Submitted by Ilona Wolpin
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Victor George Spirits (VGS) announced it has received notice from E. Remy Martin & Cos they intend to object to the use of the year 1738 on its Fort Mosé Bourbon bottles. E. Remy Martin & Co. have filed two requests for extensions of time to oppose VGS’ trademark applications for “FORT MOSÉ 1738 BOURBON WHISKEY.” By seeking these extensions, E. Remy Martin & Co. has represented to the United States Patent and Trademark Office that it believes that VGS’ use of the year 1738 on its Fort Mosé Bourbon bottles would cause damage to E. Remy Martin & Co. Note, bourbon is significantly different than cognac, with the biggest difference being bourbon must be made in America and cognac must be made in France.
VGS released its gold medal award winning bourbon in June of 2022, and it has been purchased by consumers all over the United States. The significance of the name, brand, design etc. was inspired by the story of Fort Mosé.
In 1726, 38 slaves escaped from Charleston, South Carolina and headed south with hopes of finding freedom in Spanish occupied Florida. After enduring unimaginable challenges and conditions, they made their way through the swamps eluding slave catchers and arrived in St Augustine, Florida. Word spread to plantations all over the south, leading to more and more slaves escaping and establishing the first Underground Railroad. It was then that they joined with the Spanish and their Indian allies to fight against their English slave masters. After winning the war the governor of Florida rewarded them with their own town called Fort Mosé and in 1738 it became the first town in America allowing Black people to live free.
“Black people have been getting bullied, stripped of their rights to freedom, suppressed and oppressed for hundreds of years many times not having the resources or courage to fight back, well this time is not one of them, said Victor G. Harvey, CEO of VGS and founder of Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon.
When I researched the story of Fort Mosé and realized that most Americans have not heard this story I knew then this would be the name of the bourbon and whiskey and our responsibility to bring the story to light, I am fully committed to seeing this through. This not only represents Black history but American history,” added Harvey.
In June of 2023 VGS donated $10,000 to the Fort Mosé Historical Society in honor of its pledge of $1 for every bottle sold in the first twelve months to increase awareness, educational programs and to help reconstruct a replica of the original fort.
“This donation is greatly appreciated and will help with executing our mission statement of continuing to tell the story of Fort Mosé and the impact it has had in the history of our country not only for African Americans but all Americans. We are excited to work with Mr. HarveyWs company to educate our youth and make sure this part of history is never forgotten,s said Charles Ellis, President of Fort Mosé Historical Society.
“I have worked my whole life to build something that would provide a legacy for my children and my community. We as a people cannot let large companies and organizations keep us from realizing our dreams. We need your help and continued support,” said Harvey.
Fort Mosé 1738 bourbon can be purchased online at www.buyfortmose.com and is carried by major retailers such as Total Wine, Meijer, Kroger’s, VA ABC and more. For more locations see the store locator on the website www.fortmosewhiskey.com.
