by Mitti Hicks
February 2, 2026
The Harlem Hellfighters spent 191 days in fight on the entrance strains, longer than some other American unit in WWI historical past.
The founders of the Black-owned bourbon model, Previous Hillside Bourbon Firm, knew they’d honor the Harlem Hellfighters from the second they set foot contained in the 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem in 2024 for a tour. Co-founder Emmanuel Waters confirmed that it was the type of go to that makes the hairs on the again of your neck rise up.
“For me, personally, it was listening to the tales of combating for a rustic that didn’t combat for you,” Walters mentioned throughout an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “They fought at a time once they actually couldn’t even drink out of the identical water fountain as white folks. Then, traveled internationally as a result of they couldn’t even combat in their very own nation.”
Who Are The Harlem Hellfighters
Individuals are accustomed to the primary Black army aviation unit, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Montford Level Marines, the primary Black Marines, however only a few know the importance of the 369th Infantry Regiment, referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters.
Shaped in 1917, this New York Nationwide Guard Unit preceded each teams and reportedly numbered within the hundreds. The Harlem Hellfighters have been the primary all-Black U.S. fight unit to serve in Europe. They spent 191 days in fight on the entrance strains, longer than some other American unit in WWI historical past.
Regardless of their achievements and their standing as probably the most embellished American models of WWI, these males have been largely neglected and uncelebrated. They returned to extreme racism and segregation, and weren’t taken care of by Veterans Affairs.
“The VA solely gave Henry Johnson, who was stabbed about 20 occasions, incapacity as much as 85%,” mentioned Waters. Eighty-six p.c is what you wanted to have the army handle you for the remainder of your life. They rated him 1% under simply so that they couldn’t give him advantages based mostly on racism.”
Johnson is certainly one of three males that Previous Hillside Bourbon Firm is honoring with its limited-edition bourbon.
Previous Hillside Bourbon Firm Honors The Harlem Hellfighters’ Bravery
Every bottle of Previous Hillside Bourbon Firm’s restricted launch this Black Historical past Month options certainly one of three males: James Reese Europe, Henry Johnson, and Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. Every label will include a narrative of the unit and a biography of the gentleman on the label.
“That is the primary product the place we truly made the story create the bourbon,” mentioned Waters.
The bourbon is completed in French oak wine barrels for 191 days, the precise variety of days the Harlem Hellfighters spent on the entrance strains in France. The barrels originate from the identical area the place the Hellfighters fought, making a uncommon and highly effective connection between place, historical past, heritage, and spirit.
“Then, to prime it off, we set the proof at 112. They have been one unit, combating for one enemy for 2 international locations, thus the 112 proof,” mentioned Waters. “Every little thing was meticulously achieved.”
The bourbon pours a heat, deep amber with delicate ruby undertones from the Pinot Noir ending cask. On the nostril, shoppers will discover honeyed grain and delicate vanilla that open into light red-fruit accents and delicate oak. On the palate, the workforce describes it as “mellow and approachable,” with easy caramel and light-weight brown sugar balanced by a “restrained whisper of rye spice.”
“With each launch we do, if persons are researching the story that we’re telling, then we did our job. That’s what our model is about. We would like shoppers to know Black historical past,” Waters added.
Buying The Restricted Launch
Solely 150 circumstances will probably be launched throughout the three distinctive commemorative labels. The bottles are accessible on the corporate web site for $110 every. A portion of the proceeds will profit the Whiskey Valor Basis, supporting veterans and their households via neighborhood applications and initiatives.
As for what’s subsequent for the founders, they need to proceed to increase in an trade that lacks illustration. The U.S. spirits trade is valued at $40 billion. Whereas Black folks signify 12% of shoppers, they personal lower than 1% of the spirits manufacturers.
“We’d like the trade to signify its shoppers, which is why we’re combating in an area that’s very powerful to compete in,” mentioned Waters. “We’ve been combating for occurring six years now, so on daily basis that we’re open is a blessing.”
RELATED CONTENT: Harlem Hellfighters Awarded Congressional Gold Medal Amid Ongoing U.S. Historical past Debate
