Meet Nearest Green, who taught Jack Daniel the art of Tennessee whiskey
Meet Nearest Green, affectionately known as “Uncle Nearest,” the first African American master distiller and a pioneering figure behind Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey. His expertise, specifically in charcoal mellowing—a filtering process that smooths the whiskey—was integral to what became the Jack Daniel’s brand. While Green’s contributions went unrecognized for more than a century, recent research and advocacy have restored his rightful place in whiskey history, honoring him as the man who taught Jack Daniel and helped shape Tennessee whiskey into what it is today.
Details about Nearest Green’s early life, including his birth date and place, remain largely unknown due to the lack of records for African Americans born into slavery in the early 19th century. Researchers believe he was born sometime in the early 1800s, possibly in Maryland or Tennessee, though exact records are scarce.
Reviving the Legacy
Nearest Green’s story remained largely unknown until 2016 when author and entrepreneur Fawn Weaver began researching his legacy. Her findings revealed that Green was more than a skilled distiller; he was a mentor to Jack Daniel and an innovator who crafted whiskey with a distinctive smooth taste. Weaver’s discovery sparked a movement to honor Green’s contributions, culminating in the establishment of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and the Nearest Green Foundation.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Launched by Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a brand dedicated to Green’s memory, using his original techniques and recipes to produce award-winning whiskeys. This brand has rapidly gained acclaim as one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in America, winning numerous industry awards and introducing whiskey enthusiasts to Green’s legacy and methods. The brand has put Nearest Green’s name in the spotlight, celebrating his contributions and introducing his craftsmanship to new generations.
The Nearest Green Foundation, founded by Weaver, is dedicated to preserving Green’s legacy and supporting future generations. The foundation provides scholarships to Green’s descendants and funds educational initiatives for African Americans interested in pursuing careers in the whiskey industry. Through its work, the foundation keeps Green’s story alive, honoring his heritage and ensuring his contributions are never forgotten.
Honoring Nearest Green Today
The Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is now a landmark honoring his life, open to visitors who wish to learn more about his impact on American whiskey. Both the Uncle Nearest brand and the foundation serve as lasting tributes, restoring his name and legacy within the spirits industry.
Contact Information
To learn more about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, visit unclenearest.com. For inquiries or support, you can reach the Nearest Green Foundation through the same website, where contact information and additional resources are available.
