Distillery: Nearest Green Distillery — Shelbyville, Tennessee (sourced from an undisclosed Canadial Distillery)
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age: At least four years
Mashbill: 100% Rye
MSRP: $47
Who They Are
When you think of Uncle Nearest, if you’re like me, you think of its legacy honoring Nearest Green, the first African American master distiller and a pivotal figure in the origins of Tennessee Whiskey. Since its launch in July 2017, Uncle Nearest has won multiple awards, quickly earning recognition for its whiskeys.
This expression, with a 100% rye mashbill, is aged in New York before being finished and bottled in Tennessee. Bottled at 100-proof, it carries the signature Uncle Nearest craftsmanship. Let’s see how it performs in the competitive world of rye whiskeys.
Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 2.5/5
An earthy, grassy aroma dominates the Nose, overpowering most other elements. You’ll need to dig deep to uncover faint hints of maple and dill hiding in the background.
Palate – 3/5
The Palate is undeniably spice-forward, with bold notes of cinnamon and allspice taking center stage. The mouthfeel, however, is its redeeming feature, offering a silky, velvety texture that enhances the sipping experience.
Finish – 4/5
The Finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering spice and a touch of dried cranberry at the end. A gentle smokiness emerges, providing a satisfying and memorable conclusion to the sip.
Value – 3/5
With an MSRP of $47, Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey delivers decent value. However, when compared to other rye expressions at similar price points, it would feel more competitively priced in the $37–$40 range.
Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey: The Verdict
With its 100% rye mashbill and spice-forward Palate, Uncle Nearest Straight Rye Whiskey is not what I would consider a gateway rye. Instead, it’s seems best suited for experienced rye enthusiasts who enjoy bold spice and the heat of a 100-proof whiskey. Its robust profile likely makes it a strong contender for cocktails. Share your rating below and post your comments!
Verdict – 3.25/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.