The godfather of Tennessee whiskey is none other than Nathan “Nearest” Green. His story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of mentorship. Born into slavery around 1820, Green was owned by a man named Dan Call, who was a preacher and distiller in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It was here that Green honed his skills in the art of whiskey making.
As a young boy, Jack Daniel, the founder of the famous Jack Daniel's distillery, spent a significant amount of time with Green. He was captivated by the distillation process and was eager to learn the secrets of making whiskey. Recognizing Daniel's curiosity and potential, Green took him under his wing and taught him everything he knew.
Green's expertise in the craft of distilling was unparalleled. He had a deep understanding of the corn and grain mash, the fermentation process, and the careful art of distillation. He shared his knowledge with Daniel, instilling in him the values of patience, precision, and quality.
Green's influence on Daniel's whiskey-making techniques cannot be overstated. He introduced Daniel to the Lincoln County Process, a unique filtration method that involves passing the whiskey through charcoal before aging it in barrels. This process is a defining characteristic of Tennessee whiskey and sets it apart from other types of whiskey.
Despite being enslaved, Green's talent and expertise were widely recognized, even beyond the confines of Lynchburg. He gained a reputation as a master distiller, and it is said that his whiskey was highly sought after. Green's skills were not limited to whiskey making; he was also known for his ability to select the perfect barrels for aging, ensuring the whiskey reached its full potential.
Green's legacy extends far beyond his role as a teacher to Jack Daniel. He also played a significant role in the development of Tennessee whiskey as a whole. The techniques he passed down to Daniel became the foundation of the industry, shaping the flavor profile and production methods that are still used today.
It is worth noting that Green's contributions to the whiskey industry were largely unrecognized for many years. His story was overshadowed and silenced by racial inequality and the erasure of Black contributions. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to shed light on Green's pivotal role in the history of Tennessee whiskey.
In 2016, the Nearest Green Foundation was established with the aim of preserving Green's legacy and ensuring that his contributions are properly recognized. The foundation works to honor Green's memory through educational initiatives, scholarships, and support for the Black-owned whiskey industry.
The story of Nathan “Nearest” Green is a testament to the power of mentorship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of marginalized communities. His impact on the world of Tennessee whiskey is immeasurable, and his name will forever be synonymous with excellence and innovation in the craft.