Uncle Nearest 1884 is a smooth, small-batch Tennessee whiskey we are glad to keep on the shelf at Camp West, our cabin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the West Seattle Junction. A touch softer and more approachable than its older sibling, it is an easy whiskey to recommend, and like the rest of the Uncle Nearest family it carries a story worth raising a glass to.
About the Distillery
Uncle Nearest honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller, who is credited with teaching Jack Daniel to distill. Distilled, aged, and bottled by Uncle Nearest in Tennessee, the 1884 small batch is curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green. Her work has been widely recognized, including being named Master Blender of the Year by Whisky Magazine in consecutive years, and her careful blending defines the character of every batch.
Style & Mash Bill
Uncle Nearest 1884 is a small batch Tennessee whiskey bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). Like all Tennessee whiskey, it is charcoal-mellowed through the Lincoln County Process and aged in charred new American oak. The small-batch approach and slightly lower proof give it a smoother, more sippable profile than the 100-proof 1856.
Tasting Notes
The nose offers honey and warm brown sugar with cedar, orange peel, and tobacco flower, lifted by ground ginger and white pepper. The palate balances caramel against spicy wood tannins, with baking chocolate, cigar leaf, nougat, and cinnamon. The finish is long and smooth, with cinnamon, dark chocolate, oak, and a drizzle of maple syrup lingering.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
At 93 proof, this one is approachable enough to enjoy any number of ways. We like it neat to appreciate the honeyed, spiced character, or over a single rock to round it out. It is also a smooth, easygoing choice for an Old Fashioned. A pour is $12.
FAQ
How is 1884 different from Uncle Nearest 1856? The 1884 small batch is bottled at a lower 93 proof for a smoother, more approachable pour, while the 1856 is a richer 100-proof premium aged expression.
Who blends Uncle Nearest 1884? Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nathan “Nearest” Green, curates each small batch.
Ready to taste it? Book a table, browse our full whiskey list, or explore the complete beverage menu.