Uncle Nearest’ Green Lives On Through the Successful Whiskey Brand Named for Him

The story of Nearest Green is a powerful history lesson. As the Black master distiller behind Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Green’s legacy is now celebrated through Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey—a billion-dollar brand honoring his genius. In the 1850s, while still enslaved, Green’s exceptional distilling skills set him apart, making him a legend among Tennessee farmers. Today, his influence shapes both whiskey culture and bestselling books, finally giving this true American pioneer the recognition he deserves.