called my father (Lloyd Dukes) Papi.”
FEMI Magazine had the chance to chat with Michelle Dukes to learn more about Papi’s Bourbon and the inspiration behind the brand.
Where did your inspiration to create a bourbon come from?
My grandfather Pratt Duke use to make moonshine in Earlington Kentucky and all the neighbors would come to get his famous moonshine . Pratt eventually got ran to out of Kentucky. He moved to New York had eventually moved to Los Angeles, California he and his brother Claude Duke opened up one of the first black owned bars in the Crenshaw district called The Duke’s living room in 1958. The bar is still there we no longer own it anymore it’s currently called The Living room. I was inspired to do the Papis Bourbon Brand to give honor to this legacy brand.
How did you come up with the name Papi’s Bourbon?
I named it Papis to honor both my father and grandfather. To honor the family heritage and legacy of the Duke family and our tradition of creating great spirits for all to enjoy. My daughter calls my Father Papi, I call it Papis to honor both my father and grandfather who was a spirits industry pioneer.
Why did you choose to focus on bourbon?
I focused on bourbon because my grandfathers moonshine was a bourbon-based product, what a great way to honor him and what he created for people to enjoy.
As a BIPOC female entrepreneur, what adversities have you faced?
As a black woman it is difficult in this industry because it’s normally a male-dominated industry. A lot of times as a woman you have to work extremely hard to solidify who you are as pertains to the industry. Some people want to put you in the woman box and say this industry is there’s and I have ti stand tall although I’m short to prove to them that I am a strong brand who is not going anywhere. I believe in Papis and when people try Papis Bourbon they become a believer,
With all of the adversities you’ve faced, how did you find the strength to keep going?
I am able to keep going because I am strong, I am resilient and I am a true believer in Papis. I know Papis bourbon is smooth, delicious and it’s the bourbon without the burn . I am a serial entrepreneur and I don’t let anyone or anything stop me . Papis is going to be an household name and brand . I love the brand , I love the history I love the process.
What are your favorite pairings with bourbons?
Papis is so smooth it mixes well with everything.
If I want a fruity vibe I love to mix pineapples juice, sweet and sour and Papis .
If I want a mudslide I mix Papis with Irish cream, coffee Liquor and Papis .. this is so delicious.
If I want a vibe I love to mix Papis with peach juice, peach liquor, sweet and sour.
If I am not Feeling well a Papis toddy is perfect, made with hot tea , honey, lemon and peppermint and Papis.
Papis is good straight up or with anything you want to mix it with it’s so smooth and delicious.
It’s strong enough for a man, yet smooth enough for a woman.
What’s next for Papi’s Bourbon?
Papis has done lots of industry events with names like Mike Tyson fundraiser, Mike Epps Madison Square Garden, Bobby Brown nonprofit event for Bobbi Kristina fundraiser, celebrity events, radio shows Sway in the Morning, and so many events. My plan is to be at every event, every bar , every store and an household name. The sky is the limit. I am excited to make history for my brand, my family and my community.
Be sure to check out the website for Papi’s Bourbon Whiskey at papisbourbon.com and follow on Instagram @PAPISBOURBON.
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