Est. 2017Spirits

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Founded by Fawn Weaver · Shelbyville, TN

Verified Licensed

Federal TTB Permit TN-P-21124· Wholesaleractive

Verified against the DISTRYB licensing directory — public federal & state alcohol records for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.

The Story

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. After New York Times coverage in 2016 brought Green's story to light, Fawn Weaver founded the brand in 2017 to ensure his legacy would never be forgotten again. The distillery operates on the same land where Green originally distilled in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Uncle Nearest has become the fastest-growing independent American whiskey brand.

Fawn Weaver

Founder

Fawn Weaver is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. After discovering the untold story of Nathan 'Nearest' Green — the first known African American master distiller — Weaver moved to Tennessee to honor his legacy. She built Uncle Nearest into the fastest-growing American whiskey brand, available in 48 states and 148 countries.

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Stories about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey

Du Nord Social Spirits Celebrates Gold Medals and a Pioneering Legacy

Du Nord Social Spirits, America’s first Black-owned distillery, continues to trailblaze, earning Gold Medals at the 2025 American Craft Spirits Competition. This recognition further solidifies its enduring impact on the craft spirits industry and its community.

Fawn Weaver's Historic Induction: A Milestone for Black-Owned Spirits

Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver makes history as the third African American woman inducted into the American Marketing Association New York Marketing Hall of Fame for 2025. Her visionary leadership continues to elevate Black entrepreneurship in spirits.

Uncle Nearest Nears Sale to Black-Owned Firm Amid Receivership, Fou-Dre Vodka Expands Reach

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell its assets to a Black-owned and led investment firm, signaling a hopeful new chapter for the brand. Meanwhile, Fou-Dre Vodka is gaining new market presence, showcasing innovation in craft spirits.

Uncle Nearest Navigates Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit: An Update for the Industry

Leading Black-owned whiskey brand <a href='/brands/uncle-nearest-premium-whiskey'>Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey</a> is making headlines as it addresses a significant multi-million dollar lawsuit, sparking industry conversations. We delve into the details.

From the Encyclopedia

The Regulatory Maze: Federal and State Licensing as a Barrier to Black Ownership in the American Beverage Industry

Navigating the intricate web of federal and state alcohol licensing and permitting presents a significant barrier to entry for beverage entrepreneurs in the United States. This complex regulatory landscape disproportionately impacts Black ownership due to historical wealth disparities and limited access to capital and legal resources.

Distributor Franchise Laws and Their Impact on Black Ownership in the American Beverage Industry

Distributor franchise laws, prevalent across many U.S. states, protect alcohol wholesalers and can create significant market access barriers for beverage producers. These regulations exacerbate existing systemic challenges for Black-owned beverage brands, hindering their ability to secure and maintain effective distribution.

The Hot Toddy: A Legacy of Comfort and Healing in Black American Communities

The Hot Toddy, a warm blend of spirits, hot water, honey, and lemon, holds deep cultural significance as a traditional home remedy and comforting beverage within many Black American communities. Its enduring presence reflects resilience and the passing down of ancestral knowledge across generations.

The Cultural Significance of Bourbon in Black American Communities

Bourbon holds a complex and enduring cultural significance in Black American communities, serving as both a symbol of celebration and a testament to unacknowledged historical contributions. Its presence at social gatherings fosters community, reflecting a rich heritage often overlooked.

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On the public record

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey appears in the DISTRYB licensing directory as Federal TTB Permit TN-P-21124 — a public page about this business that nobody here controls.

If this is your business, claim it on DISTRYB and it becomes yours to run: your catalog, your wholesale accounts, your compliance filings.

Claim Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey on DISTRYB →See the record

How we know this

Ownership has since changed. Fawn Weaver and her husband, Keith Weaver, were terminated from their executive roles at Uncle Nearest by a court-appointed receiver on June 1, 2026.

On this being a Black-owned business:

“Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey in U.S. history—its sales have tripled since 2022—and the best-selling Black-founded and -led spirit of all time.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2024/05/31/fresh-take-fawn-weavers-11-billion-whiskey-playbook/