This is true liquor legacy.

Liquor.com aptly describes this brand’s history — “This brand is named after the country’s first African-American distiller, Nearest Green, who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey. Founded by Fawn Weaver, the producer celebrates Green’s history with bottlings including its flagship 100-proof aged whiskey and a 100% rye whiskey. Nearest’s great-great-great granddaughter, Victoria Eady Butler, serves as Master Blender for the brand today.” 

Whew. For those of us who know and love whiskey, that is a humbling history. That’s why each bottle of Uncle Nearest 1884 gives us the best kind of goosebumps — each 93-proof bottle is signed by the descendant of Nearest Green who curated that blend. The fact this was also the 2020 San Francisco Spirits Competition Gold Medal Winner⁠ is just a well-deserved bonus. We like how ribbons of chocolate, cigar leaf, cedar, and cinnamon twine their way through the flavor notes. Subtly sweet with a hint of smoke and a smooth finish…each sip of Uncle Nearest 1884 is like another chapter in a long and delicious story.

This blend of premium aged whiskies includes several between 8 and 14 years. And while Black History Month is in February, get ready for us to give another shout-out to Uncle Nearest 1856 in the autumn months, because the flavor profile on this caramel-hued bottle is like October sunshine in a glass. Earthy hay, crisp pumpkin seed, and golden stone fruit all shine with a strong kick of spice up front. Let it sit for just a moment and you’ll relax into the smooth, almost maple finish.

In the spirit of Black History Month, it’s important to us to also acknowledge the efforts Uncle Nearest’s founder, Fawn Weaver, is making in building a strong and inclusive future for BIPOC in the American whiskey sphere. You can read more about her leadership program, apprenticeship program, and business incubator model here.

You can see the Kentucky pride right on the front of Brough Brothers’ bourbon bottle. The three Louisville brothers and founders — Chris, Victor, and Bryson Yarbrough — of Kentucky’s first African-American-owned distillery designed their bottle around Kentucky’s culture of bourbon, basketball, boxing, and horseracing. Their intentional choice mirrors Brough Brothers’ efforts to both elevate the profile of African Americans in the whiskey industry and to represent their history, and their proud Louisville roots. 

The bourbon is a rye, corn, and malted barley blend that blooms on the nose with light fruits, a wisp of ginger, and nutmeg. It offers up a subtle sweetness, cut by the traditional smokiness from aging in charred oak barrels. Pro tip: Add an ice cube to bring more of the rye forward. We also love to use Brough Brothers bourbon in a classic Old Fashioned, thanks to its balanced spice and creamy, buttery flavors. 

As we continue through Black History Month, let us know if you have any questions about these or other Black-owned brands in the spirits industry. Our crew at each Cox’s and Evergreen is happy to make recommendations that meet both your tastes and your efforts to include all those who deserve a space on our shelves. Cheers!

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