Buried in the storied history of American whiskey lies an untold tale of innovation, mentorship, and the extraordinary impact of one man—Nearest Green. As the first African American master distiller in the United States, Green's legacy was nearly lost to time until the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
In this episode, we crack open the Uncle Nearest Black Label Single Barrel, bottled at a robust 123 proof, and dive deep into the fascinating history behind the brand. The story unfolds like a historical drama—Jack Daniel, as a young orphan sent to work as a chore boy, meets Nearest Green, an enslaved man with profound knowledge of distillation. Green teaches Daniel a special charcoal filtering technique from West Africa that would eventually become known as the Lincoln County Process—the defining characteristic that separates Tennessee whiskey from bourbon.
As we sip this mahogany-colored spirit, we explore its grassy notes with hints of vanilla wafer sweetness and leathery undertones, discussing how the charcoal filtering affects the flavor profile. The whiskey delivers a quick heat that stays on the top of the mouth rather than giving that typical "Kentucky hug," leading to a grain-forward finish that sparked considerable debate about its overall balance and character.
Beyond the liquid in our glasses, we examine the meteoric rise of Uncle Nearest as a brand—from its founding in 2017 to winning hundreds of awards and expanding to all 50 states and 12 countries in just a few years. However, this rapid growth has led to recent financial troubles, with reports of a $108 million loan default threatening the company's future.
Whether you're fascinated by whiskey history, interested in supporting historically significant brands, or simply looking for your next premium bottle, join us for this enlightening conversation about a spirit that's more than just a drink—it's a long-overdue recognition of a pivotal figure in American whiskey heritage.
