One whiskey that stands out as being from a Black-owned company is Uncle Nearest. This brand has gained significant recognition and acclaim for its quality spirits and its unique story. It was founded by CEO Fawn Weaver in 2017, and since then, it has become the best-selling Black American-founded, owned, and led spirit brand in U.S. history.
I had the pleasure of visiting Uncle Nearest's distillery, which recently underwent expansion and now occupies a sprawling 323-acre estate. The moment I stepped onto the grounds, I could feel the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle of whiskey produced here. The team at Uncle Nearest has truly created a special place that honors the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who is credited with teaching Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey.
The distillery itself is a sight to behold. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in a state-of-the-art facility that produces exceptional whiskey. During my visit, I had the opportunity to take a tour and see the entire whiskey-making process, from the sourcing of the grains to the aging in charred oak barrels. It was fascinating to witness the care and attention to detail that goes into every step.
One of the things that struck me about Uncle Nearest is their commitment to authenticity. They strive to honor the legacy of Nathan Green by producing whiskey that stays true to the techniques he taught. This dedication to preserving history and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans in the whiskey industry is truly commendable.
The whiskey produced by Uncle Nearest is of exceptional quality. I had the opportunity to taste a few different expressions, and each one was a testament to the skill and expertise of the distillers. The flavors were rich and complex, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It was evident that a lot of thought and care went into the creation of these spirits.
In addition to their commitment to producing outstanding whiskey, Uncle Nearest is also dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. They have welcomed over 100,000 guests to their distillery, and that number continues to grow every week. I was impressed by the warm and friendly atmosphere, and it was clear that every visitor was made to feel like a valued guest.
Uncle Nearest is not just a whiskey brand, but a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and inclusion. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion and dedication intersect. I am excited to see what the future holds for Uncle Nearest and how they continue to make their mark on the whiskey industry.