Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey
Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is a 42% ABV (84 proof), 750mL Tennessee whiskey from Uncle Nearest — the approachable, cocktail-ready bottling named for Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller, and blended by his great-great-granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Tennessee whiskey — bottled below the premium line's 93+ proof for versatility
- Master Blender: Victoria Eady Butler — four-time Master Blender of the Year, fifth-generation Green descendant
- Namesake: Nathan "Nearest" Green, first known African American master distiller
- Origin: Shelbyville, Tennessee — Nearest Green Distillery
The Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey, at an Everyday Proof
Nearest Green, born into slavery, taught a young Jack Daniel to distill and became the first head distiller of what became Jack Daniel's — the brand credits him with helping perfect Tennessee whiskey's sugar maple charcoal mellowing, the step that defines the style. Founder Fawn Weaver launched Uncle Nearest in 2017 to put his name on a bottle, and in 2024 the house gave him his own: Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, deliberately bottled at 84 proof — below the premium line's 93-and-up — so bars and home drinkers can pour it as a first-choice cocktail whiskey. Butler calls the goal simple: make Nearest Green a household name. Browse the Uncle Nearest collection, more American whiskey, and the wider whisky shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Sweet caramel and vanilla with toasted oak and fresh corn on the nose; caramel, vanilla and cinnamon on the palate, balanced by maple syrup and nutmeg; and a long, smooth finish of light spice and sweet oak.
How to Enjoy
Made to be shaken, stirred or mixed: a Manhattan, Whiskey Smash or Hot Toddy, Butler's own pick of a whiskey spin on a Sidecar, or an Old Fashioned that lets the caramel lead. At 84 proof it also sips comfortably neat or on the rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nearest Green? Nathan "Nearest" Green (c. 1820) was the first known African American master distiller. Enslaved on the Dan Call farm in Lynchburg, Tennessee, he taught Jack Daniel distilling and, after emancipation, became Daniel's first head distiller.
How is Nearest Green different from Uncle Nearest 1856 or 1884? Those are the premium bottlings, starting at 93 proof. Nearest Green is bottled at 84 proof (42% ABV) at a more approachable price, designed for cocktails and everyday pouring.
Who blends it? Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and four-time Master Blender of the Year.
Who founded the brand? Fawn Weaver, who researched Green's story from 2016 and launched Uncle Nearest in 2017; the Nearest Green Distillery opened in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 2019.
History you can pour nightly — order Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.