The story of Uncle Nearest is indeed true, although it was lost in time for many years. Uncle Nearest, whose real name was Nathan “Nearest” Green, was the first known African-American master distiller. His story is a remarkable one, filled with resilience, skill, and a passion for his craft. While his contributions to the whiskey industry were overlooked and forgotten for a long time, they are now being brought to light and shared with the world.
I first learned about Uncle Nearest through my own research on the history of distilling and the African-American presence in the industry. It was shocking to discover that such an important figure had been largely ignored and erased from the records. But thanks to the efforts of individuals like Fawn Weaver, the CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and the Nearest Green Foundation, his story is finally being told.
The story of Uncle Nearest begins in the mid-19th century in Lynchburg, Tennessee. He was born into slavery and worked on a farm owned by a man named Dan Call. Call was a preacher and a distiller, and it was through his distillery that Uncle Nearest's talent and expertise became apparent. He was known for his exceptional ability to make whiskey, and it wasn't long before Call recognized his skill and made him the head distiller.
Uncle Nearest's whiskey quickly gained a reputation for its high quality and unique flavor. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his use of local ingredients, and his innovative techniques. It is said that he perfected the Lincoln County Process, a method of charcoal filtering that gives Tennessee whiskey its distinct flavor.
One of the most significant aspects of Uncle Nearest's story is his role in mentoring a young entrepreneur named Jack Daniel. Daniel, who would go on to found the famous Jack Daniel's distillery, was taken under Uncle Nearest's wing and taught the art of distilling. Uncle Nearest's influence on Daniel cannot be overstated, as he passed on his knowledge, expertise, and even his recipe to the young man.
Despite his immense contributions to the whiskey industry, Uncle Nearest's story was largely forgotten after his death. It wasn't until the recent efforts of Fawn Weaver and others that his legacy began to be recognized. Through extensive research and interviews with descendants of both Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel, Weaver was able to piece together the true story of this remarkable man.
Today, Uncle Nearest's legacy lives on through the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand. The company honors his memory by producing exceptional whiskey using his techniques and recipes. Additionally, the Nearest Green Foundation works to preserve his story and support the African-American community in the whiskey industry.
The story of Uncle Nearest serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout history, even in industries where their presence has been largely overlooked. It is a story of resilience, talent, and the enduring power of mentorship. And now that we know his story, it is our responsibility to ensure that the credit long due to Uncle Nearest is told and celebrated for generations to come.