Uncle Nearest 1856 is a bottle we are honored to pour at Camp West, our cabin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the West Seattle Junction. This premium aged Tennessee whiskey carries both serious flavor and a meaningful story, named for Nathan “Nearest” Green, widely recognized as the first known African American master distiller. It is a pour with depth in every sense.
About the Distillery
The Uncle Nearest brand honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved distiller who is credited with teaching a young Jack Daniel the art of distilling, including the now-famous Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing. The number 1856 marks the year Green is believed to have gained his freedom while continuing to work as a master distiller in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Today Uncle Nearest is one of the most celebrated and award-winning American whiskey brands, carrying that legacy forward from Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Style & Mash Bill
Uncle Nearest 1856 is a premium aged Tennessee whiskey bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). It is mellowed through sugar-maple charcoal via the Lincoln County Process and matured in charred new American oak barrels, the steps that define Tennessee whiskey. It is a blend drawn from well-aged stock, giving it a mature, layered character.
Tasting Notes
The nose is rich and inviting, with maple, vanilla, cherry, and black pepper alongside almond cookie and a hint of coconut. The palate is spicy up front, with green, herbaceous notes and a touch of pear emerging as it opens. It fades into a long, warm vanilla finish. At 100 proof it is full and flavorful while staying smooth.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
This is a whiskey worth slowing down for. We recommend it neat to take in the full maple-and-vanilla richness, or over a single large rock to mellow the proof. It also makes a memorable Old Fashioned for anyone who wants their classic cocktail with a story behind it. A pour is $14.
FAQ
Who was Uncle Nearest? Nathan “Nearest” Green was the first known African American master distiller and is credited with teaching Jack Daniel to distill. The brand is named in his honor.
What makes it a Tennessee whiskey? It is charcoal-mellowed through the Lincoln County Process and aged in charred new American oak, the defining steps of Tennessee whiskey.
Ready to taste it? Book a table, browse our full whiskey list, or explore the complete beverage menu.