by Libation Staff |
Last Updated: July 2, 2021 Whiskey is one of the liquors that loves to put a story to its drink. History, as much as taste, sells and the big names in the whiskey world know it. Time, history, age–each of these makes this already delicious libation that much more desirable to those with discerning tastes – many thanks to Uncle Nearest for that…
The whiskey world is crowded (lots of people may even say it is overly saturated and the market is fierce) which means a great history can really make a brand stand out and sell more bottles. Let’s face it, alcohol is a business first and foremost, and standing out is the best way to increase sales.
So, let me start with a question for you. When you think of whiskey, or Scotch, what brands do you think of?
You’re probably going to tell me Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jameson. If you’re a drinker who has a little more money to spend, you might even tell me Glenfiddich, Macallan, Glenlivet, or Ardbeg. And all of these are a great drink.
But if I mentioned to you that there is a whiskey out there that isn’t as well-known, but has a great story and a delicious taste, would you be interested? If you’re a liquor aficionado, you likely will be.
So, sit yourself down by a roaring fire, pour yourself a scotch on the rocks, put those tired feet up of yours, pet your dog or cat, and get ready to read about Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Learn everything you need to know. Trust me, it’s a fascinating story about a black slave who not only brought a special filtering process from his home in Africa (that is still used today) to distill a delicious whiskey but also helped to influence one of the most popular brands of whiskey in the world and went on to be their first master distiller.
Who is Uncle Nearest?
Our story begins in the hills above Lynchburg, Tennessee, approximately 160 years ago. A preacher by the name of Dan Call owned a farm which you can still see to this day. Reverend Call was raising more than crops and animals on his farm–he had a side hustle down the road where he had a small whiskey distillery.
Call’s whiskey was popular and adored by the locals who appreciated the smoothness and maple sweetness. But it wasn’t Call doing the distilling. Instead, it was done by his black slave, named Nathan Green.
Nathan Green, also known affectionately as Uncle Nearest, used a technique he learned in Africa for filtering water through charcoal, specifically sugar maple tree charcoal. This method is known as the “Lincoln County Method” and is still used today.
The Jack Daniel’s Connection
Sometime in the 1850’s, a youngster came to Reverend Call’s farm looking to get himself some work. The good Reverend took him on and let him do some farm chores but the kiddo was really, really interested in the things going on down the road.
This boy, named Jasper, kept pestering Call to get to that distillery and Rev relented, introducing Jasper to Uncle Nearest. Call instructed his distiller to teach young Jasper everything he knew, which he did. And, because Jasper was a young entrepreneur, he started selling the whiskey to anyone that he could.
When December 6, 1865 rolled around, the Thirteenth Amendment was passed and Uncle Nearest was a free man. And young Jasper, not so young anymore, decided to buy the distillery. Of course, he had to name it after himself, but instead of using his given name of Jasper Daniel, he dubbed this whiskey house Jack Daniels and started the iconic brand in 1875.
Daniels, who had a great friendship with Uncle Nearest, asked the man to be his first master distiller, which Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green accepted happily. The two friends worked together until Green decided to retire.
What About Uncle Nearest Whiskey?
You’re probably wondering what this has to do with Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Fret not. We’re getting there.
You see, Uncle Nearest–the man–was almost lost to history. I mean, have you ever heard of him beyond the whiskey brand? Probably not.
Well, here is how this amazing whiskey brand got started.
Down the road from Jack Daniels, descendants of Green decided to build their own distillery. They officially debuted the Uncle Nearest whiskey in 2017. In fact, members of the Green family work the distillery, putting out their namesake’s drink. And, justifiably, they named the whiskey brand after the true founding father of Tennessee whiskey: Uncle Nearest.
Don’t be fooled into thinking there is bad blood between these two brands. Jack Daniels and Uncle Nearest share a warm relationship due to their bond over booze.
Varieties of Nearest Green’s Whiskey
Uncle Nearest doesn’t pump out tons of different varieties. Instead, they focus on three which they have perfected and each bottle is distilled, aged, bottled, and hand-labeled in Tennessee. Uncle Nearest whiskey is available in all 50 states. You can find this in 12 countries, and it’s poured regularly in over 25,000 bars, restaurants, and stores.
It is also important to let you know about their accolades. Uncle Nearest Whiskey is the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon of 2019 and 2020 and they have garnered more than 150 awards since the brand’s 2017 debut.
If you’re interested in one, or all three, of the varieties of Uncle Nearest, these are your options:
- 1884 Small Batch Whiskey – This variety of Uncle Nearest whiskey has aged a minimum of 7-years and commemorates the year that Green put his final batch of whiskey into barrels before retiring. A master blender, Victoria Eady Butler, a 5th generation Green descendant, curated this blend and her signature is on every bottle. This is a lighter version of the Uncle Nearest whiskies and is good for those looking for an accessible drink.
- 1820 Nearest Green Single Barrel Edition -This is the rarest of the Uncle Nearest varieties. It must meet specific requirements, which include being aged at least 11 years with a cask strength above 108, and must be hand-picked by the founders and approved by a panel of whiskey professionals. If you can’t find this limited edition locally, you can sign up to be notified of when it is available to you.
- 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey -The 1856 variety of Uncle Nearest is a blend using 8-14 year old barrels and is bottled at 100 proof. You can enjoy 1856 alone, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail and you’ll likely enjoy the taste of raisins, sultanas, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter.
Final Thoughts on Uncle Nearest
Like so many other stories involving African Americans, the story of Uncle Nearest has almost been lost to the annals of history. Fortunately, the story of Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green was brought back from the brink by his amazing family that wanted to not only share his story but share the drink that he made famous.
Thanks to his descendants, Uncle Nearest is finally getting the recognition and awards that he deserves as the true founding father of Tennessee whiskey. And now you can impress your whiskey-drinking friends with everything you know about Uncle Nearest Whiskey.
FYI, this is a MUST WATCH for those of you who like whiskey. Perhaps the most important video you will view all day.