Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

Product Description

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey: Tennessee Whiskey with a Story Worth Telling

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man who became the first known African American master distiller and taught a young Jack Daniel the craft of whiskey-making in the 1800s. Jack Daniel’s itself recognizes Green as its first master distiller. His story was largely forgotten until it was uncovered in 2016, and Uncle Nearest was founded to bring it back. The 1884 is named for the year it is believed Green last filled barrels of whiskey and retired.

This is Uncle Nearest’s flagship small batch whiskey, and it’s an approachable, well-priced introduction to the brand. It’s a 93 proof Tennessee whiskey, distilled, aged, and bottled by Uncle Nearest at its distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. The brand backs it with a long list of awards since 2017, and it’s an easy bottle to share, gift, or mix.

How Uncle Nearest 1884 Is Made

Uncle Nearest follows the traditional Tennessee whiskey method, including the Lincoln County Process, in which the new whiskey is filtered through charcoal for smoothness before it’s aged. Each batch is made from barrels selected for the blend and is bottled at 46.5% ABV (93 proof), a strength the brand chose to be similar to what made Green’s whiskey so popular. The brand states a minimum age of seven years, though no age statement appears on the bottle. The brand’s materials describe each batch as curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green, whose signature appears on the back of the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Honey and warm brown sugar, cedar, orange peel, and tobacco flower, with spices of ground ginger and white pepper.

Palate: Caramel balanced with spicy wood tannins, with notes of baking chocolate, cigar leaf, nougat, and cinnamon.

Finish: Long and smooth. The cinnamon lingers with dark chocolate, oak tannins, and maple syrup.

Food Pairings

The caramel, maple, and cinnamon in Uncle Nearest 1884 pair well with smoked brisket, barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and glazed pork. It also goes well with dark chocolate, pecan pie, bread pudding, and aged cheddar. For something savory, try it with candied bacon or cornbread with honey butter.

Serving Suggestions

Uncle Nearest 1884 is a smooth sipper, enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It’s also versatile enough for cocktails, and it works well in an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, or a Whiskey Ginger. A simple highball with ginger beer and a lemon wedge shows off the honey and cedar notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nearest Green? A Tennessee distiller who was enslaved in the 1800s and is recognized as the first known African American master distiller. He taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making.

What does 1884 mean? It’s the year it is believed Green last filled barrels of whiskey and retired.

What proof is it? 93 proof (46.5% ABV).

Is it bourbon? It’s a Tennessee whiskey, made with the Lincoln County charcoal-mellowing method.

How old is it? There’s no age statement, but the brand states a minimum age of seven years.

Where is it made? At the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Is it good for cocktails? Yes. It’s smooth enough to sip and versatile enough for an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Explore More

Want to compare it? Try the Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, or save with the Uncle Nearest 1856 & 1884 Whiskey Combo. Shop the full Uncle Nearest collection for more Tennessee whiskeys.

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