For years, the story of Uncle Nearest Whiskey was buried in obscurity and misperception.
In recent years, however, the focus has shifted to the true story of Nathan “Nearest” Green – a former enslaved person often credited with teaching Jack Daniels how to make whiskey. Today, Uncle Nearest Whiskey is widely recognized as one of the best whiskeys in the country.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and legacy of Uncle Nearest Whiskey and why it stands out among other American whiskeys.
We’ll also discuss how it’s helping to redefine what it means to be an American whiskey maker and why it should be celebrated as a part of our history and culture.
The History of Uncle Nearest Whiskey
In the early 1800s, a young man named Nathan “Nearest” Green started working as an enslaved person for a Tennessee farmer named Jack Daniel.
Nearest taught Jack how to make whiskey and became his right-hand man, helping to build Jack Daniel’s distillery into a successful business.
After the Civil War, Nearest continued to work at the distillery and became one of the most respected master distillers in the country. His whiskey was known for being exceptionally smooth and considered the best in the business.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is a delicious tribute to America’s first African American master distiller. Sadly, Nearest passed away in 1881, but his legacy lives on. In 2017, his great-great-grandson started making whiskey again using Nearest’s original recipes.
The Different Types of Uncle Nearest Whiskey
There are three types of Uncle Nearest Whiskey: 1856, 1870, and 1884.
The 1856 is the original recipe that Nearest used, and it is made with a blend of corn, rye, and wheat. The 1870 is a sweeter version of the 1856, and it is made with a higher percentage of corn in the mash. 1884 is a cask-strength whiskey made with a rye, wheat, and barley blend.
Why Uncle Nearest Whiskey is the Best American Whiskey
There are many reasons why Uncle Nearest Whiskey is the best American whiskey. First and foremost, it is made in small batches using the best quality ingredients. This results in a smoother, more flavorful whiskey perfect for sipping neat or enjoying in a mixed drink.
Additionally, Uncle Nearest takes excellent care in aging their whiskey, ensuring that each batch is perfectly balanced and full of rich flavor.
Finally, the distillery is committed to giving back to the community, supporting local farmers and businesses. All of these factors come together to create a genuinely exceptional American whiskey.
How to drink Uncle Nearest Whiskey
If you’re looking to drink Uncle Nearest whiskey, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it’s essential to pour yourself a small glass to enjoy the flavor without being overwhelmed. Second, add a few drops of water to your glass before taking a sip – this will help open up the flavors and allow you to enjoy them fully.
Finally, take your time savoring each sip – Uncle Nearest whiskey is meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly!
The unique flavor of Uncle Nearest whiskey
Many things make Uncle Nearest whiskey unique. For one, it is made with 100% Tennessee corn, which gives it a sweeter flavor than most other whiskeys. Additionally, Uncle Nearest uses a unique process of aging its whiskey in charred oak barrels, which imparts a smooth, smoky flavor to the final product.
Finally, Uncle Nearest whiskey is bottled at 90 proof, making it slightly higher in alcohol content than most other whiskeys on the market. Combined, these factors give Uncle Nearest whiskey a flavor profile unlike any other whiskey on the market today.
Recipes with Uncle Nearest whiskey
Regarding recipes that call for whiskey, Uncle Nearest is the unsung hero of American whiskeys. This premium blended whiskey is made with a unique blend of two Tennessee whiskies and a small amount of Kentucky bourbon. The result is a well-rounded, smooth, versatile spirit that can be used in various cocktails and dishes.
Here are some recipes that showcase the best of Uncle Nearest:
1. The Classic Old Fashioned: This timeless cocktail has four ingredients: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist. It’s simple yet complex and perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night.
2. Whiskey Sour: A Sour is a classic cocktail perfect for those who enjoy a tart drink. This recipe calls for lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white to give it a foamy texture. Add a splash of Uncle Nearest for a truly unique twist.
3. Manhattan: Another classic cocktail, the Manhattan is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s often garnished with a cherry or orange peel for extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Uncle Nearest in place of the traditional rye whiskey called for in this recipe.
4. Whiskey Cake: This cake gets its rich flavor from adding whiskey (of course!). It’s perfect for special occasions or as an after-dinner treat. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a cherry.
5. Whiskey-Glazed Ham: This classic holiday dish is elevated with the addition of Uncle Nearest whiskey. The ham is glazed with a mixture of whiskey, brown sugar, and spices before being baked in the oven until golden and crispy.
6. Whiskey-Bacon Jam: This savory jam can be used as a condiment for burgers, sandwiches or even served on crackers as an appetizer. It’s made with bacon, onions, garlic, and Uncle Nearest whiskey for an extra kick of flavor.
Is Uncle Nearest whiskey top shelf?
Regarding American whiskey, few brands can rival the quality of Uncle Nearest. The Tennessee-based distillery has been producing some of the finest spirits in the country for over 150 years, and its whiskeys are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.
So, is Uncle Nearest whiskey top shelf? In a word: absolutely. Every bottle of Uncle Nearest is handmade using only the finest ingredients, and each batch is aged to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a smooth sipping whiskey or a bolder bourbon, Uncle Nearest has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for top-quality American whiskey, Uncle Nearest should be at the top of your list.
Is Uncle Nearest a bourbon or whiskey?
There is some debate over whether Uncle Nearest is bourbon or whiskey. The distillery that produces it says it is a Tennessee Whiskey, while others say that because it is made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn, it is technically a bourbon. However you classify it, there’s no doubt that Uncle Nearest is a delicious spirit worth seeking out.
So, what makes Uncle Nearest so unique? For starters, the whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, which imparts a rich flavor and color. Additionally, the whiskey is mellowed using the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the spirit through sugar maple charcoal. This unique process results in a smooth, flavorful whiskey that has earned rave reviews from critics.
Whether you consider it a bourbon or a whiskey, Uncle Nearest is worth seeking out for any lover of American spirits.
Is Uncle Nearest whiskey black owned?
Uncle Nearest was among the first African American master distillers in the United States. He was born into slavery but gained his freedom after the Civil War. He worked at several distilleries before becoming head distiller at Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
Nearest Green, as he was known, was a skilled craftsman and developed a unique style of whiskey that was much sought after by drinkers. His whiskey was exceptionally smooth due to a unique triple-distillation process that he used. This made it very popular with those who wanted a high-quality product but didn’t want to pay the premium price for other brands.
While Green’s exact recipe is unknown, it is believed to have included corn, rye, and wheat. This grain bill resulted in a sweeter taste than most other whiskeys on the market.
Green retired from Jack Daniel’s in 1907 and died in 1911. His grandson, Nearest Carter, continued his legacy by opening his distillery, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, in 2017. The company is now one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the United States.
Is Uncle Nearest Bourbon rare?
Uncle Nearest bourbon is a very rare and limited edition whiskey. Only a handful of barrels are released yearly, and collectors quickly snap them up.
This makes it one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, expect to pay a high price.
What is the story behind Uncle Nearest’s whiskey?
In 1864, a young African American named Nathan “Nearest” Green started working as an enslaved person for Jack Daniel at the Daniel’s Distillery in Tennessee.
Nearest quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head distiller and teaching Jack Daniel everything he knew about whiskey making.
After the Civil War ended and slavery was abolished, Nearest continued to work for Jack Daniel as a free man.
Today, Uncle Nearest is considered one of the most influential figures in American whiskey history.
His skill as a distiller was unrivaled, and he passed his knowledge down to subsequent generations of whiskey makers. The Uncle Nearest brand pays tribute to this great man and is committed to producing high-quality whiskey in his honor.
Which Uncle Nearest is hard to find?
There are a few reasons why Uncle Nearest is hard to find. First, the brand is still relatively new and hasn’t been around for as long as other big names in American whiskey. Second, Uncle Nearest is produced in small batches, so there’s less to go around.
And finally, because it’s such a high-quality whiskey, it tends to sell out quickly. So if you’re looking for Uncle Nearest, your best bet is to watch the website and snatch a bottle when it becomes available.
Conclusion
Uncle Nearest Whiskey is a fantastic story of resilience and perseverance, reminding us that anything is possible no matter what we are up against in life.
With every bottle you purchase, you get to enjoy a premium whiskey blend and help support the legacy of Uncle Nearest. Cheers to this unsung hero of American Whiskey!