In the heart of Tennessee, where whiskey flows as richly as the traditions that shape it, one brand is redefining the spirit of American whiskey. With a commitment to the Legacy and craftsmanship of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, this premium bottle brings a forgotten story back to life.
Nathan “Nearest” Green was an African American man who was born into slavery in the southern U.S. around 1820. He is believed to have been the first master distiller in the U.S. to perfect the charcoal-mellowing process used in the creation of Tennessee whiskey.
He worked on the farm of Dan Call, who owned a distillery. While working for Call, Green became known for his mastery of distilling whiskey. It was Nearest Green who taught Jack Daniel, the founder of the Jack Daniel’s distillery, the method of filtering whiskey through charcoal—a technique now known as the Lincoln County Process. This is a critical part of the process of making Tennessee whiskey and is what sets it apart from bourbon.
Nearest Green’s role in the whiskey-making process was overlooked for many years due to the racial segregation of the time, despite how significant his role was.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey was founded in 2017 by former corporate and executive author Fawn Weaver who discovered and appreciated Green’s role in the whiskey industry. She made it her mission to bring his story to the forefront and honor his contributions, as well as acknowledge the African American influence on American whiskey production (which has historically been dominated by white distillers) by promoting diversity. Today the company’s distillery, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, offers tours that display the history of Nathan Green and the craftsmanship behind the whiskey.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey is made using the very methods that Green perfected and is sourced from the finest distillers. It is known for its premium quality and distinct flavors and has received many awards and accolades, including recognition at international spirit competitions.
A 100-proof whiskey and one of the flagship products, Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey is known for its smooth yet complex flavor. A 93-proof expression known for being more mellow and refined than the 1856 is the Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey. Lastly, Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel is a high-end single-barrel whiskey with a higher proof, good for those looking for a more intense flavor experience.
The brand has shaped the whiskey industry not only by producing high-quality whiskey but also by educating consumers on the history of Nathan Green and promoting African American history in the distilling world. And in a time when movements toward racial equality and recognition are gaining momentum in many industries, Uncle Nearest is a symbol of reviving history. It is a movement to preserve and honor the history of African Americans in the whiskey-making world and to praise the accomplishments of Nathan “Nearest” Green.