Nearest Green Distillery
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A Must-Do Experience: Taste of History Tour at Nearest Green Distillery If you're looking for an extraordinary whiskey experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning, the Taste of History tour at Nearest Green Distillery is an absolute must. As one of the first guests to experience this new tour offering, I can confidently say it's worth every penny. From the moment you step onto the breathtaking grounds in Shelbyville, TN, you're transported into the rich world of Tennessee whiskey. Our exceptional tour guides, Jason and Julie, weren't just guides – they were masters of their craft, bringing to life the fascinating history of whiskey-making in Shelbyville and Lynchburg with their extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. The tour is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in every aspect of whiskey-making. You'll explore the perfectly manicured grounds, learn the intricate distillation process, and venture through the impressive barrel house, where you'll discover the crucial role these wooden vessels play in crafting the perfect spirit. What sets this tour apart is the guides' willingness to dive deep – no question goes unanswered, and their expertise shines through in every detailed explanation. The experience reaches its peak in the Corporate office, where an expertly arranged tasting awaits. Here's where the magic really happens. We had the privilege of sampling some exceptional spirits, including the distillery-exclusive Uncle Nearest Toasted Single Barrel (121.7 proof) – a rare treat with fewer than 20 bottles remaining from the batch. The tasting also featured the robust Uncle Nearest Single Barrel (124.1 proof) and the special Master Blend Edition, another distillery exclusive. But the true highlight? Getting to blend our own whiskey after watching an inspiring video featuring Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller AND the Master Blender at the distillery!! This hands-on experience takes your appreciation of the craft to a whole new level. The distillery campus offers more than just whiskey. We wrapped up our day at the Barrel House BBQ, one of the on-site restaurants, where the food was nothing short of exceptional. My three-meat plate and my husband's "grilled cheese on crack" with pulled chicken were perfect endings to an already incredible day. While we didn't dine at The Hubble Barron bar, it's worth noting that it houses America's longest bar and adds another layer of grandeur to the property. Pro Tips: *Book the Taste of History tour in advance – it's new and sure to become popular *Come hungry and plan to eat at Barrel House BBQ *Allow plenty of time to explore the beautiful grounds *Don't miss the exclusive distillery-only bottles available for purchase The Nearest Green Distillery isn't just another whiskey tour – it's a journey through history, craftsmanship, and flavor that you won't soon forget. Jason and Julie's passion for Tennessee whiskey and the Nearest Green legacy makes this experience truly special. While the tour may be a premium offering, the unique blend of education, entertainment, and hands-on experience makes it an outstanding value. If you're anywhere near Nashville or planning a trip to the area, put this tour at the top of your must-do list.
Vera RoeVera Roe
00
My dad and I share a love of bourbon, so we took a Spring Break Daddy-Daughter Trip to Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN. The sense of Black Pride I felt while on the grounds was indescribable. Fawn Weaver has done an immaculate job of preserving the historical aspect (content, buildings, etc.) while expanding the grounds and the overall Uncle Nearest brand. Karen was our tour guide, and she provided the most amazing tour I have ever experienced. She’s only worked there for a little less than 1 year, but still managed to have a wealth of knowledge to share with us. Her family is originally from the area, so she interspersed lived experiences with the history of the brand, grounds, and the story of how Uncle Nearest came to be one of the most dominant brands in the history of American spirits. Everything she shared enhanced the tour, and it didn’t help that she did it all with the thickest Southern drawl anyone has ever heard LOL. I simply cannot say enough good things about the experience Karen provided for us. You expect employees to speak well of their employers, but it was a treat to hear the way Karen celebrated Fawn (the CEO) and Victoria Eady Butler (the Master Blender). It was beautiful and made me proud to be a Black woman. One of the things I really appreciated is Karen started the tour by telling us not to take any videos to preserve the sacredness of the tour for future visitors. We were allowed to take tons of pictures, but they do ask that video footage isn’t shared to ensure everyone can have the experience of a lifetime – just like my dad and I did. We toured the warehouse with all the barrels and even got to see some of the workers bottling a special batch. We even saw the labels being affixed to the bottles by hand! The toured ended with the highly-anticipated tasting in their super-stylish tasting room in a converted stable that was previously used to cool down the horses (you know – 1 of those round rooms where horses walk around in a circle underneath blowing fans). We sampled Nearest Green, Uncle Nearest 1884, Uncle Nearest 1856, and Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition. Dad and I left with a bottle of the 1856 and the Master Blend Edition. And guess who rang us up in the gift shop after the tour? Yep, Karen! She does it all, and with so much grace and hospitality. The gift shop had a package with 6 bottles for $625, and we totally would have opted for it had we been driving instead of flying, or if we had larger luggage. This tour was definitely one for the books. Thank you, Karen and Nearest Green Distillery, for showing this daughter and her dad a fantastic time. We WILL return!
Erika WhiteheadErika Whitehead
00
I’ve done numerous tours from distilleries all around the south. We did the whiskey thieving tour and I’m not really sure what happened. I thought the history of the master distiller was great, but then we focused on tiny dancer horses or something. We were walking on their graves. Million dollar horses. Gravestones for horses. Parades for horses. The distillery is a check point for the horse parade. It just felt like the tour was more focused on tiny dancer horses than whiskey. A 90 min experience and I know more about these horses than your whiskey. In 90 mins horses were brought up at least 15 times and not once was a mash bill, aging, or different lines mentioned, NOT ONCE. Unfortunately the entire tour was a pretty big let down. Pros 1. The facility is beautiful 2. Gift shop top notch 3. Everyone was very nice Cons 1. Price. 80 bucks after tax for a whiskey tour that allows you to sample two whiskey’s (one of which is distilled in Canada and aged in upstate New York) is a steep price to pay for a tour that is miles behind the competition. Doing a tour tomorrow at Heaven Hill and it includes four whiskeys to try, a tour, and access to a museum for 25 dollars. They gotta add to the tour or drop the price cause it’s outrageous for what you get. 2. Several of the buildings are either closed or not included in the tour. 3. This is a working distillery, get your tour guides some bullhorns or loudspeakers, something. Again for the price, I shouldn’t have to fight to hear what she’s saying. 4. They have the world’s largest bar and it’s not open. Just bring in a bar tender to have the option and showcase the bar. We couldn’t even get to it, doors were locked. 5. No food or drinks available. Only distillery I’ve been to where there were no food or drink options. Literally only thing was a water fountain. The excuse of its closed today is nonsense. If everything is closed then why are they selling 80 dollar tours showcasing the place. 6. Enough about the tiny dancing horses. I want to know about mash bills, ingredients, aging, production, processing, cooperage, distribution, tasting notes (no Smokey is not a tasting note that’s a flavor) most importantly just talk about the whiskey. Overall I cannot recommend the tour and I hope that someone at Uncle Nearest will take the feedback to heart instead of getting upset that a guest called it out. But the only way to get better is to listen to the people you want to sell your whiskey too. And fwiw I thought the 5 year single barrel was fantastic. The rye not so much, but they have the ability to really capitalize in the market and gain that repeat business. But again just can’t overlook that 80 dollar price tag on a 20 dollar experience.
Andrew HAndrew H
00
The Jackson Promotion Celebration I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Nearest Green Distillery tasting tour and dining at the Humble Baron restaurant, and I must say, both were exceptional! From the moment we arrived at the distillery, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and craftsmanship behind Nearest Green's award-winning spirits. The tour was incredibly informative, taking us through the entire distillation process and the legacy of the first African-American master distiller, Nearest Green. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the distillery's story, making the experience truly immersive and memorable. The highlight, of course, was the tasting itself. We were treated to a diverse selection of Nearest Green's finest offerings, each more exquisite than the last. The flavors were rich and complex, showcasing the artistry and dedication that go into every bottle. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this tasting experience is not to be missed! An extra special moment during our visit was meeting Fawn Weaver, the CEO and Founder of Nearest Green Distillery. She graciously took the time to personally autograph our bottles of whiskey and take pictures with us. Her presence and enthusiasm for preserving Nearest Green's legacy made the experience even more memorable and added a personal touch that we will cherish. My wife and I attended with friends to celebrate our friend's promotion, and the entire experience was a perfect way to mark this special occasion. Following the tour, we headed to the Humble Baron restaurant, the perfect way to conclude our visit. The ambiance was inviting, with a rustic charm that complemented the distillery's heritage. The menu featured a delectable array of Southern-inspired dishes, each prepared with the freshest ingredients and presented beautifully. We particularly enjoyed the smoked brisket and the sweet potato pie, both out of this world. Our visit to the Nearest Green Distillery and the Humble Baron restaurant exceeded all expectations. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a unique and delightful adventure. Cheers to Nearest Green for preserving history, crafting remarkable spirits, and providing a five-star experience!
Michael DavenportMichael Davenport
00
A visit to the Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron Bar is far more than just a tour; it's an awakening. My recent experience there was nothing short of wonderful, enlightening, and truly inspirational. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with positive energy, especially with the Memorial Day festivities in full swing. Our tour guides were exceptional. Brent, with his engaging personality and deep knowledge, brought the history of Nearest Green to life, making it feel incredibly personal. While I can't recall the name of our other guide, she was an older, short woman with white hair whose warmth and passion for the subject were palpable. Both of them shared the untold story of Nearest Green with such care and reverence, transforming a historical narrative into a powerful and moving experience. Beyond the distillery tour, the entire property was alive with activity. My friends and I had the incredible opportunity to meet members of a veterans bike club, sharing stories and enjoying the camaraderie of Memorial Day. The variety of food trucks offered delicious bites, and the diverse vendors presented a fantastic selection of products, making it easy to find unique souvenirs. What truly stood out, however, was the chance to connect with amazing people from all backgrounds, including the chance to meet the founders themselves, Fawn and Keith Weaver. They were incredibly personable, taking the time to interact with guests and share their vision, which made the experience all the more special. For any whiskey drinker, this is an absolute must-visit. But even if whiskey isn't your primary interest, I would highly recommend the Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron Bar to anyone who appreciates untold history, celebrates American ingenuity, and cherishes experiences that are both educational and deeply personal. It's a journey that will leave you feeling inspired and truly enriched.
FloFlo
00
The tour was amazing! I believe our tour guide was Brent. was knowledgeable, funny, and made the experience both informative and entertaining with his storytelling. An amazing tour stepping back in time learning the untold learning of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller in the U.S. Nearest perfected the Lincoln County Process, filtering out impurities to create one of the smoothest whiskeys. Nearest perfected the Lincoln County Process of filtered out the impurities to make one of the smoothest whiskey’s. He taught Jack Daniels the craft of distilling. The nearest distillery was co-founded by Fawn Weaver who brought the legacy of this remarkable man to light of this prestigious man. The tour I learned about the award-winning whisky crafted by the first African-American woman whiskey master blender Victoria Eady Butler. She’s the great-great-granddaughter of Nearest and has won awards for whiskey talents. The walking tour includes a whiskey flight tasting. You have the opportunity to purchase Master Blend Edition only available at the distillery. The grounds are beautiful. Part of the tour you get to tour the grounds and where the barrels are stored. There is a restaurant onsite called the Barrel House BBQ. Get the “Grilled Cheese on Crack”, the brisket. You will thank me! It’s so delicious. They do not skimp on the meat. They serve great sides as well. You won’t go wrong. The distillery also has one of the longest bars in the world called the Humble Baron. The Humble Baron host events as well. If you ever find yourself near Shelbyville, TN, don’t miss the chance to visit. And if you’re flying into Nashville, TN, it’s just a little over an hour's drive from the airport, it’s well worth it!
Everywhere With ErikaEverywhere With Erika
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Nearby Attractions Of Nearest Green Distillery
Uncle Nearest, Inc.
Uncle Nearest, Inc.
4.6
(137)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Nearest Green Distillery
Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery
Barrel House BBQ II
Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery
4.5
(241)Click for details
Barrel House BBQ II
4.1
(46)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
3125 US-231, Shelbyville, TN 37160
Map
Phone
(931) 773-3070
Call
Website
unclenearest.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.9
(967 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
attractions: Uncle Nearest, Inc., restaurants: Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery, Barrel House BBQ II
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