Editors Pick: Nelsons Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
Average Price:$32
The Whiskey:
This whiskey is a throwback to one of the biggest whiskeys ever made in Tennessee. The Nelson brothers stumbled into their familys distilling history while driving the backroads of Tennessee and it changed the course of their lives. This is their first whiskey . The juice is a wheated bourbon thats filtered according to Tennessee law. Its then aged for two to five years before the barrels are vatted, proofed, and bottled in a throwback bottle.
Tasting Notes:
Youre met on the nose with still-warm cinnamon apple fritter fresh from the fryer that has just been drizzled with a salted caramel and vanilla syrup. The taste leans into the cinnamon-apple vibe with a thick and buttery southern biscuit underneath while the mid-palate luxuriates in a salted caramel apple. The finish holds onto the orchard fruitiness and dark bark spices as a final hint of dark and powdery cocoa arrive next to a ripe and sweet Bing cherry. The fade is slow but distinct and leaves you with all that fruit, caramel, spice, and cherry/chocolate lingering through your senses.
Bottom Line:
This is a bargain bottle of whiskey that over-delivers on every sip. The beauty of this bottle is that its a true workhorse in that its a great cocktail base while also being 100 percent sippable over a little ice on a hot day.
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Uncle Nearest Whiskey To Get Its Own Tennessee Distillery
Nathan Nearest Green, as the story goes, lived in Lynchburg, Tenn. back in the early days of Jack Daniels history. This first on record African American master distiller in the United States has come to light in recent years as being the first true distiller tied to the Daniels brand, having taught the namesake to distill. A whiskey brand inspired by Green popped up on the market last year, and now plans are in the making for a Tennessee distillery to further his legacy.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has announced its planning a distillery, tasting room and music venue for a Tennessee Walking Horse farm and event center called Sand Creek in Shelbyville, Tenn. As the whiskey they are currently distilling is made using a 19th century recipe, saved from a fire in Lynchburg, what they say will come as a surprise for many is a decision to build its distillery operations outside of Lynchburg. The famously small town is where Green lived and made whiskey in what was then known as Lincoln County. The company already owns the 313-acre farm where the original Jack Daniel Distillery was located until May 31, 1881, and where Green taught Daniel the art of making Tennessee whiskey.
image via Uncle Nearest Whiskey
Further Immigration Expansion And Industrialization
In the North, urbanization and an unprecedented from and supplied a surplus of labor for the country’s industrialization and transformed its culture. National infrastructure, including and , spurred economic growth and greater settlement and development of the . The later invention of and the would also affect communication and urban life.
The United States fought west of the Mississippi River from 1810 to at least 1890. Most of these conflicts ended with the cession of Native American territory and their confinement to . Additionally, the in the 1830s exemplified the that forcibly resettled Indians. This further expanded acreage under mechanical cultivation, increasing surpluses for international markets. Mainland expansion also included the from in 1867. In 1893, pro-American elements in Hawaii the and formed the , which the U.S. in 1898. , , and the were ceded by Spain in the same year, following the . was acquired by the United States in 1900 after the end of the . The were purchased from Denmark in 1917.
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A Fascination For Distillation
At some time in the 1850s, a young white boy came to Reverend Call asking for work. The Reverend took him on and gave him chores but the boy became increasingly fascinated by what was going on down the road at the distillery. Eventually, after begging his master, the boy, named Jasper, was introduced to Nathan Uncle Nearest Green, who was told to teach him what he knew. A natural entrepreneur, Jasper so believed in this whiskey that he started selling it as far and wide as he could.
Nathans story was lost for a long time. We can only imagine why. However, a new distillery was built just down the road from Jack Daniels, where Nathans descendents work today. Quite rightly, it was named after the man who turned out to be the true founding father of Tennessee Whiskey: Nathan Green. Uncle Nearest. Both distilleries still enjoy a warm bond formed by their shared histories.
There are three Uncle Nearest Whiskies to try. Seek them out and please, tell the story.
Cold War And Civil Rights Era
After World War II, the United States and the competed for power, influence, and prestige during what became known as the , driven by an ideological divide between and . They dominated the military affairs of Europe, with the U.S. and its allies on one side and the Soviet Union and its allies on the other. The U.S. developed a policy of towards the expansion of communist influence. While the U.S. and Soviet Union engaged in and developed powerful nuclear arsenals, the two countries avoided direct military conflict.
The United States often opposed movements that it viewed as Soviet-sponsored and occasionally pursued direct action for against left-wing governments, occasionally supporting authoritarian right-wing regimes. American troops fought communist and forces in the of 19501953. The Soviet Union’s 1957 launch of the and its 1961 launch of the initiated a “” in which the United States became the first nation to in 1969. The United States became increasingly involved in the , introducing combat forces in 1965.
The launch of a “” expanded entitlements and welfare spending, including the creation of and , two programs that provide health coverage to the elderly and poor, respectively, and the and .
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Uncle Nearest: The Untold Story Of The Finest Whiskey Maker In America
Have I got a story for you. The history of Jack Daniels Distillery has a twist you may have never heard of. Or more precisely, the best whiskey maker the world never knew. His name was Nathan “Nearest” Green and it’s about time we all knew about the contribution of Uncle Nearest to the American whiskey world and the Jack Daniels Whiskey Company.
During the 1850s, when Jack Daniel was a young boy, he went to work for a preacher named Dan Call. Reverend Call also happened to be a grocer and a distiller. That covers all the bases. God, food, and booze. Anyway, back to the story.
According to Jack Daniels folklore, the preacher was a very busy man, and decided a very young Jack Daniel showed promise in learning the distilling process. So Reverend Call taught Jack how to run his whiskey still, supposedly.
In June 2016, The New York Times published a story naming Daniel’s actual teacher as Nathan “Nearest” Green, who was one of Call’s slaves. This bombshell was supposedly known by locals and historians for years. The legend says that Call told 9-year-old Jack Daniel, “Uncle Nearest is the best whiskey maker that I know of.” He told Jack that if he wanted to learn, Uncle Nearest would help teach him.
Green was one of a few enslaved people who stayed on to work for Reverend Call at the whiskey distillery after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery and freed the slaves.
Nearest Green Whiskey Available In All 50 States
The companys whiskey portfolio is made up of Uncle Nearests Small Batch Whiskey with a suggested retail price of $49.99, Single Barrel Whiskey with a suggested retail price of $119, and its Aged Tennessee Whiskey with a suggested retail price of $59.99. Uncle Nearest Whiskey is available in all 50 states and 12 countries , in more than 21,000 stores, bars, restaurants, and at its 270-acre distillery and visitor center.
View all Tennessee Distilleries.
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Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye
Average Price:$54
The Whiskey:
Nobody will fault you if you purchase a bottle of classic Jack Daniels to sip this summer. But if you really want to up your whiskey game, grab a bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye. Made with a mash bill of 70 percent rye, 18 percent corn, and 12 percent malted barley, this rich, robust whiskey is known for its combination of sweet mellowness and spicy heat.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, youll find scents of caramel corn, a gentle, nutty sweetness, and a slight, peppery backbone. The palate is swirling with more sweet corn notes as well as wood char, sweet toffee, orange peels, and more cracked black pepper. It all ends with a nice, warming, sweet, peppery finish.
Bottom Line:
If youre a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey fan and youd like to find a way to get into the world of rye whiskey, this is the bottle for you. The spicy rye warmth is tempered well by the sweet corn flavors.
Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
Average Price:$55
The Whiskey:
Nathan Nearest Green was a former slave who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. Uncle Nearest became the first-ever master distiller at Jack Daniel Distillery . Hes a legend in distilling.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey was launched to pay tribute to a man who helped create an entire sector of the whiskey industry. One of its best is the 1856 expression. This award-winning Tennessee-sourced whiskey is made in small batches, maple charcoal filtered, and aged in charred American oak barrels.
Tasting Notes:
The nose opens with the aromas of sweet corn, vanilla beans, wood char, and dried fruits. The palate reveals notes of buttery caramel, sticky toffee, candied orange peels, vanilla beans, and just a hint of spice at the very end. Its mellow, sweet, and easy to sip even with its high proof.
Bottom Line:
If you only grab one Tennessee-made whiskey, make it Uncle Nearest 1856. Youll be happy you did. Were also looking forward to the juice coming off their own stills in the near future.
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A Black Whiskey Entrepreneur Will Help Bankroll Others Like Her
Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has amassed a $50 million venture capital fund to seed minority-owned spirits businesses.
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In 2017 Fawn Weaver began bottling Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey as a passion project to honor Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Four years later, her bourbon has sold nearly 1.5 million bottles, according to a recent report in The Spirits Business.
Uncle Nearest is now the nations fastest-growing whiskey brand, according to the drinks-market analysis firm IWSR. Its a testament not just to the quality, but also to the power of an inclusive brand with a compelling story.
On Tuesday, Ms. Weaver, the companys founder and chief executive, went a step further toward diversifying an industry long dominated by white men, as the company announced the creation of a $50 million investment fund aimed at helping minority-owned spirits businesses grow. The announcement was timed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, in which a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Okla., was destroyed and hundreds of residents were killed by a white mob.
I am looking for the brands that have the ability to be the next Uncle Nearest, she said during a recent video conference call with her staff. What that means to me is, they are not building to flip, theyre not building to sell. Theyre building to create generational wealth.
The Whiskeys Under Uncle Nearests Umbrella
Apart from the award-winning 1820 Premium Single Barrel, Uncle Nearest is also home to an 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey and an 1884 Small Batch Whiskey – both of which have also won a host of accolades over the years.
Whiskey Tasting at Uncle Nearest, source:
While the whiskeys are smooth enough to be sipped on, the distillery shares some delicious cocktail recipes to indulge in.
Dignity by Emma Kreis
1.05 oz Uncle Nearest 18840.75 oz Sarsaparilla syrupAbsinthe rinseFresh Dill Sprig
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Rinse a cocktail glass with a small amount of absinthe. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with a fresh dill sprig.
Near & Dear by Jamie Clark
Ingredients: 2 oz Uncle Nearest 18561 oz Chica Morada Syrup1 oz Lemon JuicePurple corn dustEdible flowers
Add the first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Sprinkle purple corn dust on top. Garnish with edible flowers.
Sin of a Father by Rob Noyola
Ingredients: 1 oz Uncle Nearest 18560.75 oz Manzanilla Sherry0.75 oz Golden Raisin Syrup0.75 oz lemon juice 1 egg white Lemon peel
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
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Uncle Nearest Whiskey Now The Top Selling African American Owned And Founded Spirit Brand Of All Time
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Nearest Green Distillery located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has announced it is the best-selling African American owned and founded spirit brand in history, selling nearly 1.5 million bottles of its sought after super premium whiskey.
Nearest Green Distillery was formed in 2017 by serial entrepreneur Fawn Weaver. As the Founder and CEO of the company Weaver knows how to hire and inspire talent. The companys leadership team is made up of strong women including SVP Global Sales and Marketing Katharine Jerkens, Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, Director of Whiskey Operations Sherrie Moore and Director of Marketing Lucia Creed.
- Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler and great-great-grand daughter of the whiskey brands namesake, Nearest Green.
- SVP Global Sales and Marketing Katharine Jerkens.
- Director of Marketing Lucia Creed.
- Director of Whiskey Operations Sherrie Moore.
- CEO and Founder Fawn Weaver.
The spirits industry has never seen anything like this in all the years that data has been tracked through the three major data collection agencies for the industry, said Donn Bichsel, founder of 3 Tier Beverages, a spirits data collection and analyzation company.
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A Whiskey Brand Of Their Own
Jack Daniel and his descendants made a lot of money from their whiskey company over the years. In 1956, the family sold it to Brown-Forman for US$20 million dollars about $190 million in todays money.
While Nearest Green and his descendants do appear to have been paid fairly by the Daniel family, they didnt own any of the distillery and, consequently, didnt get any of those millions.
For decades, Nearest Greens name, legacy and contribution to whiskey were largely unknown to anyone outside Lynchburg, Tennessee even though, after the Civil War, according to census data, Nearest Green and his family owned sizable plots of land and were wealthier than many white families living in Lynchburg.
Weaver was able to meet Greens descendants during her research and asked them how they would like to see him honored. They told her that putting his name on a bottle, letting people know what he did, would be great.
This gave Weaver the idea to start her own whiskey company that honored Greens legacy. By 2019 she had raised $40 million from investors to create Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Later that year she opened the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville. Weaver now serves as CEO of the company, with Victoria Eady-Butler, a descendant of Greens, employed as the distillerys master blender.
And hopefully more stories of people like Nearest Green an accomplished Black man with a rich, nuanced life will emerge.
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The Whiskey Company That Almost Wasn’t
At first, Weaver found only the broad strokes of Green’s story: While he was a slave on Rev. Dan Call’s farm about five miles outside of Lynchburg, Green mentored Daniel. After the Civil War, Daniel bought the distillery. Daniel hired Green, now a free man, to be the Jack Daniel Distillery’s first head distiller.
Weaver and her husband weren’t having much luck finding information at Moore County Library when an older white woman walked in. She wore a suit and scarf a striking departure from the rest of the town’s preferred garb for duck hunting season.
She introduced herself as Judy Boyd Terjen, now the oldest living relative of Jack Daniel himself. After explaining her interest in Green, Weaver assured Boyd Terjen she was not out to tarnish the Daniel family’s legacy. She wanted to bring the full story to light.
Boyd Terjen took out her cell phone and started listing the names and numbers of Green’s descendants, many of whom still lived and worked in Lynchburg. Before she left, Boyd Terjen mentioned Call’s farm, the original Distillery No. 7, was up for sale. She grabbed a sticky note from the library desk and drew Weaver a map.
Soon after, Weaver received a phone call from Boyd Terjen’s cousin Sherrie Moore, another Jack Daniel descendant and a 33-year veteran of the Tennessee whiskey industry. Moore, a realtor, took Weaver and her husband to the historic 313-acre farm.
As soon as Weaver stepped foot on the property, she said she felt an overwhelming sense of peace.