Early Life and Background

Nathan “Nearest” Green, born around 1820, was an enslaved African-American whose legacy would become intertwined with the history of American whiskey. Incorrectly spelled as “Nearis” in the 1880 census, Green’s contributions to the distilling world have only recently received the recognition they deserve. While his exact date of birth and death remain unknown, his influence as a master distiller has had a lasting impact, particularly through his association with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey distillery.

From Slavery to Master Distiller

Green was born into slavery in Tennessee, where he was eventually owned by a firm known as Landis & Green. Historical records indicate that Green was hired out to Dan Call, a local preacher, grocer, and distiller. It was here, in the mid-1850s, that Green’s life would change dramatically. Among the people enslaved by Call, Green stood out for his expertise in distilling, a skill that would later be crucial in shaping American whiskey history.

Mentorship and Partnership with Jack Daniel

The story of Green’s mentorship of Jack Daniel is a testament to his expertise and the intricate relationships formed under the constraints of slavery. According to company lore and historical research, Jack Daniel, then a young boy, was sent to work for Dan Call. Recognizing Daniel’s potential, Call introduced him to Green, reportedly stating, “Uncle Nearest is the best whiskey maker that I know of.” Call’s directive to Green was clear: teach young Jack everything about whiskey making.

In June 2016, The New York Times published a groundbreaking article that credited Green, rather than Call, with teaching Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. This revelation, built on oral history and sparse archival evidence, confirmed that Green’s contributions had been long overlooked. Jack Daniel himself acknowledged Green’s role, referring to him as “the best whiskey maker he knew.”

Post-Emancipation and Continued Influence

The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, ended slavery in the United States, and Green, along with other formerly enslaved individuals, transitioned into a new chapter of his life. A year later, Jack Daniel officially opened his distillery, and Green’s influence remained strong. Green’s sons, George and Eli, were among the first employees hired by Daniel, ensuring that the Green family’s legacy continued at the distillery. Over time, at least three of Green’s sons and four of his grandchildren worked at the Jack Daniel Distillery, with seven generations of Green’s descendants contributing to the brand’s success.

Personal Life and Family

Nathan “Nearest” Green was married to Harriet Green, and together they had 11 children—nine sons and two daughters. The 1870 census lists four of their sons: Louis, George, Jesse, and Eli. By the 1880 census, seven of their sons and both daughters were recorded. The Green family’s deep roots in the Lynchburg area and their continuous association with the distillery underscore the significant impact they had on the local community and the whiskey industry.

Recognition and Legacy

The legacy of Nearest Green has been meticulously preserved and celebrated in recent years, thanks in large part to the efforts of Fawn Weaver, an African-American author and real estate investor. Weaver launched the Nearest Green Foundation to honor Green’s memory, establishing a museum, memorial park, and a book detailing his life and contributions. Additionally, the foundation offers college scholarships to Green’s descendants, ensuring that his legacy of excellence and perseverance is carried forward.

In July 2017, Uncle Nearest, Inc. introduced “Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey,” a brand created to honor Green’s contributions to the whiskey industry. This premium whiskey was developed in collaboration with two Tennessee distilleries, though not with the Jack Daniel Distillery. The initiative was well-received, adding a new dimension to Green’s legacy.

Brown-Forman Corporation, which owns the Jack Daniel brand, officially recognized Green as its first master distiller in August 2017. His story was incorporated into the company’s official tours and featured prominently at the Jack Daniel’s Visitors Center. This recognition was a significant step in acknowledging the overlooked contributions of African-Americans to American whiskey history.

Continuing the Legacy

The Nearest Green Foundation has made substantial efforts to ensure that Green’s legacy continues to inspire future generations. In September 2017, the foundation announced the first class of descendants to receive full scholarships for college and graduate school, funded by the sales of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s official biography, “Jack Daniel’s Legacy.”

Victoria Eady Butler, a descendant of Green, has also played a pivotal role in continuing his legacy. As the master blender for Uncle Nearest, Butler has become the first known African-American female whiskey master blender. Her achievements reflect the enduring influence of Nearest Green and the resilience and talent passed down through his descendants.

Conclusion

Nathan “Nearest” Green’s story is one of resilience, expertise, and enduring influence. From his beginnings as an enslaved distiller to becoming the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States, Green’s legacy has had a profound impact on the whiskey industry. His mentorship of Jack Daniel and the subsequent success of the Jack Daniel’s brand highlight the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of African-Americans in American history. Through the efforts of his descendants and the Nearest Green Foundation, Green’s legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations, ensuring that his story is never forgotten