A Pioneer. A Distiller. A Force.
Vanessa Braxton didn't just enter the spirits industry — she broke the door down and built something that had never existed before.
Vanessa Braxton is the 1st African American woman distiller in the United States — a title she earned not through recognition, but through 14 years of relentless work, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief that she belonged in a room that had never seen anyone like her.
GB Distillers — new york
Full Biography
Before she ever set foot in a distillery, Vanessa built her foundation in the world of Civil and Structural Engineering and Construction Management. As a retired Civil/Structural Engineer and CM, she mastered the disciplines of precision, systems thinking, project execution, and technical problem-solving — skills that would later define her as one of the most technically accomplished distillers in the country.
She brought that engineering mindset directly into the spirits industry — applying structural rigor to distillery design, production flow optimization, equipment selection, and facility builds. Where others saw an art, Vanessa saw both an art and a science, and she had the credentials to master both.
Born and raised with an entrepreneurial spirit, Vanessa's journey into distilling began long before the craft spirits boom. She saw an industry dominated by tradition and gatekeeping, and she walked in anyway — learning the science of fermentation, distillation, and blending from the ground up.
In 2012, she founded Gravesande Braxton (GB) Distillers in New York, becoming the first African American woman to own and operate a licensed distillery in the United States. What started as a bold vision became a fully operational craft distillery producing premium spirits from scratch.
From GB Distillers, she launched Black Momma Vodka — a premium, handcrafted vodka that carries her name, her story, and her standard of excellence. The brand quickly gained national attention, earning placement in major retailers and recognition from industry leaders.
Her expertise and reputation have made her one of the most sought-after contract distillers and consultants in the country. She has distilled for iconic names including Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers, and has consulted for distilleries across the United States and the Caribbean.
In 2026, Vanessa opened her second distillery — a state-of-the-art facility housing a 700-gallon hybrid still capable of producing Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, and a full range of spirits. With automatic volumetric fillers and the capacity to produce 1 million bottles, it stands as one of the largest Black-owned distilleries in the United States.
14+ Years in the Making
A Timeline of Firsts.
Founded GB Distillers
Established the first African American woman-owned licensed distillery in the United States, in New York.
Launched Black Momma Vodka
Introduced her flagship premium handcrafted vodka brand to the national market.
Contract Distilling for Ron Isley
Partnered with legendary R&B icon Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers to produce his signature spirits line.
National Recognition
Black Momma Vodka gained placement in major national retailers and earned industry awards for quality and craftsmanship.
Consulting Expansion
Began consulting for Robert Apfel Distillery and 130 Acre Farm St. Croix, bringing her expertise to new markets.
Prosperity Farms / Raising Cane Distillery
Expanded consulting portfolio to include Prosperity Farms and Raising Cane Distillery, cementing her legacy as the industry's premier distilling consultant.
2nd Distillery — One of the Largest Black-Owned Distilleries in the U.S.
Opened a second, state-of-the-art distillery housing a 700-gallon hybrid still producing Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Rum, and a full range of spirits. Equipped with automatic volumetric fillers and the capacity to produce 1 million bottles — making it one of the largest Black-owned distilleries in the United States.
"I didn't see anyone who looked like me doing this. So I decided to be the one."
— Vanessa Braxton
The Philosophy Behind the Craft
For Vanessa, distilling is more than a craft — it's a statement. Every bottle of Black Momma Vodka is a testament to what's possible when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you.
She brings that same philosophy to every consulting engagement and contract distilling partnership. Her clients don't just get a distiller — they get a pioneer who has navigated every challenge the industry can throw at you and come out stronger on the other side.
Ready to Collaborate?
Work With Vanessa
Whether you're launching a new spirits brand, need a contract distiller, or want world-class consulting, Vanessa brings 14+ years of pioneering expertise to your vision.