by Mitti Hicks
February 2, 2026
The Harlem Hellfighters spent 191 days in combat on the front lines, longer than any other American unit in the history of World War I.
The founders of Black-owned bourbon brand Old Hillside Bourbon Company knew they would honor the Harlem Hellfighters from the moment they walked into the 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem for a tour in 2024. Co-founder Emmanuel Waters confirmed that it was a visit that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
“For me personally, it was hearing the stories about fighting for a country that didn’t fight for me,” Walters said during an interview with BLACK COMPANY. “They fought at a time when they literally couldn’t even drink from the same water source as white people. Then they traveled around the world because they couldn’t even fight in their own country.”
Who are the Harlem Hellfighters?
People know about the first black military aviation unit, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Montford Point Marines, the first black Marines, but very few know the importance of the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters.
This New York National Guard unit, founded in 1917, preceded both groups and reportedly numbered in the thousands. The Harlem Hellfighters were the first all-black U.S. combat unit to serve in Europe. They spent 191 days fighting on the front lines, longer than any other American unit in the history of World War I.
Despite their achievements and status as one of the most decorated American units of World War I, these men have been largely overlooked and uncelebrated. They returned to severe racism and segregation and were not cared for by Veterans Affairs.
“The VA only gave up to 85% disability to Henry Johnson, who was stabbed about 20 times,” Waters said. You needed 86 percent to have the military take care of you for the rest of your life. They rated him 1% lower just so they couldn’t give him benefits based on racism.”
Johnson is one of three men the Old Hillside Bourbon Company is honoring with its limited edition bourbon.
Old Hillside Bourbon Company honors the courage of the Harlem Hellfighters
Each bottle of Old Hillside Bourbon Company’s limited edition bottle this Black History Month features one of three men: James Reese Europe, Henry Johnson and Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. On each label you will find a story of unity and a biography of the gentleman on the label.
“This is the first product where we have actually implemented the story of how bourbon was created,” Waters said.
The bourbon is aged in French oak wine barrels for 191 days, the same number of days that the Harlem Hellfighters spent at the front in France. The barrels come from the same region where the Hellfighters fought, creating a rare and powerful connection between place, history, heritage and spirit.
“Then to top it off, we set the strength at 112. They were a unit fighting for one enemy and for two countries, hence the 112 level,” Waters said. “Everything was done carefully.”
The bourbon exudes a warm, deep amber tone with subtle ruby undertones from the Pinot Noir finishing cask. On the nose, consumers will notice honeyed grains and delicate vanilla, which transform into gentle accents of red fruit and soft oak. On the palate, the team describes it as “smooth and approachable,” with gentle caramel and light brown sugar balanced by a “restrained whisper of rye spice.”
“Every release we do, we’ve done our job when people research the story we’re telling. That’s what our brand is about. We want consumers to know Black history,” Waters added.
Purchase the limited version
Only 150 cases of the three unique commemorative labels will be released. The bottles are available available on the company website for $110 each. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Whiskey Valor Foundation, which supports veterans and their families through community programs and initiatives.
What’s next for the founders is that they’ll want to continue to expand in an industry that lacks representation. The US liquor industry is worth $40 billion. While Black people make up 12% of consumers, they own less than 1% of liquor brands.
“We need the industry to represent its consumers, so we are fighting in an area where it is very difficult to compete,” Waters said. “We’ve been struggling to keep going for six years, so every day we’re open is a blessing.”
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