Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey Review

Distillery: Nearest Green Distillery – Shelbyville, Tennessee

Proof: 84 (42% ABV)

Age: Not published

Mashbill: Not published

MSRP: $30

Who They Are

Nearest Green Distillery, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is the world’s first distillery to commemorate Nearest Green, a legend in Tennessee Whiskey. The distillery is truly a destination for whiskey lovers and history enthusiasts while taking in the many tributes to Tennessee’s rich whiskey heritage, walking horses, and music.

The story of Nearest Green is deeply intertwined with the history of American whiskey. Born into slavery, Nearest Green, also known as Nathan Green, became a master distiller and taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making.

Nearest Green Distillery is not just a producer of whiskey; it is a master class in storytelling. Sitting on a 323-acre property, the Distillery expanse includes a museum, a tasting room, and tours which educate visitors about the history of Tennessee whiskey and the significant role Nearest Green played in its development. The distillery’s commitment to preserving and honoring Mr. Green’s history is evident in its operations.

The distillery’s flagship whiskeys, including the award-winning Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884, have garnered international acclaim. Using a recipe saved from a fire and dating back to the late 1800s, Nearest Green Distillery is dedicated to authenticity and quality.

Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green, serves as the Master Blender for Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, which is crafted to be versatile and approachable, making it perfect for both cocktails and sipping neat.

If you give Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey a try or have questions, please drop me a note. I would love to hear from you. mike@bourboninspector.com;

Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey: Tasting Notes

Nose – 2/5

The appearance is light and doesn’t set an expectation for much on the Nose. Opens with inviting aromas of vanilla, caramel, and oak, complemented by a hint of cherries. Take a deep dive into the Nose, you’ll find a very faint touch of mint. While the Nose is pleasant, it along with the thin color does not set a high expectation of a delightful tasting experience.

Palate – 3/5

The Palate has an unexpected creamy mouthfeel with a good bit of corn and touches of vanilla, honey, and citrus. A decent amount of charcoal is present which is assumedly from the Lincoln County Process.

Finish – 2/5

No burn on the Finish but there is a fair amount of spicy pepper with an influence of charred oak and nuttiness. It lingers pleasantly, resolving into a mellow acidity but it does not set up a strong anticipation for another sip. Serve it neat because it goes away quickly with ice or water addition.

Value – 4/5

Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is an easy pour that makes for a quick sipper. It does not create that lean-back patient sipping experience that one might expect from an Uncle Nearest Distillery expression. At a $30 MSRP, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is good value and an easy buy.