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Frisky Whiskey, an award-winning premium flavored whiskey, epitomizes quality and excellence. Crafted in Charleston, South Carolina, it was founded by groundbreaker Nicole Young and her partners, James Landis and Ken Donarski.
Young is the first Black woman to own a flavored whiskey brand. “I saw a chance to be a trailblazer in the competitive spirits industry,” Young explains. “Introducing a game-changing product in a historic category like whiskey was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Ambition Personified
Young’s multifaceted career led her to become the CEO and founder of a whiskey brand. Reflecting on the journey, she highlights the challenges of launching and growing a spirit brand.
“The alcohol industry is filled with rigid standards, strict regulations, and budget constraints that often hinder smaller brands,” she says. “It took roughly seven years of dedication to bring Frisky Whiskey to life. Success in this industry requires savvy planning, strategic thinking, and sometimes just good luck. I’m grateful for Frisky’s progress and optimistic about its future.”
Young was born and raised in Brooklyn by her mother and father, Panamanian immigrants. “I am blessed to have been raised by two hardworking parents who gave me a childhood filled with love, laughter, and encouragement.”
Both sets of grandparents, as well as Young’s parents, were outstanding cooks. “They all had a deep understanding of and appreciation for spices,” Young says. “Their unwavering devotion to preparing fresh, homecooked food rich with flavor laid the groundwork for my career in food journalism and recipe development.”
Before entering the spirit industry, Young had an impressive career in the lifestyle space as an author, entrepreneur, stylist, designer, TV host, fitness model, professional foodie, and recipe creator. She credits her parents with everything she has accomplished.
“I was raised to believe that I could achieve any goal and that hard work and knowledge of its value would get me to my goals,” she says. “My parents left no talent or interest unexplored, and I was always encouraged to put every one of those talents and interests to work. As a result, I wholeheartedly push back on the idea of a ‘jack of all trades, master at none.’ If you’re good at something, be grateful for the skill, and use it.”
During one of her ventures, Young met Jim Landis, a New Yorker with a four-generation legacy in spirits and wine. Initially collaborating on Hpnotiq, they continued working together on other brands
Landis later invited Young to help create a new flavor for his latest project that would turn into Frisky Whiskey. “We worked tirelessly to make it stand out,” she says, highlighting its ultra-luxe packaging, smoothness and premium cork.
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Frisky Whiskey Stays Winning
While she keeps some secrets under wraps, Young reveals that Frisky Whiskey is a premium-aged American whiskey made with the purest ingredients.
“I believe in treating our bodies to nothing but the best, and that’s what Frisky Whiskey delivers. Our blend starts with high-quality premium whiskey, resulting in an ultra-smooth, velvety finish without harsh burns. We use only natural flavors to enhance its palatability, with no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or chemicals.”
Frisky Whiskey has received several prestigious awards, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It’s also the first flavored whiskey to earn 95 points for taste at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
“For team Frisky, the awards are a testament to the brand’s unique ability to reshape perceptions of flavored whiskey,” Young says. “Breaking barriers, dispelling myths, and introducing a new audience to whiskey was always the goal, so the awards remind us that we are doing what we set out to do.”
Made For a New Generation
Whiskey drinkers today are younger and more diverse, with 39% aged 21-35 and only 17% over 55. Traditionally associated with older White men, whiskey now attracts a broader audience, including millennials and Gen Z, thanks to innovative new styles and flavors.
The drink is also becoming popular among Hispanic, Black, and other non-Caucasian consumers, influenced by targeted marketing and cultural resonance in social contexts like cookouts and celebrations.
Whiskey enthusiasts often have refined tastes, participating in tastings and distillery tours to deepen their appreciation of the spirit.
Young highlights that Frisky Whiskey appeals to drinkers across generations. “Frisky’s inviting taste and velvety finish have converted non-whiskey drinkers of all ages, debunking myths and eliminating fears surrounding the flavor of whiskey. Its multifaceted flavor offers unlimited consumption options, from fun whiskey shots and flavorful craft cocktails to sipping neat or on the rocks. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, Frisky has something to satisfy every palate and demographic.”
Need Some Inspiration?
“I love all of the cocktail recipes I’ve created for Frisky for different reasons, but if I have to choose a favorite, it would have to be two: the Strawberry caramel colada – which was voted cocktail of the week by America Whiskey Magazine last summer and my newest creation, The Frisky Orchard punch.
Strawberry Caramel Colada
2 oz Frisky Whiskey
4 strawberries
2 oz light coconut cream (or coconut milk)
club soda
fresh mint and strawberries for garnish
Directions: Muddle strawberries in a shaker, add ice, coconut cream and Frisky Whiskey, and shake well. Pour mixture into a stemless glass, top with club soda, and garnish with fresh mint and a strawberry slice.
Frisky Orchard Punch
2 oz Frisky Whiskey
½ oz white grape juice
1 oz apple cider
2 oz fresh lemonade
seedless red grapes (frozen optional)
fresh thyme sprigs
Directions: Add ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake well, and pour into a short glass. Garnish with two seedless red grapes and fresh thyme.
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Words of Wisdom and What’s Next
“For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the beverage industry, thorough research is crucial. Estimate your startup costs and triple that amount. Aim to secure at least 50% of this total before launching your brand. Funding is pivotal for launching, sustaining, and growing your business. While concepts and recipes are vital, resilient brands weather financial challenges best, and adequate funding is your best defense.”
Young is also excited to announce her new digital series, “Taste Class.” This includes live and virtual flavor-making experiences and tutorials.
The Frisky Side of Whiskey experience offers virtual and in-person sessions in the NYC tri-state area, where participants explore Frisky Whiskey’s flavors and enhance their mixology skills. Follow @nicoleyoungstyle on Instagram for launch details and a Cuisine Noir discount.
Check out Frisky Whiskey on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
