From aromatic candles to smooth gin, chances are you have one of these Durham products in your home!
BRIGHT BLACK
Durham candle, $30 for a 10-ounce vessel with 7.5 ounces of wax
“We’ve been selling [this candle] from day one. … Customers have shared that the candle conjures up childhood memories and that they like the hint at tobacco without it being overpowering. Other customers have shared that it’s a hit among the men in their lives … [and] that it’s a great gift, especially for folks who have moved away, are moving to Durham, and for friends or family who live far away to remind them of whomever is gifting the candle. Many customers say that the candle does a great job of capturing the spirit of Durham: down-to-earth, a bit gritty, smooth, open and welcoming. We truly believe that we’ve been able to get where we are today with our business because of the Durham community. … Durham embraced us, supported us, encouraged us and showed us grace as we navigated (and still continue to navigate!) the rocky waters of being novice entrepreneurs. Durham, built on the legacy of Black Wall Street, stands with us. We feel it and are incredibly grateful, and do not for one second take it for granted.” – Tiffany Griffin, co-founder and CEO
DURHAM DISTILLERY
Conniption American Dry Gin, $29.95, 44% alcohol by volume, 750 milliliters
“A surprisingly large number of our customers tell us that they weren’t really into gin before trying this one. Many people can be turned off by the juniper-dominant London Dry gins and haven’t paid much attention to the category since. Our American Dry offers a balanced flavor profile with honeysuckle, orange, cucumber and just the right amount of juniper to appeal to a wide audience. It’s easy to plug into many classic cocktail recipes and appeals to gin and vodka drinkers alike. We call it a gateway gin for this reason. We’re excited that, with our glass bottle supply chain now fixed, we plan on bringing back our Barrel Rested Series for this fall. Conniption American Dry has received many accolades since we launched in 2015. Recently, it was given a rating of 93 (out of 100) by the Beverage Testing Institute.” – Melissa Katrincic, co-owner and CEO/president
BIG SPOON ROASTERS
Pistachio Crunch Almond Butter, $15.50 for a 13-ounce jar (online)
“One of our bestselling products began as a limited batch in the summer of 2021, born from a desire to pair two of our favorite nuts together into a single nut butter and inspired by sunny summertime on the West Coast. We combined certified bee-friendly heirloom Mission almonds, ground into a smooth base with single-source organic Vermont maple syrup and hand-harvested Jacobsen Salt Co. sea salt before folding in whole fresh-roasted organic California pistachio kernels. The result was a mind-blowingly delicious [and] sweet vegan almond butter with an incredible bite of crunchy pistachio goodness. When it initially launched last July, [this nut butter] received such compliments as, ‘Someone in recipe development needs to be slapped, it’s so good!’ and ‘I hope it makes it out of limited-batch purgatory and into the permanent lineup soon,’ and we were more than happy to oblige. … With such a unique combination of textures, flavors and our signature combo of roasty-sweet-salty, it’s a remarkably versatile nut butter – perfect for baking, spreading on toast, enjoying in sweet and savory dishes, or (as we may be partial to), right from your biggest spoon.” – Elise Holsonback, marketing and communications manager
FILLAREE
Soap & Suds hand and body soap, lemon lavender scent: $35 in-store or $42 online for a half gallon refill, ($9 for 8 fluid ounces in glass bottle)
“Our biodegradable liquid soap does double duty as effective hand soap and natural body wash. Organic vegetable oils and quality essential oils make it perfect for the sink or shower. The most heard and appreciated review is one from customers who have very sensitive skin [and tell us it’s] ‘the only soap that doesn’t make my hands break out.’ We have been making a version of this product since 2014 but settled on the current version in 2017. I am planning on a few small tweaks and new scents soon!” – Alyssa Cherry, founder
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