Uncle Nearest

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors Nathan “Nearest” Green — the first known African American master distiller, who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Range: 1856 Premium Aged (8–14 years, 100 proof, caramel, maple, spice), 1884 Small Batch (7+ years, 93 proof, curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler), Straight Rye (100% rye mash, aged in used Uncle Nearest barrels), and Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey (84 proof, sweet caramel, vanilla, toasted oak).

Browse all American whiskey, rye whiskey, and custom engraving at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nathan “Nearest” Green and why is his story significant?

Nathan Green — known as “Nearest” — was an enslaved man and later a free man in Lincoln County, Tennessee who was the master distiller for the farm of Dan Call, a preacher who also produced whiskey. When Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel came to work on Call’s farm as a young man, it was Nathan Green who taught him the art of whiskey making, including the Lincoln County Process of charcoal filtering that defines Tennessee whiskey. This is documented in historical records and was first reported by The New York Times in 2016. Despite teaching the man who became one of the most famous whiskey producers in American history, Green’s role was erased from the official Jack Daniel’s narrative for over a century — the distillery’s own materials credited “Near” Green only much later, and his first name and contributions were not widely known until historical researchers recovered his story. The Uncle Nearest brand was founded specifically to restore his place in American whiskey history and to create a lasting commercial legacy in his name. Green’s descendants are involved with the brand, and proceeds support the Nearest Green Foundation.

What is the practical difference between Uncle Nearest 1856 and 1884?

Both expressions are Tennessee whiskeys in the Uncle Nearest tradition, but they represent different production philosophies. The 1856 Premium Aged is the bolder, older expression — aged 8 to 14 years and bottled at 100 proof, producing a rich and assertive profile with caramel, maple, and baking spice. The 100 proof bottling means the 1856 has more presence in the glass and works well both neat and in classic whiskey cocktails. The 1884 Small Batch is aged a minimum of 7 years and bottled at 93 proof, curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler — Nathan Green’s great-great-granddaughter — for a more balanced, smoother drinking profile. The 1884 emphasizes accessibility and elegance over the 1856’s power; it is the better choice for drinkers who prefer a lighter, more refined expression. Both carry the Lincoln County Process charcoal filtering that defines Tennessee whiskey’s character.