Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is indeed a black-owned bourbon brand. It was founded by Fawn Weaver, who has made significant strides in the spirits industry with her dedication to honoring the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller.
Fawn Weaver's journey began when she stumbled upon the story of Nearest Green, a slave who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. Intrigued by this hidden history, Weaver embarked on a mission to uncover the untold story of Nearest Green and his contributions to American whiskey-making.
Through meticulous research and interviews with Green's descendants and other whiskey experts, Weaver was able to piece together the fascinating story of Nearest Green. This led her to establish Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2017, with the aim of not only creating exceptional bourbon but also paying tribute to the man who played a pivotal role in shaping American whiskey.
The brand, Uncle Nearest, has gained significant recognition and success, becoming the best-selling Black-owned spirit brand in the United States. It has received numerous accolades for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, further solidifying its place in the bourbon industry.
Weaver's dedication to preserving Nearest Green's legacy goes beyond just creating a successful brand. In 2019, she opened the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This distillery stands on land that once belonged to Nearest Green and is the first distillery in American history to honor an African American master distiller. It serves as a physical embodiment of the brand's commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the whiskey industry.
The Uncle Nearest brand has also taken steps to uplift and support the African American community. They have established the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, which invests in minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the spirits industry. This initiative aims to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and promote diversity within the industry.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is indeed a black-owned bourbon brand. Fawn Weaver's dedication to honoring the legacy of Nearest Green and her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the spirits industry have made Uncle Nearest a prominent and respected player in the bourbon market.