Nathan “Nearest” Green

There’s a story that needs to be told. A story of an American hero, whose name has been lost in the annals of history. But his legacy is one worth remembering.

His name was Nathan “Nearest” Green, and he was America’s first known African-American master distiller.

Jack Daniel was a child around 1850 when he went to work for Daniel Call, a preacher, grocer, and distiller. Folklore tells us that the preacher was very busy, so he assigned young Jack the responsibility of running his whiskey still.

This folk legend was discredited by an article published by The New York Times in 2016.

The Green story has been known for years among historians and locals alike. A newspaper article stated that the Green whiskey story was based almost entirely on oral histories, and no documentation existed.

According to a 7/1/2017 USA Today article, Jack Daniel had stated that Nathan “Nearest” Green was his real name.

Lincoln County Process

As a slave born in 1820 and emancipated after the Civil War, he began working on the Call farm in Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County process, which gave Nearest’s whiskey a unique smoothness and purity known as sugar maple charcoal filtering was brought over by slaves from West Africa where they had been using this technique for centuries to purify their water.

As Call introduced Jack Daniel to Green, he said, “Uncle Nearest is the best whiskey maker I know.”

Call reportedly told Green, “I want you to teach Jack to be the best whiskey distiller in the world.”

Green served as the master distiller, and according to one biographer, Jack became Nathan Green’s protégé and apprentice- learning everything he could about distilling.

Besides making great whiskey, Nearest was a lively entertainer that enjoyed playing the fiddle and was known to dance a mean jig.

A true gentleman, he showed kindness to all around him, including young Jack Daniel.

Green’s Descendants

1865 marked the abolition of slavery by the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

Within a few months, Jack Daniel opened his distillery, employing George and Eli Green, the sons of Nearest Green.

Nearest sons, George Green, Edde Green, and Eli Green served on the Jack Daniel Distillery staff. Ott, Charlie, Otis, and Jesse, who were Nearest’s grandchildren worked at the distillery as well.

As of November 2017, three direct descendants of Nearest Green still work for Jack Daniel Distillery, making it seven generations of descendants of Nearest Green who have worked there.

During his lifetime, Nathan “Nearest” Green married Harriet Green, and the couple had 11 children, nine sons, and two daughters.

Green’s legacy is both unknown and underrated.

A true pioneer in the world of whiskey, his techniques and skills have been passed down for generations and are still used in distilleries today.

The Legacy Nathan Green

To commemorate Green, author Fawn Weaver created the Nearest Green Foundation.

Among its responsibilities is constructing a museum, a memorial park, and a biography.

Green’s descendants have also been granted college scholarships.

According to the Jack Daniel Distillery’s website, Brown-Forman, the company that owns the Jack Daniel Distillery and brand, recognized Green as its first head stiller – currently referred to as master distiller – in August 2017.

Jack Daniel’s Visitors Center displayed an extensive exhibit on his legacy in October 2017 as a part of Brown-Forman’s official tours.

It was announced in September 2017 that Nearest Green Foundation’s inaugural class of descendants would receive full scholarships to college and graduate school to continue their ancestor’s legacy.

In addition to the proceeds from the sale of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the foundation also funds Jack Daniel’s official biography, Jack Daniel’s Legacy.

In conclusion, Nathan “Nearest” Green was an important figure in American history, and he deserves to be recognized for his incredible accomplishments.

He played a significant role in the early days of Whiskey production, as well as a master distiller who helped Jack Daniel learn the trade.

And though he may not be as well-known as Jack Daniel, Nathan “Nearest” Green deserves to be recognized for his incredible accomplishments.

If you’re looking for an exciting history lesson and a great bourbon, be sure to check out Nearest Green Distillery.

Nathan Green Whiskey Review: Uncle Nearest 1856

Nathan Green Whiskey Review: Uncle Nearest 1856
This premium blend of corn and rye whiskey is matured in new American oak barrels using the Lincoln County Process.

It honors Nathan Green, who was known as Uncle nearest to friends and family for his years working on their farms when they were still segregated during slavery times–the first African-American master distiller recorded by anyone anywhere!

Around 1855, this man taught Jack Daniel how to make alcohol, hence the name.

Tasting Note by Hucky Austin of WhiskeyTasteful

Nose: A sweet sultana and cinnamon taste with buttery vanilla.

Palate: Oat cookies, caramelized nuts, brown sugar, sandalwood, hints of corn, and cut grass.

Finish: A touch of spiced oak and mint leaf linger after the milk chocolate note.

MSRP: In most markets, you can usually find it for around $49.00

The Take-Away: Even though Uncle Nearest would not rank as one of my favorite whiskeys to sip on, it does have plenty of flavor and character to suit a wide variety of palates.

It has a smooth caramel flavor to satisfy sweet tooth drinkers while packing a punch for those looking for something a bit stronger and spicier.

While Uncle Nearest can get a bit spicy at times, it retains a variety of flavor elements in both its sweetest and harshest moments.

Uncle Nearest might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth trying if you find it.

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