During Donald Trump's inauguration, attendees received bottles of Woodford Reserve, curated by Brown-Forman and Mitch McConnell. While Brown-Forman is known for whiskey brands like Jack Daniel's, its recent decision to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies raised questions given Jack Daniel's complicated racial history involving Nathan 'Nearest' Green, its first master distiller. Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest, researched Green’s contributions after they gained public attention in 2016, revealing a nuanced friendship with Jack Daniel. The brand's past support for progressive causes has led to backlash among conservatives, reflecting ongoing debates about race and corporate responsibility.
The involvement of Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve at Trump's inauguration highlights the complex intersections of race, history, and corporate messaging in the liquor industry.
The decision by Brown-Forman to abandon their DEI policies has drawn criticism and revealed underlying tensions surrounding the historical narrative of Jack Daniel's and race.
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