Tennessee whiskey is one of the state’s most recognizable traditions. Most people know the story of Jack Daniel’s rise from a young apprentice to the creator of one of the most famous whiskey brands in the world. What many people don’t know is that the story of Tennessee whiskey begins with another man entirely.
Nathan “Nearest” Green was an enslaved master distiller who taught a young Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. For generations, his story remained largely untold outside the hills of Tennessee. Today, the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville honors his legacy while helping complete one of the most important stories in Tennessee history.
While many visitors travel to Lynchburg to learn about Jack Daniel’s, a visit to Nearest Green Distillery provides a fuller understanding of Tennessee whiskey history and the people who helped shape it.
Visiting Uncle Nearest Distillery
- The Man Behind Tennessee Whiskey
- A Distillery Built to Honor a Legacy
- Touring the Nearest Green Distillery
- Why We Loved Visiting Nearest Green Distillery
- Know Before You Go: Uncle Nearest Distillery
Why Visit Nearest Green Distillery?
- Learn the remarkable story of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green and his influence on Tennessee whiskey
- Tour a beautiful former Tennessee Walking Horse farm transformed into a distillery
- Experience a unique speakeasy honoring the Prohibition and suffrage eras
- enjoy whiskey tastings, live music, and dining at the world-record holding Humble Baron
- Discover an important piece of Tennessee history that is only now receiving the recognition it deserves.
The Man Behind Tennessee Whiskey
When people think of Tennessee whiskey, the first name that comes to mind is usually Jack Daniel. His story is well known throughout the state and around the world. What many people don’t realize is that the story of Tennessee whiskey begins with another man entirely.
As a young boy, Jasper “Jack” Daniel left home and eventually came to work on the farm of Reverend Dan Call. Like many farmers of the time, Call had a side business making whiskey. The smoke rising from behind the hills of the farm became a signal that some of the finest whiskey in the area was being produced there.
But it wasn’t Reverend Call making the whiskey.
The master distiller on the farm was an enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green.
Nearest Green took young Jack under his wing and taught him the craft of whiskey making. From selecting ingredients to understanding the distillation process, Jack learned directly from one of the most respected distillers in the region. The relationship between the two men would go on to shape the future of Tennessee whiskey.
For generations, Nearest Green’s influence remained largely untold outside the hills of Tennessee. Yet his legacy never disappeared. From the earliest days of the Jack Daniel Distillery, there has always been a descendant of Nearest Green working there, carrying on the connection that began so many years ago.
Today, the Nearest Green Distillery exists to honor that legacy and ensure that this important part of Tennessee history is never forgotten.
A Distillery Built to Honor a Legacy
When the decision was made to create a distillery in honor of Nearest Green, an opportunity presented itself in the form of a former Tennessee Walking Horse farm in Shelbyville.
Rather than clear the land and start over, the founders chose to embrace this other important piece of Tennessee history. The result is a distillery unlike any other in the state. White fences stretch across the property, horse barns have been repurposed for the whiskey-making process, and the rolling countryside provides a beautiful backdrop for learning about Tennessee’s most famous spirit.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than a distillery. It was a place dedicated to preserving stories, honoring history, and bringing people together.
Touring the Nearest Green Distillery
Our tour began inside the Welcome Center where we met our guide, Chris. You know you’re in for a good tour when the guide genuinely loves what they’re talking about, and Chris was both knowledgeable and entertaining from the start.
Before heading out across the grounds, he introduced us to one of the most unexpected stops on the property.
The Hidden Speakeasy
At first glance, the small concession stand looked completely ordinary.
The signs advertised Tennessee favorites like Moon Pies, Goo Goo Clusters, Little Debbie snacks, and Mountain Dew. But appearances can be deceiving.
Much like the hidden establishments of the Prohibition era, this concession stand concealed a speakeasy tucked away behind it.
Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The space was filled with turn-of-the-century charm, but what made it especially memorable were the tributes to the women’s suffrage movement. Stained-glass artwork, historic photographs, and quotes woven throughout the design honored the women who fought for the right to vote during the same era that Prohibition was reshaping the country.
It was a thoughtful and unexpected addition that gave the space even more character.
Exploring the Grounds
From the speakeasy, Chris led us around the former horse farm and showed us the various buildings used throughout the whiskey-making process.
The white fences, horse barns, and open spaces gave the distillery a unique atmosphere that felt very different from other distillery tours we had taken. Instead of feeling industrial, the property felt welcoming and relaxed.
Even though the distillery is still relatively young, there are already big plans for future growth. The team hopes to continue expanding the property with additional attractions and gathering spaces that appeal to visitors whether they are whiskey enthusiasts or simply interested in Tennessee history.
The nickname “Malt Disney” has even begun to follow the property as those plans continue to develop.
Whiskey Tasting and the Barrel House
One of the highlights of the tour was the tasting experience.
Visitors can choose between a tasting tour or a non-tasting tour when booking, making it easy for everyone in a group to participate at their comfort level.
A selection of Nearest Green whiskeys was placed before us as we learned about the different flavor profiles and production methods behind each one.
One of our favorites was the 1856 blend, which offered subtle notes of vanilla and butterscotch. We also sampled their rye whiskey, though technically it falls outside the traditional definition of Tennessee whiskey because rye grain must be sourced from outside the state.
After the tasting, we continued into the barrel house where the sweet aroma of aging whiskey filled the air.
It was here that Chris shared one of his favorite insider tips: if you ever have the opportunity to purchase an entire barrel of whiskey, choose the one with the candied-looking whiskey crystals pushing out through the seams. According to him, those barrels often develop the most character and complexity.
Whether or not we ever buy an entire barrel, it’s a piece of advice we’ll always remember.
The Humble Baron
The tour concluded back near the Welcome Center, but our visit wasn’t quite finished.
Just around the corner sits the Humble Baron, home to the world’s longest bar. Stretching an incredible 518 feet, the bar winds throughout the restaurant while live music fills the space.
The atmosphere perfectly captures the spirit of Tennessee hospitality, making it a great place to linger after the tour.
Visitors can also enjoy the nearby barbecue restaurant, making it easy to turn a distillery visit into a full afternoon experience.
Why We Loved Visiting Nearest Green Distillery
We’ve visited a number of historic sites throughout Tennessee, but what makes Nearest Green Distillery special is that it combines history, culture, and storytelling in a way that feels deeply personal.
Yes, the whiskey is excellent. Yes, the property is beautiful.
But what stayed with us most was the story.
For so many years, the history of Tennessee whiskey was missing an important chapter. Visiting the distillery gave us the opportunity to learn about the man who helped shape that history and whose influence continues to be felt today.
By the end of the tour, we realized we hadn’t simply learned about whiskey. We had learned about friendship, mentorship, perseverance, and the importance of ensuring that every story is told.
Know Before You Go: Uncle Nearest Distillery
Even if not everyone in your group plans to participate in the tasting, the history, beautiful grounds, and dining options make this an enjoyable stop for a variety of travelers.
- Located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, about an hour south of Nashville
- Both tasting and non-tasting tour options are available
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends
- The Humble Baron restaurant and barbecue restaurant are located onsite
- Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy the tour, tastings, and grounds
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Some places teach you history. Others help you feel it. Nearest Green Distillery does both. Standing on the property, learning about the friendship between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, and seeing the care taken to honor that legacy gave us a new appreciation for a story that helped shape Tennessee.
The whiskey may bring people through the door, but it is the story of Nearest Green that lingers long after the tour ends. It serves as a reminder that history is often bigger, richer, and more complicated than we first realize—and that some stories are worth waiting for, even if it takes generations for them to be fully told.
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Thanks for joining me on this tour of Nearest Green Distillery. May your whiskey be smooth and your story be told.
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