Latest news with #NearestGreen
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elevating Your Excellence: Fawn Weaver's Entrepreneurial Vision Forges A Legacy Beyond Whiskey
Fawn Weaver, a name now synonymous with groundbreaking enterprise and profound historical tribute, presides over Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This venture has burgeoned into the fastest-growing whiskey brand in American history. Her Tennessee-based company stands as a living testament to Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved master distiller whose unparalleled expertise laid the very foundation for Jack Daniel's whiskey. Weaver's narrative, chronicled in her book Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest (2024), intertwines personal passion with a mission of historical rectification. Since 2017, Weaver, alongside her husband, Keith, has become one of Tennessee's most substantial Black landowners, commanding a vast expanse exceeding 800 acres [Source: Company Information, Uncle Nearest Official Site]. Her strategic financial philosophy deliberately eschews large-scale venture capital and private equity infusions, favoring instead a mosaic of smaller investments. This calculated approach ensures her unwavering control over the burgeoning enterprise, a distinct anomaly in the spirits industry, which colossal conglomerates often dominate. 'The only 'big guy' behind this brand is my 6'4' husband, Keith,' Weaver frequently quips, underscoring the brand's independent spirit. Before her monumental foray into whiskey, Weaver cultivated a formidable reputation as a shrewd real estate investor and achieved widespread acclaim as a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author. Her literary contributions include Happy Wives Club: One Woman's Worldwide Search for the Secrets of a Great Marriage (2014) and The Argument-Free Marriage: 28 Days to Creating the Marriage You've Always Wanted with the Spouse You Already Have (2015). Her multifaceted entrepreneurial journey spans over a quarter-century, commencing with the founding of a public relations and special events firm in 1996. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey's ascent has been meteoric, expanding from a single state to all 50 states and 12 countries within its initial two years. It stands as the most awarded American whiskey of 2019, 2020, and 2021, earning 'World's Best' by Whisky Magazine for two consecutive years and the coveted Double Gold by San Francisco World Spirits Competition, culminating in Wine Enthusiast's Spirit Brand of the Year for 2020. This unparalleled success has positioned Uncle Nearest as the best-selling African American-founded spirit brand of all time. Beyond commercial triumph, Weaver's vision extends to profound philanthropic endeavors. She established the Nearest Green Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing full scholarships to every descendant of Nearest Green. During the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation's 'Operation Brother's Keeper' initiative supplied over 300,000 N95 and cloth masks to frontline workers and disadvantaged communities. In a significant stride for racial equity within the industry, the Foundation forged an alliance with Jack Daniel's Distillery in 2020 to create the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative, a concerted effort to elevate people of color within the American whiskey industry and foster greater diversity across the entire spirits sector. Weaver's influence also extends to corporate governance, as evidenced by her appointment in March 2021 to the Endeavor Group Holdings board of directors, alongside figures such as Elon Musk, where she serves on its audit committee. She is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), a global consortium of leading young CEOs. Weaver's professional trajectory includes a six-year hiatus from entrepreneurial pursuits, during which she immersed herself in various roles within the hospitality sector, serving as head of special events and catering for Viceroy Hotels and as a General Manager for Dimension Development Co., overseeing numerous Marriott and Hilton brand hotels. This period reshaped her investment and management philosophy, instilling a 'team-first' organizational ethos where she often prioritizes her role as Chief Encouragement Officer. The self-proclaimed 'People's CEO' announced June 30 on Instagram that she launched Nightcap With Fawn. 'Y'all found this page before I even announced it! I love the energy building around @nightcapwithfawn— y'all are amazing. Episode 6 drops tomorrow night, and I'm making a bold claim: This Nightcap is the breakdown so many of you need to unlock happiness this year — no matter the chaos — and stay locked in on the success that's still yours to claim. So many are already giving up on 2025. You won't be one of them.' Born in Pasadena, California, Weaver left home at the age of 15 and dropped out of high school at 16. However, her commitment to education led her to return and complete her degree 25 years after her initial pursuit, earning a summa cum laude bachelor's degree through UA Online's New College LifeTrack program, partly influenced by the University of Alabama's football team's success. Her journey exemplifies a relentless dedication to completing endeavors once commenced. The lady boss's career is a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial brilliance interwoven with a deep-seated commitment to historical acknowledgment and community upliftment. Weaver's work with Uncle Nearest is not merely about crafting exceptional whiskey; it is about rectifying historical oversights, building generational wealth, and inspiring a new paradigm of leadership in both commerce and social justice. RELATED CONTENT:
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Bourbon, According To America's Top Bartenders
Uncle Nearest Master Blend It's not surprising that America's top bartenders would pick Uncle Nearest as their top bourbon choice. Since its debut less than a decade ago, the brand has garnered a world-class reputation, winning numerous medals along the way. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on America's bartender's top pick for World's Best Bourbon! Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is a premium Tennessee whiskey crafted by Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This limited-release expression is part of Uncle Nearest's Master Blend Edition series, which honors Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller in the United States. Green taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling and developed the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing technique that defines Tennessee whisky. Tennessee whisky is considered a variant of bourbon, as it meets all the statutory requirements for being labeled a bourbon, but also undergoes a charcoal filtration process to be classified as a Tennessee whiskey. Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and the first known African American female master blender in the American whiskey industry, curated the Master Blend Edition series. Since joining Uncle Nearest in 2019, Butler has overseen the blending of select barrels to create exceptional small-batch whiskeys that pay tribute to her ancestor's legacy. Each expression in the series is bottled at cask strength, hence the ABV differs slightly between bottlings, and is available exclusively at the distillery. Batch 032 is the latest bottling in the series. The Uncle Nearest Whiskey Range The whisky is complex and aromatic on the nose, featuring ripe bananas, caramel, milk chocolate, espresso, strawberries, and a subtle aroma of cooked cereal. On the palate, the whiskey is robust and full-bodied, featuring notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, red berries, coffee, and a hint of vanilla. The finish is medium in length and creamy, with lingering notes of cinnamon, caramel, and red berries. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is best enjoyed straight up or with a few drops of water to open up its complex flavors. Its robust profile also makes it a suitable base for classic whiskey cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Pair it with rich foods such as grilled meats, sausages, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts. The International Bartender Spirits Awards is a renowned global competition that showcases the world's best spirits. Selection is based on quality, innovation, value, and craftsmanship. Judged by an expert panel of bartenders and industry professionals, the competition is highly regarded in the spirits industry and serves as a benchmark for quality. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is a testament to the rich heritage of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and the legacy of Nearest Green. Under the deft hand of Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, this expression showcases the complexity and craftsmanship that define Uncle Nearest's premium offerings. With its nuanced, layered flavors and its signature smooth finish, Batch 032 is a must-have whiskey and deserves a place in every home whisky collection.
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
UNCLE NEAREST, INC. WELCOMES FORMER JACK DANIEL'S PRESIDENT TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Premium Tennessee Whiskey Company Expands Leadership as It Transitions Into a Portfolio Company SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the world's most-awarded Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey for six consecutive years (2019-2024), has appointed Mark McCallum, former President of Jack Daniel's and former Chief Brands Officer of Brown-Forman, to its board of directors as an independent director. 'The story nearly writes itself,' said Fawn Weaver, co-founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc. 'Mark McCallum played a pivotal role in transforming Jack Daniel's into the most valuable spirit brand in the world. Now, he is bringing that expertise to the whiskey brand honoring Jack's mentor, teacher, and first master distiller, Nearest Green.' Weaver and McCallum first connected during his tenure as President of Jack Daniel's when she shared her extensive research on Nearest Green's legacy. Recognizing the significance of her findings—including thousands of original artifacts and documents—McCallum advocated for Brown-Forman to update its historical records, ensuring Green's contribution to Jack Daniel's legacy was properly acknowledged. 'As you can imagine, I was navigating an understandably delicate relationship,' said McCallum. 'Fawn was launching a brand that intersected with the rich history of Jack Daniel's, while I was responsible for protecting our trademarks and ensuring we accurately honored our legacy. It was important to acknowledge Nearest Green's role while continuing to grow the Jack brand.' McCallum joined Brown-Forman in 2003 as Chief Marketing Officer before ascending to Chief Operating Officer in 2009. He ultimately served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brands Officer, holding key leadership roles, including EVP and President of EMEA, APAC, Global Travel Retail, and EVP and President of Jack Daniel's Brands. During his tenure, Brown-Forman's market capitalization grew from $5.9 billion to $31.5 billion, with Jack Daniel's driving the significant portion of that growth. Before joining Brown-Forman, McCallum was Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster and spent two decades in consumer packaged goods at Campbell Soup Company and Cadbury Schweppes. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Caledonia Spirits, where he has been a board member since 2020, and is also a board member of Grant Sidney, Inc. As Uncle Nearest, Inc. evolves into a full-fledged portfolio company in 2025, it is set to relaunch the bartender-beloved Square One Organic Vodka and debut an all-new cognac brand. The foundation of this new endeavor is the historic Domaine St. Martin chateau and vineyards, acquired in 2023, making Uncle Nearest, Inc. the largest Grande Champagne vineyard owner in the city of Cognac, France. McCallum's addition to the board signals the company's steadfast commitment to global expansion, category leadership, and honoring the legacy of Nearest Green through innovation and excellence. 'When Mark became an investor in Uncle Nearest after retiring from Brown-Forman, we were honored to welcome him as a more than 40-year veteran of consumer packaged goods,' said Keith Weaver, co-founder and president of Uncle Nearest, Inc., who also serves as a board member. Prior to joining Uncle Nearest, Inc., Keith was the Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, overseeing global public policy and external affairs. 'Having spent decades leading some of the most recognized brands in the world, Mark immediately saw something special in what we were building. By his own account, he had never seen a spirits start-up achieve what we had in such a short period, and he wanted to be part of the journey. Now, with a front-row seat at the board table, his deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance will help propel Uncle Nearest into its next phase of growth as we build the next great American brand.' About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, amassing over 1,450 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 953 Gold medals or higher, which includes 155 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 91. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
Miami Herald
28-01-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
A Conversation with Keith Weaver: The Heart and Vision of Uncle Nearest Distillery
On a recent visit to parts of Tennessee, Ian and I had the opportunity to break bread with Keith Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Distillery during a tour of the historic property in Shelbyville, Tennessee. As the seventh most-visited distillery in the world, Uncle Nearest is far more than a place to sip whiskey—it's a living tribute to a remarkable story of innovation, resilience, and community. Our conversation with Keith revealed his remarkable journey from Hollywood executive to whiskey trailblazer, the profound history behind the Uncle Nearest brand, and the vision that drives this purpose-driven mission. From Hollywood to the Heart of Tennessee Keith Weaver's career pivot is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending 22 years as an Executive Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Keith made the bold decision to leave the entertainment industry and dedicate himself to preserving the legacy of Nathan 'Nearest' Green. 'My wife, Fawn, and I came across Nearest Green's story eight years ago while living in Singapore,' Keith shares. 'It captivated us—his role as a pioneer, creator, and wealth-builder, all during a time of immense racial inequality.' What began as a fascination with Green's story soon evolved into a full-fledged endeavor. 'Initially, we weren't interested in making whiskey,' Keith admits. 'We were drawn to the historical significance of Nearest Green's role and his relationship with Jack Daniel. But as the story gained momentum, it became clear that this was more than a passion project—it was our calling.' Uncle Nearest: The Story At the heart of Uncle Nearest Distillery lies the story of Nathan 'Nearest' Green, an enslaved man whose mastery of distillation not only shaped American whiskey history but also forged an enduring bond with Jack Daniel, the founder of the Jack Daniel's brand. Nearest Green was a trailblazer—America's first known African American master distiller—who taught Daniel the art of whiskey-making on a farm in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Their relationship transcended the realities of slavery. Jack Daniel, then a young boy, learned distillation under Nearest's guidance and carried forward a profound respect for his teacher's craft and expertise. This mutual respect continued after emancipation, as Nearest Green became the first master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery. His family's legacy endured, with several descendants working at the distillery. Despite his monumental contributions, Nearest Green's story faded into obscurity. That changed in 2016, when Fawn Weaver, now CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., rediscovered his legacy. A front-page article in the international edition of the New York Times highlighted the connection between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, prompting Fawn to dive deep into archival records and oral histories. What she uncovered was not just the story of a whiskey pioneer but also a man whose resilience and ingenuity broke barriers during an era that sought to limit him. Moved by Green's story, Fawn and Keith Weaver created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to celebrate his legacy and ensure his name became central to the narrative of American whiskey. 'The story of Uncle Nearest isn't just about whiskey,' Keith explains. 'It's about innovation, excellence, and a man who defied the odds to make history.' A Distillery Like No Other Uncle Nearest Distillery is more than a production facility; it's a destination. Nestled on a former Tennessee Walking Horse farm, the site pays homage to its roots while celebrating Green's legacy through immersive experiences. 'This isn't your typical distillery,' Keith says. 'It feels more like the Smithsonian with a distillery attached.' The distillery boasts several unique features, including the world's longest bar, a Guinness World Record-holding creation by Fawn Weaver. Stretching 518 feet, the bar serves as a gathering place where visitors from all walks of life can share stories, celebrate milestones, and enjoy Uncle Nearest's award-winning whiskeys. 'Fawn's vision was to create a space where people could come together and connect,' Keith states. 'The bar is the heart of our distillery.' Visitors can also explore exhibits that delve into the history of Tennessee whiskey, including the state's unique limestone water, the impact of Prohibition, and the agricultural roots of whiskey-making. Outdoor spaces, including horse pastures and walking trails, add a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with the distillery's modern facilities. Rewriting History and Building Bridges Uncle Nearest Distillery challenges the narratives typically associated with the South, celebrating the resilience and achievements of Nearest Green while fostering connections between diverse groups of visitors. 'We're flipping stereotypes and paradigms,' Keith says. 'There's more that unites us than divides us, and this place proves that.' During our conversation, Keith reflects on moments where visitors—often from vastly different backgrounds—discover common ground and inspiration from Uncle Nearest's story during their time at the distillery. 'You'll see people who arrived as strangers sitting together in rocking chairs, sharing stories and happy tears,' he says. The distillery's ability to bridge divides is part of what makes it so special, drawing visitors from around the globe. Challenges and Triumphs While Uncle Nearest thrives in Tennessee, the journey hasn't been without challenges. Keith and Fawn's property on Martha's Vineyard, envisioned as an extension of the Uncle Nearest story, faced resistance from neighbors. 'Before we even set foot there, people assumed wild parties and chaos,' Keith recounts. Despite these hurdles, the couple remains committed to their mission. 'We're staying. We're here to share a story of excellence and belonging,' Keith states resoundingly Entering the spirits industry was also a steep learning curve. 'We didn't know the odds were against us,' Keith admits. 'Sometimes ignorance can be a blessing because it allows you to approach things with boldness and fresh eyes.' Fawn Weaver's Vision: A Bar That Unites The world's longest bar at Uncle Nearest is not just a record-breaker but a powerful symbol of community. Fawn Weaver's vision for the 518-foot masterpiece was about more than scale; it was about creating a space where people could connect. Whether sipping whiskey, celebrating milestones, or sharing stories, visitors experience a sense of unity that reflects the values of Uncle Nearest. 'Fawn wanted the bar to embody the spirit of Uncle Nearest—a place where people feel welcome and inspired,' Keith says. The bar, along with the distillery's expansive grounds and thoughtful design, exemplifies the inclusive spirit that defines the brand. A Love Letter to History and Hospitality The Weavers' vision for Uncle Nearest continues to grow, with plans for agritourism experiences, boutique accommodations, and immersive storytelling elements. Their goal is to make the distillery a place where visitors can return time and again, discovering something new with each visit. 'This is a love letter to American history and Tennessee history,' Keith says. 'We want people to feel connected to something bigger.' Lessons in Legacy For Keith, leading Uncle Nearest has been as much a personal journey as a professional one. 'I've learned to appreciate the step I'm on,' Keith shares. 'This is a marathon without a finish line, and every step is worth savoring.' Asked whom he'd share a bottle of Master Blend with, Keith chose his great-grandmother, Odia. 'She was a maid for the Max Factor family in Beverly Hills, and she carried herself with such elegance and pride,' Keith says 'I'd love to hear her stories and learn more about her journey.' A Legacy Worth Toasting The Weaver's have transformed Uncle Nearest into more than a whiskey brand—it's a movement, a legacy, and a testament to what's possible when passion and purpose align. Whether it's for the world-class whiskey, the rich history, or the unparalleled sense of community, Uncle Nearest Distillery brings people together—one sip at a time. Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick are contributors to DETOUR and the founders of World Footprints, a multi-award-winning social impact travel storytelling content hub.
