Spirits From theHeart of the Delta
By Bernadine Lothery
In the heart of Helena, Arkansas, Delta Dirt Distillery stands as more than a producer of exceptional spirits—it’s a celebration of, heritage, innovation and community. Founded by Harvey and Donna Williams, this Black-owned, family-operated distillery transforms the rich agricultural bounty of the Arkansas Delta into premium vodka and gin.
Alongside their sons, Thomas, the Master Distiller, and Donavon, the Operations Manager, the Williams family has redefined craft distilling, crafting a legacy as rich as the soil they farm.
Delta Dirt’s flagship product, Sweet Blend Vodka, is more than a spirit—it’s the distilled essence of the Delta’s richness and the Williams family’s ingenuity. Made from sweet potatoes and corn grown on the family farm in Phillips County, this gluten-free vodka boasts a smooth, subtly sweet profile with floral and fruity notes. Its versatility shines in cocktails like the Lavender Gimlet or as a simple, elegant sip on the rocks.
Sweet Blend Vodka’s exceptional quality has earned it Double and Triple Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits.
Competition, establishing its place among the world’s finest vodkas. “Sweet Blend Vodka is our story distilled,” says Harvey Williams. “It represents our family’s creativity, determination, and deep connection to this land.” Key highlights include:
Smooth and subtly sweet, with floral and fruity undertones.
Crafted from farm-grown ingredients, aligning with Delta Dirt’s "ground-to-glass" philosophy.
Tall Cotton Gin: Southern Heritage in Every Sip
Tall Cotton Gin, inspired by the Southern phrase "walking in tall cotton," embodies the pride, prosperity, and richness of the Delta. This handcrafted gin is a celebration of heritage and innovation, masterfully blending juniper with bright citrus and subtle herbal undertones. The result is a versatile spirit with a smooth refined profile that appeals to both seasoned gin enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Each sip of Tall Cotton Gin captures the Delta’s natural abundance, making it the perfect foundation for classic cocktails like a crisp Gin and Tonic or reimagined creations like the Cotton Club 75, a sparkling twist on the French 75. Its balanced flavor profile lends itself equally well to inventive mixology or simple elegance over ice.
Thomas Williams, Delta Dirt’s Master Distiller, has infused this gin with the craftsmanship and creativity that define the distillery. His careful selection of botanicals and precise distillation methods ensure that each bottle delivers a consistent and exceptional experience. Meanwhile, the sustainable, farm-driven ethos of the distillery is evident in the meticulous sourcing of ingredients.
“With Tall Cotton Gin, we wanted to create a spirit that reflects the soul of the Delta—modern and approachable, yet steeped in tradition,” shared Harvey Williams. “It’s a toast to the richness of where we come from and the creativity that drives us forward.”
Pioneers in Craft Distilling
Delta Dirt Distillery stands at the forefront of the craft spirits movement. Their use of sweet potatoes as a base ingredient is a bold and innovative choice that sets them apart in a competitive industry. Combining traditional craftsmanship with a family-driven vision, Delta Dirt embodies the values of sustainability, creativity, and resilience that are reshaping the spirits industry.
Thomas’s focus on creating bold, complex flavor profiles and Donavon’s efforts to streamline operations, ensure Delta Dirt’s products consistently meet the highest standards. Together, their work propels the distillery forward as a leader in the movement.
Harvey Williams added, “our approach is rooted in authenticity. We’re proud to create spirits that tell the story of the Delta and our family’s journey.”
Pronghorn Partnership: A Catalyst for Growth
A transformative partnership with Pronghorn, an initiative supporting Black entrepreneurs in the spirits industry, has been instrumental in Delta Dirt’s growth. Pronghorn’s investment has provided Delta Dirt with capital and access to critical resources like marketing, distribution, and operational expertise. This collaboration brought Delta Dirt into the spotlight through the Distilled docuseries, sharing their inspiring story with a broader audience.
“Pronghorn didn’t just invest in us—they believed in our potential,” says Harvey Williams. “Their support has been pivotal in helping us grow and compete on a larger scale.”
Revitalizing Helena: A Community
Delta Dirt’s presence on historic Cherry Street is breathing new life into Helena, a once bustling hub of culture and commerce. By drawing visitors and creating jobs, the distillery is a cornerstone of the town’s economic and cultural revitalization.
“Every guest who visits us contributes to this community’s growth,” says Harvey. “We’re not just making spirits—we’re creating opportunities.”
Ground-to-Glass Sustainability: Rooted in Responsibility
At Delta Dirt Distillery sustainability is more than a practice—it’s a way of life. Ingredients from the family farm form the foundation of their spirits and spent mash from the distillation process is repurposed to support the farm’s ecosystem. This closed-loop approach minimizes waste and preserves the Delta’s natural resources. The Williams family believes, “our farm is the foundation of everything we do, sustainability isn’t just a choice—it’s part of who we are.”
Looking Ahead: Honoring Roots, Embracing Innovation
In honor of their third anniversary, Delta Dirt Distillery has unveiled their newest creation, Deep Roots Arkansas Brown, a barrel-aged spirit that redefines traditional whiskey while celebrating the Delta’s agricultural heritage. This milestone marks not only the growth of their brand, but also their commitment to crafting spirits that push boundaries and tell the story of the Arkansas Delta.
A Bold New Chapter in Craft Spirits
Deep Roots Arkansas Brown is an embodiment of Delta Dirt’s innovative approach to distilling. Crafted from sweet potatoes and corn grown on the Williams family farm, this unique base ingredient lends the spirit a flavor profile unlike any other. Aged in charred oak barrels, Arkansas Brown offers rich, bold notes of caramel, toasted pecan, and warm spices that pay homage to the Delta’s fertile soil and farming traditions. The introduction of Arkansas Brown signifies a new chapter for Delta Dirt Distillery, as it continues to expand its portfolio while staying true to its roots. This release further establishes Delta Dirt as a leader in the craft spirits industry, blending tradition with bold creativity.
A Milestone Celebration
The third anniversary is a moment of reflection and celebration for the Williams family. From their flagship Sweet Blend Vodka to the Tall Cotton Gin, a contemporary take on a Southern classic, the distillery has quickly established itself as a trailblazer in the craft spirits industry.
“Each anniversary reminds us of how far we’ve come,” says Harvey Williams. “Deep Roots Arkansas Brown is our way of celebrating the journey while looking forward to what’s next.”
Innovation Rooted in Heritage
The release of Arkansas Brown underscores Delta Dirt’s dedication to blending tradition with innovation. By using distinctive, farm-grown ingredients as the foundation of their recipe, the family continues to challenge industry norms while staying true to their mission of crafting spirits that embody the richness and character of the Delta.
Looking Ahead
The release of Deep Roots Arkansas Brown sets the stage for continued growth and creativity. With plans to expand distribution and introduce new spirits in the future, the Williams family remains steadfast in their mission to share the spirit of the Delta with the world.
“We’re not just making spirits; we’re sharing our story. Each bottle carries the legacy of our family, our land, and our community,” adds Williams.
A Legacy in Every Bottle
Delta Dirt Distillery exemplifies the power of authenticity, craftsmanship, and community. Their journey, driven by family values and a deep connection, is a reminder that innovation thrives where tradition meets bold vision. As they share the spirit of the Delta with the world, Delta Dirt Distillery continues to honor its roots while shaping the future of craft spirits.