
Uncle Nearest 1856 has a caramel color with a beautiful deep golden hue. Baled hay and pumpkin seeds on the nose with subtle notes of ripe stone fruit and caramel corn. Bold and spicy upfront then mellows with sweet caramel and maple, like biting into an oatmeal raisin cookie. The finish is long and rich. It lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate with notes of vanilla after the spice dissipates.
Light caramel, straw/hay, beautiful deep golden hue
Bale of hay, dried grass, stone fruit notes of ripe peach and apricot, caramel corn and sweet maple.
Spicy caramel up front with the proof, hints of maple then mellows with dried fruit and floral notes. Sweetness and spice reminiscent of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies.
Long and rich finish, lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate, notes of vanilla.

Uncle Nearest 1856 has a caramel color with a beautiful deep golden hue. Baled hay and pumpkin seeds on the nose with subtle notes of ripe stone fruit and caramel corn. Bold and spicy upfront then mellows with sweet caramel and maple, like biting into an oatmeal raisin cookie. The finish is long and rich. It lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate with notes of vanilla after the spice dissipates.
Light caramel, straw/hay, beautiful deep golden hue
Bale of hay, dried grass, stone fruit notes of ripe peach and apricot, caramel corn and sweet maple.
Spicy caramel up front with the proof, hints of maple then mellows with dried fruit and floral notes. Sweetness and spice reminiscent of freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookies.
Long and rich finish, lingers pleasantly sweet on the palate, notes of vanilla.
Did you know that less than 1% of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey barrels will ever be selected as single barrels? In order to be a candidate for our Uncle Nearest 1820, the whiskey must be aged a minimum of 11 years, with a cask strength above 108, and each one is hand-picked by our founders and approved by a panel of whiskey industry professionals. These barrels are exceptionally rare and the whiskey is worth the wait.
Find Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel today in select retail partners throughout Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area.






Way back in LYNCHBURG, TENNESSEE, the name Nearest Green has always meant something special. His birth name was Nathan Green, but his family and friends called him Uncle Nearest. No one actually knows how he obtained that nickname, so we assume he was the “nearest and dearest” to so many who came in contact with him. Hailing from Maryland, one of the original capitals of whiskey making in the United States, we don’t know how or when Uncle Nearest made his way southwest to Tennessee. What we can confirm is he is the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States and thought to be responsible for helping perfect the Lincoln County Process, a requirement in being categorized as Tennessee Whiskey. It should be noted that a 2004 book misspelled Nearest as “Nearis,” based on an incorrect spelling on the 1880 census. His name has always been and will always be Nathan “Nearest” Green—or to those who knew him best, Uncle Nearest. Now, it’s up to each of us to share his story and to make sure he’s given his due respect. Will you join us? Cheers!
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Nearest Green Distillery,
3125 Highway 231 N Shelbyville, TN
A whiskey this smooth and pure is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks. But if you’re partial to a superb cocktail, these were created exclusively for Uncle Nearest 1856 by the master mixologists at Bull in China.
Pour all ingredients into collins glass and gently muddle sage leaves. Top with ice and stir. Garnish with lavender sprig.
*Simple Syrup: Heat equal amounts sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir until combined.