Samara Davis

She/her/hers

Years of Participation

2023

With over 4 years of Diversity and Inclusion advocacy plus 15 years of event planning experience, Samara knows exactly what it takes to create unique one of a kind experiences for diverse audiences. Her work leaves your palate and your conscience wanting more, with a greater appreciation for bourbon and passion for inclusion, within the spirits industry!

Ever the advocate for all things balanced, Samara founded Black Bourbon Society in 2016 upon realizing that there was a lack of diversity towards people of color within the bourbon community. Through her work with Black Bourbon Society, she has partnered with and featured several brands including Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark and Four Roses. Samara has coordinated exclusive events, curated dinner pairings and private whiskey tastings in markets such as Atlanta, LA, and Chicago. She also organizes exclusive trips to Kentucky and hosts an annual bourbon conference, Bourbon Boule, every year in New Orleans for her 20k+ Black Bourbon Society members and followers.

Named one of Wine Enthusiasts Top 40 Under 40 and featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Black Enterprise and more; Samara often shares her expertise as an Executive Bourbon Steward -hosting tasting seminars, judging spirits competitions and much more. As a Diversity and Inclusion consultant, she works with executives and entrepreneurs to understand and strengthen their relationship with consumers of color, and to develop and refine their brand's marketing strategy. In addition to her work with Black Bourbon Society, Samara is also the Founding Executive Director of DiversityDistilled, a nonprofit consulting firm that works with brands in the spirits industry to identify and address their diversity and inclusion needs within the workforce. She speaks to organizations and has spoken on several panels on issues regarding race and DE&I in the spirits industry.

Although she has accomplished much in her career, Samara's favorite role is simply being 'mommy' to her two children, Alva & Rex. She is married to her business partner and Bonded In Bourbon co-host, Armond Davis. With a true love for the inclusive culture that bourbon naturally brings, Samara is taking the industry by storm and inspiring much needed change within it, one glass at a time.