Since our inception in 2017, UNCLE NEAREST PREMIUM WHISKEY has been 100% additive-free.
We could label every non-rye bottle as Straight Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, or Premium Whiskey. We’ve always chosen to label it as Premium Whiskey, and here’s why:
When we entered the whiskey world, our mission was to honor the legacy of Nearest Green, the godfather of Tennessee whiskey, known for crafting exceptional Tennessee Whiskey. Labeling our product as Straight Bourbon, while legally accurate, wouldn’t have fully captured the essence of what Nearest Green was famous for. We wanted to redefine what Tennessee Whiskey could be, elevating it beyond its traditional reputation.
At that time, Tennessee Whiskey was mostly seen as a mixer, defined by one iconic bottle. Even as some ultra-premium Tennessee Whiskeys began to emerge, the category as a whole wasn’t widely viewed as a premium spirit.
Before we could embrace the Tennessee Whiskey label, we needed to redefine its image. Our founder, Fawn Weaver, made it her mission to change the perception of whiskey critics worldwide.
We entered our bottles in every blind tasting competition we could find, quickly making waves in the whiskey world. By 2019, Uncle Nearest was the most-awarded whiskey in the bourbon category, and it wasn’t just a bourbon—it was a Tennessee Whiskey.
That same year, Fawn led a seminar at Tales of the Cocktail titled “Kentucky Bourbon vs. Tennessee Whiskey: Battle of the Premiums.” Her argument was simple: Tennessee Whiskey can be more premium than bourbon because it adheres to all the strict regulations of bourbon, but also requires an additional charcoal mellowing step, which makes the production process longer and more costly.
After nearly seven years of dedicated effort from Fawn and others producing premium Tennessee Whiskey, the category began to be recognized on par with Bourbon. We initially chose to label Uncle Nearest as Premium Whiskey to reflect its elevated status and distinguish it from other whiskies. But now that the world understands what Premium Tennessee Whiskey truly represents, we’re ready to embrace the label that best reflects what’s in our bottles.
In the coming years, we will be updating every label to proudly say “Premium Tennessee Whiskey,” showcasing the quality and legacy that Nearest Green deserves and what has always been in our bottles, now that the world recognizes the meaning of Premium Tennessee Whiskey
Every Bottle of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is 100% additive-free.
They’re also naturally:
✅ Sugar-free
✅ Fat-free
✅ Carb-free
✅ Gluten-free
How is this possible when it tastes SO GOOD and is the world’s most awarded bourbon and Tennessee whiskey 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024? Class is in session.
Here’s the breakdown:
Sugar-free and Carb-free: Uncle Nearest contains no sugar or carbs because the fermentation process converts the sugars into alcohol, and distillation removes any remaining carbs.
Fat-free: The grains start off fat-free, and no fats are produced during fermentation or distillation.
Gluten-free after distillation. Though made from grains, distillation eliminates gluten proteins.
So, Uncle Nearest fits diets that avoid sugar, carbs, fat, and gluten.
Disclaimer: Although Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey are naturally sugar-free, carb-free, fat-free, and gluten-free, it’s always recommended to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary restrictions, sensitivities, or health conditions.
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