UNCLE NEAREST 1856

100-PROOF TENNESSEE WHISKEY

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a brand deeply rooted in American whiskey history, paying tribute to Nathan "Nearest" Green, an African American who is recognized as the first African American master distiller in the United States. Green is historically significant for teaching Jack Daniel, the founder of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, the craft of distilling.

The idea for Uncle Nearest Whiskey was inspired by author and entrepreneur Fawn Weaver, who, during her research, met with Green’s descendants. They expressed a desire to see Green honored by having his name on a whiskey bottle. Weaver's research and efforts led to the founding of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2019, with the Nearest Green Distillery opening in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Victoria Eady-Butler, a descendant of Green, plays a significant role in the company as its master blender.

Uncle Nearest offers various whiskey products, including premium aged whiskey and Tennessee silver whiskey. The whiskey is initially distilled at different locations, but the company employs a unique process for its creation, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation. The brand's first three releases were named after significant years in Green's life: his birth year (1820), the year he perfected the Lincoln County Process (1856), and his retirement year (1884).

Additionally, the company has been involved in preserving and promoting Green's legacy. The Nearest Green Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Weaver, focuses on honoring Green's legacy through various projects, including the Nearest Green Legacy Scholarship program, which supports Green's descendants with college scholarships.

Uncle Nearest Whiskey not only commemorates the historical significance of Nathan "Nearest" Green but also enriches the narrative of American whiskey with a story that intertwines with that of Jack Daniel's, reflecting a shared heritage and a commitment to honoring the past​

Uncle Nearest 1856 

On the nose, you can expect to find a blend of grassy notes with a hint of nougat, complemented by caramel, vanilla, pine, maple syrup, caraway seed, oak, dried cherry, cinnamon, and a subtle touch of fennel and popcorn. This combination imparts a rich, earthy aroma with a distinctive sweetness reminiscent of nougat and maple syrup.

Upon tasting, Uncle Nearest 1856 reveals flavors of brown sugar, dried apricot, vanilla, roasted oak, cinnamon, fennel, and a slight doughiness, perhaps akin to burnt popcorn. The palate is characterized by its bold and robust profile, where oats merge with vanilla sugar and maple syrup, followed by the warmth of toasted wood, nutty nuances, and the freshness of green grass. As the tasting experience evolves, there are hints of caramel and a spice-forward profile, featuring gentle pepper heat infused with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, and faint traces of dark chocolate.

The finish of Uncle Nearest 1856 is medium in length, leaving behind a lasting impression of vanilla, oak spices, and a delightful caramel sweetness. This whiskey is noted for its balance of smoothness and sweetness, making it a pleasure to savor.

Uncle Nearest 1856 presents a unique and complex taste profile, blending the traditional flavors of Tennessee whiskey with its own distinctive character. The combination of earthy, spicy, and sweet notes makes it a complex and enjoyable whiskey to explore.