They owned the distillery and brand for 20 years before selling them, along with an inventory of maturing whisky, to Heaven Hill for $266 million (USD).

This brand is ranked number two in Canadian Whisky market share behind Crown Royal.

Since that time, such famous names as Christie Brinkley, Cybill Shepherd, Kim Alexis, Cheryl Tiegs, Micah Wylde, and Kelly Emberg have all been Black Velvet Ladies.

In addition, actors Telly Savalas, Larry Hagman, George Burns, and country singer Tanya Tucker have appeared in the ads.

The current Black Velvet Lady is Tami Donaldson, born and raised in Hollywood, Florida.