History of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in Timeline

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a Tennessee whiskey brand named after Nathan "Nearest" Green, an enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill. Produced by Uncle Nearest, Inc., the brand is based in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The whiskey honors Green's legacy and contributions to the craft of distilling, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the history of Tennessee whiskey.

2016: Recognition as First African-American Master Distiller

In 2016, Nathan "Nearest" Green was acknowledged as the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States, recognizing his pioneering role in the whiskey industry.

July 2017: Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Brand Launch

In July 2017, Uncle Nearest, Inc. launched the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand, marking the beginning of its journey in the spirits industry.

2017: Rezoning Approval for Whiskey-Themed Business

In 2017, a rezoning proposal was approved by the Bedford County board to accommodate a whiskey-themed business at the former Sand Creek Farms in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

July 2018: Addition of Single-Barrel Whiskey

In July 2018, Uncle Nearest added a single-barrel whiskey to its product line, expanding its offerings.

October 2018: First Whiskey Debut

In October 2018, Uncle Nearest debuted its first whiskey, Nathan Green 1870 Single Barrel. The company also announced plans to expand into domestic and international markets.

September 14, 2019: Opening of Nearest Green Distillery - Phase 1

On September 14, 2019, the first phase of the Nearest Green Distillery opened, including the Welcome House, a bottling house, a working horse and cattle farm, and Toppy's Copper Skies Bar. It was the first distillery in the United States named after a Black person.

September 2019: National and International Sales Expansion

By September 2019, Uncle Nearest was sold in all 50 states and twelve countries, marking significant growth in its distribution network.

2019: Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing US Companies

In 2019, Uncle Nearest was recognized as one of Inc.'s 5000 fastest-growing US companies, marking a significant milestone in its business growth.

2019: Victoria Eady Butler Appointed Master Blender

In 2019, Victoria Eady Butler, a descendant of Nathan Green, was announced as master blender for Uncle Nearest, becoming the first known African-American female whiskey master blender.

June 2020: Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative Launched

In June 2020, the Nearest Green Foundation and Jack Daniel Distillery announced the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative, with each company contributing $2.5 million. This initiative will create the Nearest Green School of Distilling at Motlow State Community College and includes programs for apprenticeships and business incubation for African-Americans in the spirits industry.

June 1, 2021: Uncle Nearest Venture Fund Formed

On June 1, 2021, Uncle Nearest formed the Uncle Nearest Venture Fund, a $50 million initiative to invest in minority-founded and owned spirits brands.

2021: Distillery Re-opening and Expansion

After a year-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nearest Green Distillery re-opened its doors on Juneteenth 2021. The distillery added a single-barrel rickhouse, an improved Welcome Center and Family Tasting Room, a restaurant, a non-alcoholic speakeasy, and the Master Blender House. The distillery also purchased an additional 53 acres for further expansion, and announced plans to dedicate 100 acres to grow organic corn for its blends.

2021: 100 Reasons to Love America

In 2021, Uncle Nearest was named one of the '100 Reasons to Love America' by People magazine, recognizing its significance and impact.

2021: Master Blender of the Year

In 2021, Victoria Eady Butler was named Master Blender of the Year by Whisky Magazine, VinePair, and The Spirits Business, recognizing her excellence in the field.

October 2022: $100 Million in Sales

In October 2022, Uncle Nearest reached $100 million in sales, a major milestone for the brand.

2022: Continued Recognition as Fastest-Growing Company

In 2022, Uncle Nearest continued to be recognized as one of Inc.'s 5000 fastest-growing US companies, demonstrating sustained business success.

2022: Back-to-Back Master Blender Win

In 2022, Victoria Eady Butler became Whisky's first back-to-back winner of the Master Blender of the Year award, solidifying her position as a leader in the industry.

January 2023: Uncle Nearest HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge

In January 2023, the company announced the Uncle Nearest HBCU Old Fashioned Challenge to raise $1 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's).

March 23, 2023: Opening of Humble Baron

On March 23, 2023, the distillery opened Humble Baron, a 202-seat entertainment venue featuring a 518-foot long horseshoe bar (designed by Death & Co.), named the longest in the world by the Guinness World Records.

May 2023: Additional Land Purchase in Shelbyville

In May 2023, Uncle Nearest announced the purchase of an additional 109 acres in Shelbyville, further expanding their operations.

October 2023: Acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin

In October 2023, Uncle Nearest announced the acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin, a 100-acre estate and vineyard in the Grande Champagne district of Cognac, marking a significant expansion into the cognac industry.

2023: Fastest-Growing Whiskey Brand

As of 2023, Uncle Nearest is recognized as the fastest-growing whiskey brand in the United States, with eight brand variants produced. It's also recognized as the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world.

2023: Additional Whiskey Variants Produced

As of 2023, five additional whiskey variants have been produced by Uncle Nearest. These include 1870 Single Barrel (UK), Master Blend Edition, Straight Rye Whisky, Uncut/Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey and Single Barrel Rye.

2023: Double Gold Award

In 2023, Uncle Nearest received the Double Gold award.

July 2025: Breach of Loan Agreements Lawsuit

In July 2025, Farm Credit Mid-America filed a lawsuit against Uncle Nearest for breach of loan agreements adding up to over $108 million. The lawsuit alleges misuse of funds, including the purchase of an estate on Martha’s Vineyard and the discounted sale of business futures.